A West Virginia Contract to Employ Attorney on a Contingent Fee Basis with Retainer is a legal agreement between a client and an attorney that outlines the terms and conditions for hiring the attorney on a contingent fee basis, where the attorney receives a percentage of the client's settlement or judgment as payment. This type of contract is commonly used in personal injury cases, where the client may not have the financial means to pay for legal representation upfront. The main purpose of a West Virginia Contract to Employ Attorney on a Contingent Fee Basis with Retainer is to allow individuals to obtain legal representation without the burden of upfront costs. This can provide access to justice for those who may not have the financial means to pursue a legal claim otherwise. Key elements of this type of contract include: 1. Attorney's Fee: The contract should clearly state the agreed-upon percentage of the client's settlement or judgment that the attorney will receive as payment. 2. Retainer: The contract may include a retainer fee, which is an upfront payment made by the client to secure the attorney's services. This fee may be deducted from the eventual settlement or judgment amount. 3. Expenses: The contract may stipulate who will be responsible for covering the expenses incurred during the legal process, such as court fees, expert witness fees, and investigation costs. 4. Termination: The contract should outline the conditions under which either party can terminate the agreement, as well as any associated fees or obligations. 5. Settlement Distribution: The contract should address how the settlement or judgment amount will be distributed among the client, attorney, and any other parties entitled to a share, such as medical providers or lien holders. Different types of West Virginia Contracts to Employ Attorney on a Contingent Fee Basis with Retainer may exist, depending on the specific legal matter. Some common variations include: 1. Personal Injury Cases: These contracts are frequently used in personal injury cases, such as car accidents, slip and fall incidents, or medical malpractice claims. 2. Workers' Compensation Cases: In workers' compensation cases, where an employee seeks compensation for work-related injuries or illnesses, similar types of contracts may be employed. 3. Social Security Disability Claims: Attorneys may also be hired on a contingent fee basis in Social Security Disability cases, where individuals seek benefits due to a disability preventing them from working. It is essential to consult with a qualified attorney to draft and review a West Virginia Contract to Employ Attorney on a Contingent Fee Basis with Retainer to ensure that it complies with state laws and adequately protects the rights and interests of both parties involved.