How Do Attorney's Fees Work in a Worker’s Compensation Case?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ypWmeiGcb4[/youtube]

Most attorneys’ fees in a workers’ compensation case are based upon a contingency fee arrangement between the attorney and the injured worker. A contingency fee arrangement is when an attorney agrees to provide legal services to the injured person and is usually only paid in the event the injured worker is successful in their case. If the injured worker is unsuccessful and receives no compensation, then the attorney is usually paid no money for their time and effort on the workers’ compensation case.

In North Carolina, the North Carolina Industrial Commission, sometimes called the worker’s compensation board, determines the attorneys’ fees paid to the attorney.  The Commission usually makes this determination based upon the retainer contract between the attorney and the client/injured worker. The Commission must approve all settlements to injured workers and the fees that are paid to the attorney.

Most attorney-client retainer agreements specify a percentage of the total payment of the claim that is to be paid to the attorney. The percentage paid to the attorney in most workers’ compensation cases is somewhere between 25% and 33%.  This is usually determined by the complexity of the case. To learn more about how we can help you with your workplace injury contact us today.