If you’ve ever seen a flashy TV commercial or a billboard from a giant national law firm promising big settlements, you’re not alone. These firms market aggressively, boasting teams of lawyers, massive resources and a “no win, no fee” guarantee. But behind the glossy ads and celebrity endorsements, there’s a question every client should ask: Are there hidden fees?
Unfortunately, the answer is often yes.
Hidden Fees: What You Don’t See Could Hurt You
Large national law firms often use broad advertising to attract as many clients as possible. Once you sign on, however, the fee structure can get complicated. These firms may charge extra for case expenses, administrative costs, travel, expert witnesses and more — fees that may not be clearly explained upfront.
Many injured clients don’t fully understand how much they’ll owe until their settlement check is issued and the firm takes a large chunk. Sometimes, the firm’s cut plus the added expenses leaves the client with far less than they expected.
Here are a few common hidden or unclear charges you might encounter:
- Case Advancement Fees: Although firms frequently cover the costs associated with experts, depositions or court filings, they may require reimbursement from your settlement. Additionally, interest may accrue on any unpaid invoices over time.
- “File Opening” or “Admin” Fees: These might be small, but they add up, especially if not disclosed at the beginning.
- Mediation or Arbitration Costs: In some cases, national firms charge clients separately for alternate dispute resolution methods, which can eat into your final recovery.
Why Transparency Matters
When you’re recovering from an injury, the last thing you need is financial uncertainty. You want a legal team that explains everything in plain English, not a maze of fine print.
Transparency isn’t just about fees. It’s also about communication, trust and knowing your case is a priority. National firms often handle hundreds or even thousands of cases at once. Clients can feel like just another file number, unsure of who’s really working on their case and how decisions are being made.
The Clear, Straightforward Approach of Small Firms
Local, community-based firms like Farrar, Hennesy and Tanner take a different approach. We believe in upfront, honest communication. Our fee structure is simple and easy to understand. When we say “no fee unless we win,” we mean it — with no surprise deductions or confusing contracts.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- No Hidden Costs: We clearly explain what you can expect and what we charge. If your case requires expert witnesses or special filings, we discuss those costs with you in advance.
- One-on-One Attention: You won’t get shuffled from paralegal to paralegal. You’ll work directly with our attorneys and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
- Local Knowledge and Care: We live and work in this community, just like you. We know the courts, the judges and the local procedures and we care about getting justice for our neighbors.
- Results You Can Count On: We’ve handled personal injury, auto accident, workers’ compensation and wrongful death cases across South Georgia and we’re proud of the outcomes we’ve achieved for our clients.
Bigger Isn’t Always Better
The idea that bigger means better just doesn’t apply when it comes to legal representation. A small, committed team that knows your name and truly cares about your outcome will almost always provide better service and often better results than a national firm treating your case like a number in a spreadsheet.
When your financial future and your family’s well-being are on the line, you deserve a law firm that treats you with respect, keeps you informed and doesn’t nickel-and-dime you with hidden fees.
Have questions about a potential case? Want to make sure you understand your legal options and rights without being pressured or misled?
Call Farrar, Hennesy and Tanner today at 912-384-2287 or request a free case review online. Whether you’ve been hurt in an auto accident, injured at work, or lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help — with honest answers and no hidden fees.