Key points
- No attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
- Case costs are separate, and you may be responsible for them.
- Every contingency fee agreement is in writing.
- Bringing in another lawyer does not raise your total attorney fee.
Contingency fee
In most injury cases we work on a contingency fee. That means our attorney fee is a percentage of the money recovered for you. If there is no recovery, there is no attorney fee.
Costs are separate. No attorney fee unless we recover money for you. Case costs, such as records, filing fees and expert fees, are separate from the attorney fee, and you may be responsible for them. Your written fee agreement explains exactly how costs are handled.
What case costs include
- Medical records and billing records.
- Police reports, photos and other records.
- Court filing and service fees.
- Deposition and transcript costs.
- Expert witness and accident reconstruction fees.
Everything in writing
Montana requires contingency fee agreements to be in writing. Before we begin, you receive a written agreement that states the percentage, how costs are paid, and whether costs are deducted before or after the fee is calculated. At the end of the case you receive a written statement showing the recovery and how it was distributed.
When another lawyer joins your case
Some cases benefit from more than one lawyer. When Bob McCarthy brings in another Montana attorney, the total attorney fee you agreed to does not go up; the lawyers share it. You are told first, and you approve the arrangement in writing, including each lawyer's share. Bob stays involved in your case from start to finish.
Free consultation
Your first consultation is free and does not obligate you to hire us.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay anything up front?
No. You do not pay an attorney fee up front for an injury case. Your written agreement explains how case costs are handled.
What if we lose?
You owe no attorney fee. Your written agreement explains whether you would still owe any case costs.