When you work with an employment lawyer, they should be clear about their fee structure. If someone is not straight with you on the outset, they are not a good match for your needs. It is essential you understand how fees and billing will be handled before moving forward with an attorney-client relationship. Ohio employers do not have the right to take advantage of employees. If you and your coworkers have been mistreated, connect with a Columbus employment attorney.
Fees and Rates
Depending on the lawyer you choose to work with, it is important to recognize that how an attorney’s pay structure is set up can impact the amount that you will receive as a settlement and what you could end up paying for legal support.
Examples of some cost structures include the following.
- Fees for consultation. From the first meeting, there are some lawyers who charge for an initial consultation. These first meetings are important because they are an opportunity to discuss the details of your situation and determine if the lawyer is a good match for you and your case. When you schedule a consultation, be sure you know if you will incur a charge and how much the charge is, including if it is a fixed rate or an hourly charge.
- Flat charges. There are times when a lawyer will recognize that a situation can be resolved quickly and cleanly and will propose a set fee.
- Contingency payments. When payment is contingent, it typically means your lawyer will be paid a percentage of your settlement amount. This also means you will not pay your lawyer if the case is lost. That said, it is possible you will be responsible for some other litigation fees.
- Referral charges. If you are referred to another lawyer, the lawyer who made the recommendation may want to be compensated.
- Hourly rates. The hourly rate a lawyer charges, if they charge clients this way, will depend on a variety of factors, including how much experience the person has and what type of work they will be doing. It is common for younger, inexperienced lawyers to charge far less than senior attorneys.
Before signing any agreements, be sure you understand how the law firm you will be working with handles expenses and costs.
Choose an Employee Advocate
When you have a complaint against your Ohio employer, it is essential you work with a Columbus employment attorney who is an advocate for employees. Then, it will be clear your legal team is on your side. After all, employers have their own team of lawyers.
Once you connect with the right lawyer, they can develop a strategy that can work for your specific case. This could include how to report any work incidents and how to track incidents that occur in the workplace.
Curious about how you could afford an employment lawyer? Contact the lawyers at Coffman Legal LLC today. We are strong and committed advocates for all Ohio workers and use our experience and knowledge to help you. Call 614-949-1181 for a free and confidential consultation.
