If you`ve been injured in Illinois and are looking to hire a personal injury lawyer, it`s important to understand the retainer agreement that you`ll be required to sign. A retainer agreement is a contract between you and your lawyer that outlines the terms of your legal relationship. Here are the key things you need to know about Illinois personal injury retainer agreements.

What`s Included in a Retainer Agreement?

A typical retainer agreement will include the following information:

– The scope of legal representation that the lawyer will provide

– The fees and costs associated with the representation

– How the lawyer will be paid

– The responsibilities of both you and the lawyer

– How the agreement can be terminated

Scope of Representation

The scope of legal representation means what the lawyer will do for you. For a personal injury case, this may include:

– Investigating the facts and circumstances of your case

– Identifying and communicating with potential witnesses

– Gathering evidence

– Evaluating your legal claims and potential damages

– Communicating with insurance companies and other parties

– Negotiating a settlement or representing you in court

Fees and Costs

The retainer agreement will explain how the lawyer will be paid. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means the lawyer will be paid a percentage of your settlement or award. In Illinois, the fee percentage is typically between 33% and 40% of the recovery, depending on the complexity of the case.

In addition to the contingency fee, the agreement will also outline any costs the lawyer will incur during representation. These may include:

– Filing fees with the court

– Expert witness fees

– Document production costs

– Travel expenses

Responsibilities of You and Your Lawyer

Both you and your lawyer have responsibilities in a personal injury case. The agreement will outline what each of you are expected to do. For example, you may be required to:

– Provide complete and accurate information to your lawyer

– Attend all scheduled appointments and court hearings

– Follow the lawyer`s advice and instructions

– Not discuss the case with anyone without the lawyer`s permission

The lawyer`s responsibilities may include:

– Keeping you informed about the progress of your case

– Representing you diligently and competently

– Maintaining the confidentiality of your information

– Responding to your questions and concerns promptly

Termination of the Agreement

The retainer agreement will also explain how the agreement can be terminated. This may include:

– Your decision to end the representation

– The lawyer`s decision to withdraw from the case

– Your failure to pay fees or costs

– The resolution of the case

Conclusion

Signing a retainer agreement is an important step in hiring a personal injury lawyer in Illinois. It`s important to carefully review the agreement and ask any questions you may have before signing. With a clear understanding of the terms of your legal representation, you can be confident that your lawyer will work diligently to obtain the best outcome for your case.