So what do you need to think about when comparing contingency fees . Obviously the percentage is an issue. And be sure to find out exactly when the percentage increases. READ the retainer fee language carefully . With contingency fees one sub-issue is expenses .
Some retainer agreements take costs out of the client's share.
A better way is to take the expenses from the entire settlement, off the top , and then the firm and the client take their respective shares. This keeps the attorney from wasting the client's money on unnecessary and exorbitant expenses, perhaps charged by enterprises owned wholly or in part by the attorney or some other folks who are working closely with the attorney. With contingency fees another sub-issue is what constitutes expenses . In contrast, reputable firms charge costs in a personal injury suit for direct expenses on behalf of the client , such as expert witnesses, deposition transcripts from independent firms, court fees, actual expenses incurred when the attorney or investigator travels to some forsaken spot to track down and interview a witness specific to your case, etc., as opposed to office overhead type expenses. Hybrid arrangements .