attorneys

[backache]

I had been speaking to a lawyer to see what can be done in my case since they had put me back to work 8 hrs a week and then dropped my benefits greatly. I just received an agreement paper from the lawyer which states If I am awarded compensation or a lump sum he will receive 20% of it. He also wants me to pay for all expenses such as filing paperwork, phone calls, travel etc. I was making alot more prior to going back to work for those 8 hrs and now my DR. has taken me back out of work, since he knows I cannot sit for 4 hrs at one time because of a pinched nerve they just found. If I take this lawyer to court with me and they increase the amount back to what I was originally getting I then have to give the lawyer 20%, pay for his travel time, paperwork etc. with what going to PT a week and paying for my own insurance costs I would have to get a job just to make ends meet. Since I can't work I guess I will just have to starve to death. Is 20% plus costs unreasonable? I'm in PA

[Bummer Knees]

The amount attorneys are allowed to charge in wc cases is determined by state government.

20% plus expenses sounds fair. In Kansas it is 25% plus expenses.

To reduce expenses I obtain medical records and make copies for my attorney. Any paper work my attorney needs I have copies available for him.

If you are unsure about this attorney then request a consultation with another attorney.

[1171]

I believe that all atty fee agreements have to be approved by the work comp court when the case settles or benefits are fixed. That protects workers from greedy attys.

[Still in Limbo]

Backache, I'm in Pa. also, and Retained My attorney approx. 2 years Ago. I Pay 20% PERIOD! No Fees, Expenses, Travel etc. I have been to 11 Hearings, with number 12 Coming Soon, and My Attorney Travels 45 Miles One Way to Attend. I have Countless Depositions, Petitions filed, My Attorney says My File weighs about 20lbs., and I Pay No Expenses at All! You May want to Shop around a Bit, I'm Sure You can find an Attorney that will Work a Bit Better for You! Good Luck, and I Hope You find One a Bit More Confident.

[Tuffy]

I live in Illinois and I like Limbo only give my attorney 20% of any settlement I receive and do not pay for anything else. If I do not receive a settlement he then receives 0000 zip, In my opinion I would look for another attorney, before signing with that one..... Good luck.

[capricorn]

Same here/. I pay nothing but 20% IF I ever have a settlement and right now my attorney gets 20% of my checks because my claim was denied and he worked for me to get them. In all claim petitions my atttorney adds that all legal , etc fees will be paid for by the IC therefore when his clients win a favorable desiion the expences fall on the IC also.


CAP

[jacvern]

backache Wrote:I had been speaking to a lawyer to see what can be done in my case since they had put me back to work 8 hrs a week and then dropped my benefits greatly. I just received an agreement paper from the lawyer which states If I am awarded compensation or a lump sum he will receive 20% of it. He also wants me to pay for all expenses such as filing paperwork, phone calls, travel etc. I was making alot more prior to going back to work for those 8 hrs and now my DR. has taken me back out of work, since he knows I cannot sit for 4 hrs at one time because of a pinched nerve they just found. If I take this lawyer to court with me and they increase the amount back to what I was originally getting I then have to give the lawyer 20%, pay for his travel time, paperwork etc. with what going to PT a week and paying for my own insurance costs I would have to get a job just to make ends meet. Since I can't work I guess I will just have to starve to death. Is 20% plus costs unreasonable? I'm in PA

In Oregon, my attorney gets 25% of the first 17,500 of a settlement and anything over that he gets another 10%.

[Babebahn]

HOLY CRAP! 20% plus expenses, outrageous!
My attorney here in California got 12% of my settlement and it included all the extra fees. His mileage was paid by w/c.

WOW I am so sorry to hear this Still & Backache

[Lilly]

Backache,
My attorney charges 20% of any money he gets for me....nothing more is charged. If you like this attorney...simply cross out anything on the form he wants you to sign PRIOR to signing it. Cross out the travel expenses, phone calls, filing fees etc. If he doesn't like this & won't go along with it...simply find another lawyer. One who does this will nickel and dime you to death!!!
Take care & good luck, Lilly

[ksgirl]

Like Bummer, I am in Kansas and my attorney charges 25% of any settlement plus expenses.