Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Contingency Fee contract?
2. Are Family Law cases also handled on a contingency fee basis?
3. Are costs of pursuing a case also contingent on a recovery/winning?
4. Do I get to speak with my attorney about my case?
5. Do I need a lawyer?
6. Are consultations free?
1. What is a Contingency Fee contract?
A contingency fee contract provides that you pay no attorneys fee unless a recovery is made on your behalf. Typically, the fee paid is a percentage of the recovery. The percentage is set out specifically in the contract so you will know exactly what your fee will be based upon the resolution of your case.
Most personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis because most clients do not wish to pay hourly attorneys fees while their case is being pursued. You may feel free to speak with your attorney about the differences of hourly contracts and a contingency fee contract.
2. Are Family Law cases also handled on a contingency fee basis?
The simple answer is: No. The Florida Bar rules prohibit attorneys from handling family law matters on a contingent fee basis. Thus, these cases are handled on an hourly basis and the fees paid are simply the amount of time required multiplied by the hourly rate. The lone exception to this rule involves cases seeking payment of unpaid/back child support.
3. Are costs of pursuing a case also contingent on a recovery/winning?
In most personal injury cases, Leeper & Leeper advances the costs to pursue the case and only receives reimbursement for those costs if a recovery is obtained.
In family law cases, just like the fees, costs are paid by the client as the case progresses.
4. Do I get to speak with my attorney about my case?
This question may surprise you. In many law firms, clients very rarely speak with their attorney, but instead only speak with the support staff. At Leeper & Leeper, you will have ample access to your attorney. Dan and Silvia both value their relationships with their clients and welcome speaking and meeting their clients. Of course, our staff is very experienced and they can provide you with a status of your case. In short, we work hard to make sure our clients are informed every step of the way so they can make the most informed decisions about their case, (after all, it is their case.)
In personal injury cases, you will most likely be dealing with an insurance adjuster who is trained in the law and who has a fiduciary duty to his/her insured and/or company. Thus, despite their often friendly manner, they have a legal obligation to protect their insured/company’s interests, not yours. If you do not have substantial training and experience in insurance law, you may agree to things which end up hurting your case. I often tell clients that if people did not obtain a benefit from hiring an attorney in personal injury cases, all personal injury attorneys would be out of business. Since that is clearly not the case, we must be helping our clients.
In marital and family law cases, there are many cumbersome and technical obstacles that can get in the way of someone inexperienced in this area of law. Many times, we get involved in cases clients tried to handle on their own and end up having to spend more time, (and money,) than we would have had the client simply come to us from the beginning.
Lastly, the old adage, “the lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client” equally applies to the non-lawyer who represents himself. So, don't be a fool!
In personal injury cases, consultations are free. In marital and family law cases, a consultation fee is charged.