Having a good idea of what your personal injury suit may ultimately cost you will aid you in deciding whether or not the case is worth pursuing or not. The following article is a discussion of the difference between “fees and costs” associated with a personal injury claim, as well as a list of the most common legal costs you may incur in your personal injury case.
Fees vs. Costs
Understanding the difference between attorney fees and costs is important for properly choosing an attorney. These terms are often taken to be interchangeable which often leads to confusion about what clients are paying their lawyers for.
The fee is what you pay for an attorney’s time, i.e the time he or she spends working on your case. Costs are the expenses your personal injury attorney incurs while on your case, and for which, depending on your fee agreement, he or she expects to be repaid.
Common costs in an Oklahoma personal injury case
The following information is a short list of the most common costs encountered in a personal injury case. Be advised: this is only a short list and your particular case may involve costs that are less common than those listed here. For example, liability may be contested in your case, and your personal injury attorney believes that you need to pay an expert to disassemble and reassemble part of your car in the courtroom. This scenario is not common, but it could happen. Also, keep in mind that the suggested cost range is typical, but it may actually be more or less than what is listed based on what your personal injury lawyer charges, local market conditions, and other factors.
FILING/SERVICE FEES – Filing a lawsuit varies by state and perhaps even by county.
EXPERT WITNESS FEES – These fees vary widely, from as little as $50 per hour to more than $1000 per hour, depending on the expert’s area of expertise and his or her professional reputation. The expert’s travel, lodging and meals will usually add to this cost.
JURY FEES – The person who loses the lawsuit typically pays these fees, which are usually a few hundred dollars.
MEDIATOR FEES – Usually anywhere from $75 per hour to over $200 per hour, plus expenses.
POSTAGE – Usually the actual amount paid.
PHONE CHARGES – Usually the actual amount incurred.
RESEARCH SERVICES – This cost could be as little as a few dollars or as much as several hundred dollars, depending on how much research is needed for your case. Lawyers often pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month for access to these services.
EXHIBIT PREPARATION – The client is usually charged the actual costs of any diagrams, anatomical models, video recreations, etc.
COPIES – Usually $.10 to $.50 per regular copy. Higher charges for color copies, blow-ups, copies of photographs, etc.
MILEAGE – Some lawyers charge a mileage fee to clients for travel related to their case. The lawyer might use the federal (IRS-approved) rate.
TRAVEL COSTS – If your lawyer incurs travel fees (hotels, airfare, rental cars, etc.) related to your case, they will probably be charged to you as a cost as well. Food costs while traveling related to your case are usually not charged to you.
When you hire a lawyer to handle a personal injury case, it is important to ensure that you understand whether the contingency fee includes both fees and costs or whether the costs are separate from the fees. You should know exactly what you are responsible for paying, win or lose.
Free Case Evaluation: Oklahoma Personal Injury Attorney
Oklahoma Personal Injury Law Firm brings together the skills and knowledge of associates experienced in getting the most for injured clients. With offices conveniently located in one of Oklahoma City’s premiere office buildings, we are available when you need us. Yet, most of our work never requires you to leave your home. We handle the legal work, leaving you to concentrate on getting back on track.
Before we begin work on your personal injury case, we want to gain your trust by providing the information you need to make informed decisions. For a free, no obligation case evaluation, call Oklahoma City Personal Injury Law Firm today at (405) 395-2900.