The settlement amounts should reflect the damages suffered by the plaintiff, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical care, and other related costs. The key to fair financial compensation is to determine whether the offer is reasonable and aligns with the extent of the damages.
For their work on the case, they usually take a percentage of the final settlement account, plus an amount to cover court costs and any associated fees (more about these below). Typically, this is around one-third of the settlement amount.
The average contingency rate falls between 20-40%, with most lawyers charging around 33% to 35% of the total amount recovered in a case. The exact percentage can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer's experience, and the stage at which the case is resolved.
Typically, most construction projects use a contingency rate of 5% to 10% from the total project budget. This is typically enough to cover any unexpected costs that may arise throughout the project.
It provides a safety net for unexpected expenses and ensures the project stays on track, both in terms of budget and timeline. The recommended percentage for a contingency fund is between 5-10% of the total budget, but this may vary depending on project complexity and past experiences.