Q: WC Attorney wants me to sign an agreement which allows them to charge me money if they quit the case - is that normal?
I was on an initial consultation, then the Attorney said she will send me the agreement. One of the paragraphs stated this:
"In the event of any termination or withdrawal of professional services for any reason, I understand that I remain responsible for an attorney’s fee for services rendered to the point of termination or withdrawal, and that my attorney is entitled to either $300.00 per hour for services rendered, plus expenses, or 25% of the last settlement offer secured by my attorney, plus expenses, whichever is greater."
I am on pause after reading that - is it possible to find representation that isn't trying to "secure" a payment no matter what - or is that just the way it is (the norm). It looks like it could be abused by someone if they so chosed. I don't want someone walking out on me "for any reason" and then sending me a bill - especially in a WC case.
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- Georgia
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A: Most workers comp attorney fee contracts provide a process, consistent with Georgia law, for an attorney who no longer represents an injured worker to petition the SBWC for attorney fees out of the settlement. Ask the lawyer you’ve consulted with to explain the process to you and make your decision from there.
A:
Yes, that’s normal. It’s in case the need arises to file a lien. Otherwise, it’s a contingency contract; the lawyer never gets paid unless you do.
No, you’re not goong to find someone who is going to want to help you for free. All the contracts are approved by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, so there is some oversight.
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