A Wisconsin Attorney Fee Letter for Personal Injury — Contingency Retainer is a binding agreement between a personal injury attorney and their client outlining the terms and conditions regarding legal fees in cases where the attorney is representing the client on a contingency fee basis. This letter establishes the lawyer's compensation structure, including the percentage of the settlement or award that the attorney will receive upon successful resolution of the case. Personal injury cases often involve accidents resulting in bodily injury, medical malpractice, product liability, or premises liability. In Wisconsin, there are different types of Attorney Fee Letters for Personal Injury — Contingency Retainer that may vary based on the specific circumstances or requirements of the case. Here are some notable variations: 1. Single-Contingency Fee Agreement: This type of agreement outlines the attorney's fee as a percentage of the total recovery obtained for the client, typically ranging from 33 to 40 percent. It states that the client will only pay attorney fees if there is a successful outcome, such as a settlement or judgment in their favor. 2. Tiered or Sliding Scale Fee Agreement: In certain cases, attorneys may propose a fee structure where the percentage of the attorney's fee increases or decreases depending on the stage or amount of recovery achieved. For example, the fee percentage might be lower for a settlement achieved before litigation, but higher if the case proceeds to trial or results in a higher recovery. 3. Hybrid Fee Agreement: In some situations, attorneys may combine a contingency-based fee with other types of compensation arrangements. This could involve a combination of a contingency fee and an hourly fee, or a flat fee for certain services provided during the legal process. Wisconsin Attorney Fee Letters for Personal Injury — Contingency Retainer typically contain various sections, including: a. Terms of Representation: This section outlines the attorney's obligation to represent the client diligently and professionally and explains the scope of their work in pursuing the personal injury claim. b. Contingency Fee Percentage: The letter specifies the percentage of the client's recovery that the attorney will receive if the case is successful. Clearance on potential expenses that may be deducted from the recovery should also be included. c. Costs and Disbursements: This section describes how case-related expenses will be handled, such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, and medical record retrieval costs. It clarifies whether these expenses will be deducted from the client's portion of the recovery or be reimbursed separately. d. Client Responsibilities: This outlines the client's obligations, such as providing accurate and complete information, cooperating with the attorney, and informing them of any relevant changes or developments related to the case. e. Termination of Representation: This section addresses the conditions under which either party can terminate the attorney-client relationship and any potential consequences or reimbursement obligations that may arise. f. Signatures and Date: Both the attorney and the client must sign and date the letter, indicating their agreement to the terms and conditions. It is important for both parties to carefully review and understand the Wisconsin Attorney Fee Letter for Personal Injury — Contingency Retainer before proceeding with legal representation. Seeking clarification or consulting additional legal advice is recommended if there are any questions or concerns regarding the agreement.