The Cost of Justice: What to Expect When Hiring an Insurance Lawyer in Los Angeles
Looking for high-quality legal representation for your denied insurance claim in Los Angeles without unnecessary financial burden? Speak with the team at Dorian Law PC to explore our value-driven services.
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How much does it typically cost to hire an insurance lawyer to handle my denied claim in Los Angeles?
A contingency rate that ranges from 15% to 40% depending on the complexity of the case and the risk is the most frequent fee structure in the Los Angeles area. This 15%-40% range holds true for insurance lawyers in the Bay Area, Sacramento, and San Diego. With that question answered, let’s dive into some specifics that really matter if you want to maximize your recovery.
So, your insurance claim has been denied. That sinking feeling in your stomach is understandable. Whether it's disability insurance (STD or LTD), life insurance, or accidental death and dismemberment insurance (AD&D) , being told "no" when you expected help is incredibly frustrating. Your next thought, naturally, might be, "Okay, who can help me fight this?" And then, almost immediately, "How much is this going to cost me?"
Concerned about legal costs? Contact Dorian Law PC today for a free consultation and discover how our competitive and transparent fee structure, combined with our dedicated expertise, can help you fight your denied insurance claim.
At Dorian Law PC, we understand that navigating the complexities of insurance law can feel daunting, especially when you're already dealing with the stress of a denied claim. That's why we're here to shed some light on the financial aspect of hiring an insurance lawyer in the City of Angels. While every case is unique, and specific fees can vary, the attorney’s at Dorian Law PC have decades of experience in this field of law, so we know what we are talking about. Here's a general overview of what you can expect:
The Contingency Fee: A Win-Win Scenario
This is the most common fee arrangement you'll encounter when seeking legal help for a denied insurance claim, and for good reason. With a contingency fee, your lawyer's payment is contingent on them successfully recovering benefits for you. In other words, you generally don't pay any attorney's fees upfront. Instead, your lawyer takes a percentage of the settlement or judgment they obtain on your behalf.
Think of it this way: we're in this together. If we don't get you paid, we don't get paid. This structure aligns our interests with yours, providing peace of mind and allowing you to pursue justice without a significant upfront financial burden. The specific percentage can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the agreement with your attorney, but it's crucial to have a clear understanding of this arrangement from the outset.
At Dorian Law PC, our typical contingency fee is 10-20% for cases that resolve without the need to file a lawsuit. This includes helping make a claim, appealing a denied claim (both ERISA and bad faith), or negotiating a resolution. If your case does not get paid, the appeal is denied, or the negotiation isn’t fruitful, and a lawsuit is filed, both the complexity and risk involved in the matter increase substantially. Because of this, Dorian Law PC’s typical contingency fee is 25-33% for litigation.
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Hourly Rates: When Time is Money (Sometimes)
While less common for denied insurance claim cases, some clients are interested in paying an hourly rate. This means you'll pay your attorney for the time they spend working on your case—usually billed in 1/10th of an hour increments. This model is more frequently seen when a client wants help with making a claim or filing an appeal. It also does happen for different types of litigation or for specific tasks within a case.
For denied insurance claims, especially those involving disability or life insurance, the contingency fee structure often makes more sense for both the client and the lawyer. It allows individuals to access quality legal representation without needing to pay a potentially large retainer or worry about accumulating hourly bills. That said, paying an hourly rate is often less expensive in the long run. This makes sense, because there is no risk to the attorney—they get paid no matter what for the time they spend on the case. If you are more tolerant of risk, consider the hourly rate model.
Rates for effective and well respected insurance lawyers in Los Angeles range from $500 to $950 an hour. Typically the attorney’s experience in handling your type of case is what determines where they fall in that range. A lower hourly rate does not necessarily mean a lower quality attorney—we all start somewhere—but it is hard to deny that experience matters. The opposite is also true: a higher hourly rate does not necessarily mean a higher quality attorney.
At Dorian Law PC, our attorneys are very well respected in the field and have a proven track record of success built on hundreds and hundreds of cases. Our hourly rate is $800.
Upfront Costs: What to Expect Beyond Attorney's Fees
It's important to distinguish between attorney's fees and other potential costs associated with your case. These expenses might include things like court filing fees, the cost of obtaining medical records, expert witness fees (if needed), and deposition costs.
While your attorney might handle the payment of some of these costs initially, they will typically be reimbursed from any settlement or judgment you receive. Again, transparency is key. A good insurance lawyer will discuss these potential costs with you upfront so there are no surprises down the line.
The Priceless Value of a Consultation
The best way to understand the specific fee arrangements for your denied insurance claim is to schedule a consultation with an experienced insurance lawyer in Los Angeles. Many firms, including Dorian Law PC, offer free initial consultations. This allows you to discuss facts specific to your case, understand your legal options, and get a clear explanation of the firm's fee structure.
Think of a consultation as an opportunity to interview your potential advocate. Ask questions about their experience handling similar cases, their typical fee arrangements, and what you can expect throughout the legal process. This conversation will empower you to make an informed decision about who you want to represent you in your fight for the benefits you deserve.
And here’s where we say the quiet part out loud: talk with at least three attorneys and always negotiate your fee structure. Attorneys will not always reduce their fee, particularly if they feel you are undervaluing their services, but every dollar counts when you are disabled or dealing with the loss of a loved one.
The Bottom Line: Investing in Your Peace of Mind
Dealing with a denied insurance claim is stressful enough. Worrying about the cost of legal representation shouldn't add to that burden. By understanding the typical fee structures and taking advantage of a free consultation, you can find an insurance lawyer in Los Angeles who will fight tirelessly for your rights without breaking the bank.
At Dorian Law PC, we are committed to providing our clients with clear, honest, and effective legal representation. If you've had your disability or life insurance claim denied in Los Angeles, we encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. Let's discuss your case and explore how we can help you achieve the justice you deserve.
***Please note that this blog provides Useful Tips, Emerging Trends, and Thoughtful Insights regarding LTD, Life, and AD&D Insurance, including summaries of reported legal decision and does not constitute legal advice. Since posting, this blog has not been updated to reflect any subsequent changes, including whether information, tips, trends, or the law have changed. Often the cases discussed in Case Review Corner were handled by other law firms, but if you have questions about how the developing law impacts your ERISA benefit or bad faith insurance claim, Dorian Law P.C. may be able to advise you so please contact us.***