Here are the most common fee structures to be aware of:
- Contingency-Fee: Under this model, the lawyer only gets paid if you win your case, usually taking a percentage of the settlement or awarded benefits. This aligns the lawyer's incentives with your success. There are no upfront costs, making it accessible for those without financial resources, and it includes a free initial consultation to evaluate your case.
- Hourly Rate: Instead of a contingency fee, some long term disability lawyers charge by the hour. In this arrangement, you pay for the time the lawyer spends working on your case, including meetings, research, and court appearances. This can become costly, especially for complex or prolonged cases.
- Flat Fee: Some long term disability lawyers charge a predetermined amount for the entire service, regardless of how much time the lawyer spends on your case.
- Retainer Fee: A retainer fee is an advance payment that acts as a down payment on the long term disability lawyer’s future services. The lawyer then bills their hourly rate against the retainer amount. Once the retainer is depleted, you may need to add more funds to continue receiving legal services.
Share Lawyers Operates on a Contingency-Fee Basis to Make Legal Assistance Accessible to All
At Share Lawyers, we believe everyone should have access to high-quality legal assistance, especially when facing the financial distress of denied LTD benefits. To that end, we charge zero upfront fees, offer completely free consultations, and operate on a contingency-fee basis.
That means we don’t get paid until you do. This approach compares favourably to fee-based services due to many factors, such as:
Contingency-Based Lawyer vs. Fee-Based Lawyers |
Payment Structure | Payment is contingent upon winning the case. | Requires upfront payment and hourly rates. |
Financial Risk | Reduces financial risk and burden. | Reduces financial risk and burden. |
Access to Legal Representation | Accessible regardless of financial situation, promoting justice for individuals with limited means. | Accessibility hinges on payment upfront, potentially limiting access for some individuals. |
Lawyer’s Incentive | Payment is tied to the case's outcome, so lawyers are vested in winning. | Payment is received regardless of the outcome, which can affect the incentive to win. |
Client’s Financial Control | No upfront costs reduce financial strain and allow more time for financial planning. | Upfront costs and hourly rates require immediate financial commitment. |
Flexibility in Payment Terms | Payment is typically structured based on case outcome, offering flexibility to clients. | Payment terms may be less flexible and may require negotiation or upfront payment. |
Quality of Legal Services | Lawyers are incentivized to work efficiently and effectively to secure a favourable outcome. | Quality of service may vary, depending on the lawyer's approach and commitment. |
Peace of Mind | Mutually assured success provides peace of mind. Tying legal costs to case outcomes aligns lawyer commitment with client goals. | Upfront costs and hourly rates misalign lawyer-client goals, which may create financial stress and uncertainty. |
Goal Alignment | Lawyer's goals align with the client's, as both benefit from a successful outcome. | Goals may not always be aligned, as lawyer's fees are not contingent upon case outcome. |
Seeking legal guidance when facing a denial of your LTD benefits is crucial. Appealing on your own often leads to further rejections and delays. Consulting with an experienced disability lawyer like Share Lawyers can significantly increase your chances of success.
Lean on Share Lawyers When You Need Your Disability Benefits
If you’re wondering, “How do long term disability lawyers get paid?” you’re likely facing a challenging situation, such as a denied LTD claim. At Share Lawyers, we understand the frustration of being denied benefits when you can't work due to injury or illness.
We are passionate about helping Canadians obtain the benefits they deserve, taking the fight to the insurance companies. With over 35 years of experience as Canada’s premier disability lawyers, we’ve helped thousands secure their rightful benefits. We pride ourselves on ensuring that our services are accessible to all, especially those facing financial hardship, through our contingency-fee structure, free consultations, and lack of upfront fees.
The insurance company’s decision is not final. Let us advocate on your behalf.
Still wondering, “How do long term disability lawyers get paid?” A quick conversation with one of our lawyers will help you understand your situation and provide a path forward.
Contact Share Lawyers today and let our 35+ years of experience work for you. We can help you win your case againstCanada Life, Desjardins, Manulife, RBC Insurance, Sun Life, and other insurance companies. Our legal team offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis. There are no fees unless you win your case.
