Common Ways Attorneys Are Paid
Every law firm and case is different, but most attorneys are compensated in one of three ways: hourly billing, project-based fees, or contingency fees.
Hourly Billing
Paying by the hour is expensive and unpredictable. Clients often cannot anticipate the total cost, making this option unrealistic for many people.
Project-Based Fees
Paying a flat fee for a specific project provides certainty, but the costs remain too high for many clients, especially in insurance disputes.
Contingency Fees
The vast majority of insurance cases are handled on a contingency basis. With this structure, attorneys only get paid if and when you recover compensation. In Oklahoma, contingency fees cannot exceed 50% of the recovery.
Kane Advocates’ Tiered Contingency System
Our firm uses a tiered approach designed to maximize your recovery while fairly accounting for our time and effort:
- Before litigation: 35%
- After litigation is filed but before summary judgment: 40%
- From summary judgment through appeal: 45%
This system ensures clients keep the largest possible share of any settlement or verdict.
Handling Case Expenses
Expenses such as filing fees and expert costs can impact your final recovery. Some firms deduct expenses from the client’s share, which can leave clients with less than their attorney receives. At Kane Advocates, we take expenses off the top before fees are divided. This guarantees you never receive less than your attorney.
Example: On a $100 settlement with $20 in expenses at trial, you would receive $44, while we would receive $36. Under a less fair model, you might only receive $30. That difference can be significant, especially in larger cases.
Choosing the Right Attorney
Each case is unique, and fee structures vary. Always ask prospective attorneys about their fee systems and how expenses are handled. A tiered system like ours can make a major difference in your bottom line. While we hope to be the right fit for your case, the most important thing is to choose an attorney who treats you fairly and works to maximize your recovery.
