Contingency Fees

Beltz & Ruth accept personal injury cases on a contingent fee basis. Instead of billing the plaintiff (individual bringing the claim) on an hourly basis, a contingency fee means we are entitled to a percentage of the settlement or trial award. If you do not receive any compensation for damages, our firm is entitled to nothing. The contingent fee is perhaps the one device in law that gives injured people, no matter what their financial means, an even break in the courtroom against giant corporations and insurance companies. Were it not for the contingent fee, people of the middle class or of low economic means would not be able to have their day in court, a constitutional right which corporations and insurance companies fight hard to eliminate.

The “contingent” aspect of the fee means that if there is no recovery, there is no attorney fee owed. There are a number of advantages to this type of fee arrangement, the most obvious of which is the absence of a risk of owing our firm a fee when there has been no recovery. Another important advantage of this type of fee arrangement is the security the client should feel at knowing that the attorney has the same incentive as that of the client. The fact that we are willing to handle a client’s case on a contingent fee basis is a reflection of the confidence in our ability to obtain a recovery in the case.

Our lawyers will collect no fees unless we win your case!

Payment of Costs
In connection with handling your case, it is virtually certain that will expend funds on your behalf in order to position the case for settlement and/or trial. Expenses run from fees to copy medical records, fees to file a lawsuit, transcript fees, court reporter fees, expert witness fees, and many others. In complex cases, out of pocket costs to prepare the case for trial can run into tens of thousands or dollars. In most cases, we will advance all costs for you so as to enable you to continue with your case through trial.

Why Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney?
Many injuries don’t just occur on their own. They are a result of a person or corporation’s carelessness or negligence, or hazardous conditions, or defective products, or by putting a person in a dangerous circumstances.

When a person or corporation responsible for the injury does not take responsibility and pay everything an injured person is entitled to in order to make him or her whole, then a lawyer’s advice is necessary to ensure that the person receives the full amount the law requires.

• EXPERIENCE IN THE LAW – Beltz & Ruth attorneys are experienced with cases like yours and can tell you whether it is worth your while to pursue legal action.
• EXPERIENCE WITH INSURANCE ATTORNEYS – Beltz & Ruth attorneys are familiar with the tricks and delays that insurance companies lawyers use to attempt to obtain unfair settlements. Beltz & Ruth never have and never will represent any insurance company.
• NO FEES IF YOU DON’T RECOVER – Beltz & Ruth attorneys work on a contingency fee, which means that if you do not win your case, you will not owe any attorney’s fees to Beltz & Ruth.
• PAPERWORK – Beltz & Ruth attorneys can handle the difficult, complex and cumbersome paperwork necessary to resolve your claim.
• INVESTIGATION – Beltz & Ruth attorneys have experienced and knowledgeable investigators who will work to resolve the issues in your case.
• MEDIATION – Beltz & Ruth attorneys will be able to determine whether your case should be resolved through mediation which may result in a quicker settlement.
• TRIAL – Beltz & Ruth attorneys have the resources and legal abilities should a trial be necessary to obtain the best jury result for your case.

When should I contact a lawyer?
If you have been seriously injured or are unsure as to the outcome of your injury, then an experienced personal injury attorney should always be consulted before you give any statements or sign any papers of any kind and as soon after your injury as possible.  In a serious injury case, you are better off hiring an attorney as soon as possible. Beltz & Ruth offers a free consultation, with no obligation; therefore, you have nothing to lose by consulting an attorney before you accept the insurance company offer.

There is a statute of limitations that requires you to file suit within a specific period of time, depending upon the circumstances of your case, or else you will be prohibited from obtaining any compensation for your injuries. An attorney will be able to help you keep within the statute of limitations.

Insurance companies have a legal and ethical duty to act in a fair and honest manner toward their own policyholders as well as people whom their policyholders injure through negligent acts. The insurers do not always conduct themselves in good faith, however.

Bad faith misconduct occurs when the insurer:

• Misrepresents information.
• Acts unfairly.
• Fails to disclose information truthfully.
• Engages in dishonest settlement negotiations.
• Does not pay claims when they have a good faith obligation to do so.

Most states recognize the need for contingent fee contracts as a vital way to open the doors of justice to consumers who can’t pay hourly fees to lawyers, like the insurance companies do.

Insurance companies rely upon huge budgets to pay large law firms substantial hourly fees for legal representation. Injured victims lack the money and financial resources to fight for what they believe is just and fair.
In all personal injury cases it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question, and to enable physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate all claims and injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries, call Beltz & Ruth now at 1-800-BeltzRuth (1-800-235-8978) or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don’t delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.