when a lawyer does somethin on a contigency basis, does that mean if you lose he (lawyer) gets nothing?

Answer 1

That's correct.

Sometimes the contingency part of the fee agreement only coves the lawyers time -- court costs (what actually gets paid to the courts) may or may not be part of the contingency. Meaning a lawyer may either get nothing, or lose money, depending on how the agreement is structured.

Answer 2

This is not entirely correct. While it is true that the attorney would not recieve any money for the time and labor the attorney spends on the case, he may be entitled to expenses incurred as a result of the case. Whether or not the client owes this amount depends on the contingency agreement. A contingency agreement can be drafted in a way to allow the attorney to recover expenses even when the plaintiff loses the case.

Answer 3

Yes, however, sometimes the lawyer may ask you to cover his "out of pocket" expenses.

Most usually, the lawyer gets paid a percentage of what you recover and covers his own out-of-pocket expenses. This is commonly the way injured people get legal representation in negligence, medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims. The amount of percentage may vary with the size of the claim, and I have seen different percentages of contingent fee depending on whether there is an out-of-court settlement, with a higher contingent fee if the matter actually goes to trial. However, I am pleased to report that most such claims get settled before trial.

Answer 4

He is not entitled to a fee unless you win. However, most contingency agreements contain provisions for reimbursement for out of pocket expenses incurred by the attorney on the client's behalf.

Answer 5

Absofragginlutely.

Answer 6

Yes, but I would (personally) try to pay that attorney off in good faith, since they took my case in good faith.

I hate owing anything to anybody.

Answer 7

that's right.