Why there is No Fee Unless You Win

Why there is No Fee Unless You Win

Most citizens of Alabama do not know that under Alabama law, an attorney representing an injured worker in a workers’ compensation claim is limited to a fee of no more than 15% of the monetary recovery, plus remibursement of reasonable expenses incurred by the attorney. That fee applies only if benefits are recovered through settlement or a court decision, and it must be approved by either a judge or an ombudsman with the Alabama Department of Workforce. Attorneys are not permitted to collect a fee while a case is pending.

The same is true for Social Security Disability cases. Federal law limits attorney fees to 25% of past-due benefits, subject to a statutory cap (currently $9,300) for cases resolved at the administrative level. Attorneys are not paid unless benefits are awarded, and the fee must be approved by the Social Security Administration. If a case is appealed to federal court, different rules may apply, but the contingency structure remains in place.

In other words, when a lawyer handles a workers’ compensation or Social Security Disability case, they are required to assume the financial risk of the case. If no benefits are recovered, no attorney fee is owed.

When speaking with potential clients, it is important that fee arrangements are explained clearly and accurately. Understanding how attorneys are paid allows injured and disabled individuals to make informed decisions when choosing representation.

If you are considering legal help for a workers’ compensation or Social Security Disability claim, knowing that attorney fees are strictly regulated—and contingent on recovery—can help separate legal facts from advertising slogans.

If you have suffered a job injury or been denied in your application for Social Security Disability benefits and you have questions about your rights, please do not hesitate to contact and speak with one of the experienced Alabama Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability Lawyers at Powell and Denny today for a free consultation; and remember, virtual appointments are available through Zoom so you can meet with one of the attorneys of Powell and Denny from wherever you live.

Powell and Denny: We Work When You Can’t

Offices in Huntsville, AL and Birmingham, AL

Alabama Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Alabama Disability Attorneys

Birmingham Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Birmingham Social Security Disability Attorneys

Central Alabama Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Central Alabama Social Security Disability Lawyers

Hoover Workers Compensation Lawyers

Hoover Social Security Disability Attorneys

Huntsville Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Huntsville Social Security Disability Attorneys

North Alabama Workers Compensation Lawyers

North Alabama Social Security Disability Lawyers

Tennessee Valley Workers Compensation Lawyers

Tennessee Valley Social Security Disability Lawyers

Powell and Denny have been selected as one of the Best Law Firms by U.S. News and World Report for each of the last 9 years, have been selected as one of Birmingham’s Top Lawyers by B-Metro Magazine for the last 5 years, have been selected by The National Advocates as one of the Top 20 Workers’ Compensation Firms (plaintiffs) and Powell and Denny, P.C.-has been selected as one of the “Best of the Best” law firms by The American Registry and included in the list as one of the Mid-South’s Super Lawyers.

Mr. Denny is AV rated by Martindale Hubbard (the highest rating possible) and Mr. Powell has been rated as Superior by The National Registry

+ Powell and Denny have successfully represented injured workers from Birmingham, Huntsville, Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, Athens, Decatur, Town Creek Ardmore, Hartselle, Madison, Toney, Scottsboro, Ft. Payne, New Hope, Guntersville, Albertville, Boaz, Ashville, Anniston, Gadsden, Cullman, Jasper, Gardendale, Morris, Kimberly, Centerpoint, Leeds, Tarrant City, Fairfield, Hueytown, Bessemer, Adger, Tuscaloosa, Cordova, Alabaster, Pelham, Harpersville, Opelika, Phenix City, Montgomery, Clanton, Calera, Enterprise, Monroeville, Mobile, Evergreen, Centreville, Brent, West Blocton, Woodstock, Brierfield, Lakeview and towns and cities in between.

Why there is No Fee Unless You Win