How Much do Virginia Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Cost?

If you were hurt at work, you definitely have a lot on your mind. The costs of medical treatment can be high, including surgery, physical therapy, and related expenses. You may be out of work, which means you are not earning your normal wage. Under the circumstances, you are no doubt concerned about taking on additional financial responsibilities. Even though you know you have rights under Virginia law, you may hesitate to invest in a Hampton workers’ compensation lawyers because of the cost.

You do not need to put your rights at risk due to concerns about attorneys’ fees, as most advocates offer payment arrangements that account for difficult financial times. Some important information should help you understand how legal costs work in a Virginia workers’ comp claim.

Attorneys’ Fees are Billed on a Contingency Basis

As they do in many other states, most Virginia workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay unless you receive benefits through your claim. Instead of receiving a bill for hourly fees, your attorney retains a percentage of the total amount he or she can obtain for you. Though there is no designated percent or cap by statute, your lawyer’s fees must be reasonable, and they are subject to approval by the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWCC).

Approval of Reasonable Legal Fees: The VWCC will look to certain factors in determining whether your legal fees are reasonable. On a case-by-case basis, approval depends upon:

• The amount of time and effort dedicated to your claim;
• What types of services your lawyer performed; and,
• The outcome of your case.

Despite these considerations, it is likely that the VWCC will still limit a contingency fee to around 15-20% of the benefits you recover.

Special Considerations on a Workers’ Comp Lawyer’s Fees

There are some factors you should note when looking at how much Virginia workers’ compensation attorneys cost, such as:

• The fees paid to your lawyer come from whatever you obtain for permanent disability benefits. Your lawyer cannot take a percentage of your temporary benefits in most cases.
• The percentage you pay to your attorney is for legal services. You will be responsible for paying other costs, such as filing fees, discovery costs, charges of expert witnesses, and related expenses. Still, in most cases, you will not be required to pay these in advance. They will be deducted from your recovery amount.

Talk to a Hampton Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Free Today

The last thing you should be concerned with after suffering a workplace injury or illness is paying for representation. Contingency fee arrangements work best because they eliminate the need to pay a retainer. Plus, your lawyer is motivated to obtain the maximum amount allowed by Virginia law.

For more information on billing and all other aspects of work-related injuries, please contact Hampton Workers’ Compensation Law by calling 757.838.1136 or checking out the firm page. Mr. Hoen can meet with you to discuss the circumstances of your claim, and this consultation is free of charge.