If you have experienced losses due to the negligent actions of another party, suing may be the best way to preserve your legal rights. However, it can cost money to file a lawsuit, as the process can involve court fees and other expenses related to legal proceedings.
While having to pay to sue someone may not seem ideal, filing a personal injury claim can help you receive financial compensation for your losses. The costs of filing a lawsuit can be considered an investment toward coverage for losses and protection of your rights.
For a better idea of what costs you can expect when filing a claim, we suggest you go over your case with a skilled lawyer. Speak with the experienced team of Schwartzapfel Lawyers by calling 1-516-342-2200 or visiting us online today. It would be our honor and privilege to fight for you!
Filing Your Lawsuit: Initial Fees
To file a lawsuit, you must begin by filling out a complaint form at your local courthouse or county clerk’s office.
Regardless of the type of case you are filing, you will likely be required to pay a court fee when submitting an initial claim. You must pay the court fee when submitting your complaint, otherwise, it may not be processed.
Note: Regardless of the details of your case, you will likely have to pay a court fee when submitting an initial claim. Moreover, you should pay the court fee when submitting your complaint; otherwise, it may not be processed at all.
In New York, the fee for filing a general claim is $50. Other court fees range from $5 to $140.
Other Court Fees
While most people should expect to pay an initial court fee to file a claim, there are other court fees you may have to pay for other forms or services.
These include filing a counterclaim or motion against an opposing party or requesting a jury trial for a case. Note, too, that if your case goes to trial, there may be additional court fees that must be paid.
Determining the necessary court forms and applications for your case that you must pay a fee to submit can be difficult. There are various court forms that each correspond to different situations and circumstances. By looking over your case, the right lawyer can help you set expectations about court paperwork and fees.
Our lawyers at Schwartzapfel Lawyers have experience in all types of cases and the requirements for filing each. Give us a call at 1-516-342-2200 for the answers to any questions you may have. Alternatively, visit us online to schedule your free consultation today.
Legal Expenses
Enlisting support from a legal professional can help you get the best possible results from your lawsuit. Before filing your claim, consider legal expenses and lawyer fees when assessing expected costs.
In point of fact, the costs of hiring a lawyer are often subject to the case type and its complexity. Moreover, the cost of living in the region or city you are filing a claim may also impact legal costs. Of course, law firms like Schwartzapfel Lawyers operate on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t have to pay any fees unless your case is successful.
That’s right. Unless we win, you owe us nothing. Call now to learn more!
What Are the Different Types of Legal Fees?
While there isn’t an exact way to determine how much you can expect to pay in legal expenses without first speaking with a lawyer, familiarizing yourself with the different kinds of legal fees and the ways through which a lawyer may charge you for their services can help you prepare.
To help with this, please review the following list, as it includes some of the main types of legal fees you may need to factor into your potential expenses:
Contingency Fees
A contingency fee is paid under the condition that the lawsuit is successful. It is paid after a case is closed. If a case is not won or no settlement is received, the lawyer is not paid for their services. Schwartzapfel Lawyersalways operates on a contingency basis.
Hourly Rates
Some lawyers charge an hourly rate for their services, which you would pay them depending on how many hours they work on your case. The hourly rate a lawyer charges depends on the case you are filing and the details involved.
Flat Fees
A flat fee is a set amount a lawyer charges for certain legal services, regardless of how long they spend working to provide them.
Retainer Fees
A retainer fee can be considered a deposit or upfront payment for legal fees. It would be paid when you first hire a lawyer. Depending on the legal services required for your case, your retainer may cover all your legal expenses, and you will not be charged further.
In some cases, retainer fees are more than enough to cover expenses, and you are reimbursed any extra money once the case is settled. In other cases, you may still owe your lawyer money after closing a lawsuit.
There are different ways through which legal expenses can be paid. Often, lawyers can accommodate clients and offer flexibility in payment plans.
Regardless of how a lawyer charges their client, all payments and legal services are subject to both parties’ agreement and must be clearly stated in writing. Lawyers are responsible for charging reasonable fees and fulfilling all the legal services promised to clients.
To learn more about expected legal expenses and how you can best protect your financial future, please contact Schwartzapfel Lawyersat 1-516-342-2200 for a free consultation. Note: As mentioned above, you will only have to pay a fee if we fight and win for you.
Why Should You Hire a Lawyer?
While hiring a lawyer can be costly, legal expenses are almost always worth it in terms of the success of your case and your general peace of mind.
Lawyers have the knowledge and resources to help you present a strong case and negotiate the compensation you are entitled to. They can help you calculate losses after an accident and prevent an opposing party from offering an unfair settlement.
People are often concerned with how much lawyers charge but don’t always consider that hiring a lawyer can increase their chances of receiving a larger settlement.
To find the right lawyer for your case and take a step toward receiving your personal injury settlement, call Schwartzapfel Lawyersby dialing 1-516-342-2200 now!
Other Costs
While court fees and legal expenses are usually required when filing a lawsuit, most other costs that may come up will depend on the details and complexities of a particular case.
As an illustration, here are some other potential costs you may need to cover during legal proceedings:
- Hiring an Expert Witness: If your case goes to trial, you may be interested in hiring an expert witness to strengthen your claim. An expert witness can be a doctor or researcher that brings information to a case. For example, in a product liability case against a vitamin company, a health specialist can be hired to discuss how certain chemicals in vitamins can be detrimental to health.
- Collecting Evidence: Before filing a case, you must gather as much applicable documentation and evidence as possible about the incident. While a lot of information may be readily available, you may have to pay to access certain documents or even to hire an investigator.
- Administrative Expenses: Administrative expenses are miscellaneous expenses you may have to cover throughout your case. They can include costs associated with travel, research, postage, and more.
In sum, while you can ordinarily anticipate certain costs, you should also prepare for unexpected expenses over the course of any litigation.
At Schwartzapfel Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for you™r rights and maximizing the financial return you get from your personal injury case. To this end, we operate exclusively on a contingency fee basis. This means that unless we first recover the money and benefits you deserve, you owe us nothing.
To book your free consultation and/or case evaluation, call 1-516-342-2200 and speak with an experienced member of our award-winning legal team today!
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this page should be considered legal advice. You should seek the appropriate counsel your situation requires. For more information, call 1-516-342-2200 now!
Sources:
Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. | Fighting For You™™
FILING FEES | N.Y. State Courts
How Much Do Lawyers Cost? 2023 Guide | Forbes Advisor
Rule 1.5: Fees | American Bar Association
What Are “Costs” in a Personal Injury Case? | Nolo Legal Encyclopedia
