The Big Secret: Personal Injury Lawyers' Fees ARE Negotiable

Bob and Sierra are injured in separate automobile accidents on the same day. Both suffer very serious injuries. Both hire attorneys and both settle their cases for exactly $1,000,000.

Bob pays his attorney $330,000 and has $670,000 to compensate him for his losses and to help him meet his future medical needs.

Sierra pays her attorney $220,000 and has $780,000 to compensate her for her losses and to help her meet her future needs.

What gives?

Bob hired his attorney after responding to a billboard that said, "Hurt in a Car, Call a Star! - We'll call you back within two minutes !" Bob got the call, heard "we'll do it for 33%" and signed up the next day.

Sierra was referred by a friend to an attorney who the friend had hired previously. Sierra knew from experience that Personal Injury Attorney fees are negotiable. She met with the attorney who the friend suggested as well as two other attorneys with deep experience in personal injury matters. Sierra was careful to listen closely, provide truthful, accurate answers to the attorneys' questions and ask specific questions about their fees. She did not allow herself to be hurried into signing with either of the attorneys. Instead, Sierra indicated to each of them that she would be meeting with several and get back to each. When she identified the attorney she wanted to work she reached out, reminded the attorney that she had met with others and asked if the 33% was set in stone.

It was not. Sierra's attorney reviewed the details of her case, considered the manner in which Sierra conducted herself during their consultation and considered the inventory of cases being worked on at the firm. Sierra's attorney decided to reduce the fee considerably.

Sierra paid 22%. Bob paid 33%. Sierra got $110,000.00 more than Bob to use for her recovery.

Be like Sierra. Don't be like Bob.