How Much Does an Attorney Cost?

Personal Injury Lawyer

If you find yourself in a situation where you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit, one of the very first things you should do is speak with an attorney. Of course, it is well-known that private lawyers are very expensive. You may be wondering how much it costs to hire legal representation. This guide will explain the answer to this surprisingly complicated question.

The Cost

The price of a private attorney varies a great deal. The cost will depend on the complexity of your case. Additionally, different lawyers have differing rates based on how large their legal practices are. Generally, however, you should expect to pay a few hundred dollars at the very least. In some cases, a lawyer may even cost several thousand.

Other Options

There are a lot of alternatives to hiring an expensive lawyer. The legal system is set up to take care of those who are in a tough financial situation. In general, there are four options for inexpensive legal representation:

• Legal clinic – There are free legal clinics throughout the country which are funded by The Legal Services Corporation. Free advice and legal services are available to anyone and everyone.
• Legal aid firms – Many law firms specialize in providing legal services to people with limited income. These law firms are compensated by grants and government funding to make it possible for them to do this.
• Pro bono attorneys – The American Bar Association recommends that every attorney spends at least 50 hours every year providing legal services for free. This is not a requirement, but many lawyers happily follow this advice.
• Public defender – If you are the defendant in a criminal case, then you do not have to worry about hiring an attorney at all. It is the right of every US citizen to receive free legal representation in criminal cases. A public defender will be provided for you. You can also choose to waive this right to hire a private attorney.

It is never a good idea to try to represent yourself. Because there are so many different options for inexpensive or free legal representation, no one ever has an excuse to not hiring an attorney. Judges do not like it when people try to represent themselves, as it slows down the legal process. If you want to have the best chance possible, always take the time to hire a personal injury lawyer  who has your best interests at heart. The sooner you hire an attorney, the better.