There are various types of attorney fee arrangements such as time based, fixed, or contingent. Time based means a fee that is determined by the amount of time involved, such as so much per hour, day or week. Fixed means a fee that is based on an agreed amount, regardless of the time or effort involved or the result obtained. Contingent means a certain agreed percentage or amount that is payable only upon attaining a recovery, regardless of the time or effort involved.
With a contingent fee arrangement, the lawyer receives no fee unless money is recovered for the client. Upon recovery, the lawyer is paid an agreed-upon percentage, usually ranging from an amount equal to 25 to 50 percent of the amount recovered. A written fee agreement should specify the costs and expenses to be deducted and whether such costs and expenses are to be deducted before or after the contingent fee is calculated. Contingent fee agreements are generally not permitted for criminal cases or domestic relations matters.
Even if there is no recovery, however, the client is still responsible for court costs (filing fees, subpoena fees, etc.) and related expenses, such as telephone charges, investigators' fees, medical reports, and other costs.
This form is a fairly typical contingent fee agreement
Florida Contingency Fee Agreement with an Attorney or Law Firm: A Detailed Description A Florida Contingency Fee Agreement with an Attorney or Law Firm refers to a legal agreement between a client and an attorney or law firm in the state of Florida. In this agreement, the attorney agrees to provide legal services representing the client in a specific legal matter, and the client agrees to pay the attorney a percentage of the financial recovery obtained through a settlement or a favorable verdict at trial. Under a contingency fee arrangement, the client is not required to pay any upfront fees or retainers, making it an accessible option for individuals who might not be able to afford legal services otherwise. This type of agreement gives clients the opportunity to pursue their legal rights and seek compensation, even if they lack financial resources. The Florida Bar has specific rules and regulations in place that govern contingency fee agreements to ensure that they are fair and reasonable. Attorneys in Florida are required to enter into a written agreement with their clients, which must include various details, terms, and conditions. The following are some relevant keywords associated with different types of Florida Contingency Fee Agreements: 1. Personal Injury Contingency Fee Agreement: This type of agreement is commonly used in personal injury cases, such as car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice cases, or product liability claims. The attorney agrees to handle the case on behalf of the client and will only receive payment if a settlement or favorable verdict is achieved. 2. Workers' Compensation Contingency Fee Agreement: In workers' compensation cases, where an employee suffers an injury or illness while performing work-related duties, an attorney can enter into a contingency fee agreement to pursue a claim for benefits on the client's behalf. The attorney's fee is typically based on a percentage of the benefits or settlement obtained. 3. Social Security Disability Contingency Fee Agreement: Individuals who are seeking Social Security Disability benefits can engage an attorney under a contingency fee agreement. The attorney will assist in navigating the complex application and appeals process, and their fee will be based on a percentage of the retroactive benefits received if the claim is successful. 4. Class Action Contingency Fee Agreement: In the event of a class action lawsuit, where a group of individuals brings a claim against a common defendant, a contingency fee agreement may be used. The attorney or law firm representing the class will receive compensation only if a settlement or favorable outcome is achieved. It is important for clients to carefully review and understand the terms of a contingency fee agreement before entering into it. They should consider the percentage of the attorney's fee, any additional costs or expenses, and any potential consequences in the event of an unsuccessful outcome. Seeking clarification from the attorney and discussing alternative fee structures may also be beneficial.
