Your contract should clearly identify the terms and conditions, the services to be performed by the lawyer, the rights of that lawyer to refer you to the services of another lawyer, the fee to be paid to that lawyer, an understanding as to the payment of expenses, and provisions regarding termination.
If suit is necessary, either because the defendant or its insurer has not offered a settlement or one that is acceptable to you, my fee increases to 35% upon filing suit. Often times cases are settled during litigation when the defendant has had an opportunity to discover more information about you and your claim. However, a trial is sometimes necessary to resolve the issues, and if your case results in a trial, my fee is 40%. At each level, we are spending more time and money to represent you.
