Why You Need an Attorney for an Underpaid Injury Claim

Did the settlement offer from the insurance company feel insultingly low? Your gut feeling is probably right. It’s a common tactic for insurers to present an initial offer that doesn’t even cover your existing medical bills, let alone your lost wages or future needs. This isn’t a reflection of your claim’s worth; it’s a business strategy. They are hoping you don’t know your rights or the true value of your case. The good news is that you don’t have to accept it. An attorney for underpaid personal injury claim specializes in challenging these unfair offers and fighting for the full and fair compensation you need to truly recover from your accident.

Key Takeaways

• The First Offer Is Rarely the Best Offer: Insurance companies are businesses focused on paying as little as possible. A fair settlement must cover all your medical bills, lost income, and future needs, so it’s crucial to evaluate any offer carefully before accepting.
• An Attorney Calculates Your Claim’s True Value: Beyond your current bills, a lawyer assesses future medical treatments, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering to determine what your case is actually worth. They then handle all negotiations to fight for that full amount.
• Expert Legal Help Comes with No Upfront Cost: Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless they win your case. Their fee is simply a percentage of the final settlement, removing any financial risk for you.

Is Your Personal Injury Settlement Offer Too Low?

After an accident, receiving a settlement offer from an insurance company can feel like a huge relief. It’s tempting to accept it right away, sign the papers, and finally put the whole ordeal behind you. But before you do, it’s so important to pause and really consider if the offer is fair. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their primary goal is to protect their bottom line. This means their interests are directly opposed to yours. While you need full compensation to cover your recovery and losses, their goal is to pay out as little as possible on every claim.

This conflict of interest is why many initial settlement offers are intentionally low. They are often just a starting point for negotiations, a “test” to see if you’ll accept a fraction of what your claim is actually worth. Accepting a lowball offer can have devastating long-term consequences. It might cover your immediate medical bills, but what about future physical therapy, necessary surgeries, or chronic pain management? What about the income you lost while unable to work, or the impact on your future earning capacity? A low offer can leave you paying for these expenses out of your own pocket for years to come, creating a massive financial burden when you should be focused on healing. Understanding the signs of an unfair offer is the first step toward protecting yourself.

Red Flags of an Unfair Offer

It can be tough to know if an offer is fair, especially when you’re focused on recovery. However, there are a few clear warning signs to watch for. A major red flag is an offer that doesn’t fully cover your documented medical bills and lost wages. If the amount seems arbitrary or the adjuster can’t clearly explain how they calculated it, be skeptical. Insurance companies often present an underpayment of claims that doesn’t reflect what you truly need. Another sign is a quick offer that arrives before the full extent of your injuries is even known. This is often a tactic to get you to settle for less before you realize you might need long-term care or more extensive treatment.

How Insurance Companies Decide What to Pay

Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to resolve claims for the lowest possible amount, and they use specific tactics to justify a smaller payout. They might downplay the severity of your injuries, argue that some of your medical treatment was unnecessary, or use confusing language in your policy to limit their liability. Insurers know that accident victims are often in a vulnerable position and may feel pressured to accept any offer just to get some financial relief. Effectively handling underpaid claims means recognizing these strategies and not letting an urgent need for money force you into an unfair agreement that doesn’t cover the true cost of your accident.

Why Insurance Companies Offer Low Settlements

After an accident, you might expect the at-fault party’s insurance company to offer a fair settlement that covers your expenses. Unfortunately, that’s rarely how it works. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their primary responsibility is to their shareholders, not to you. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible on claims to protect their financial interests. This fundamental conflict of interest is why initial settlement offers are often shockingly low and don’t come close to covering the true cost of an injury. Understanding their motives and methods is the first step toward protecting yourself and fighting for the compensation you actually deserve.

Protecting Their Bottom Line

At its core, an insurance company’s business model involves collecting more in premiums than it pays out in claims. Every dollar they pay you is a dollar less in profit. Because of this, adjusters are trained to find ways to minimize payouts. They may present a low initial offer that doesn’t fully account for your medical bills, lost income, and future needs. This isn’t a reflection of your claim’s validity; it’s a business strategy. They are counting on you being overwhelmed and willing to accept less than you’re owed. An experienced lawyer can help you protect your rights when an insurer prioritizes its profits over your recovery.

Common Tactics Insurers Use to Pay You Less

Insurance adjusters have a playbook of tactics designed to justify low offers. They might try to convince you that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim or that they were pre-existing. They may also use confusing language in your policy to limit their liability or argue that your damaged property is worth less due to depreciation. Another common strategy is to simply delay the process. By dragging out communications and negotiations, they hope you’ll become frustrated and desperate enough to accept any offer they put on the table. These tactics are designed to wear you down, but recognizing them can help you stand firm.

How to Spot an Underpaid Personal Injury Claim

After an accident, receiving a settlement offer from an insurance company can feel like a huge relief. But before you accept, it’s important to pause and look closely at the numbers. Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to protect their bottom line, which often means paying out as little as possible. A quick offer might seem like a blessing, but it’s often a tactic to get you to accept less than you deserve. Learning to recognize the signs of an underpaid claim is the first step toward securing the full and fair compensation you need to recover.

Your Medical Bills Aren’t Fully Covered

This is one of the most straightforward red flags. A fair settlement should cover 100% of your medical expenses related to the accident. This includes everything from the initial ambulance ride and emergency room visit to surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medications, and physical therapy. If the offer you receive leaves you with out-of-pocket costs for any of these things, it is not a fair offer. An underpaid claim means the insurance company is paying you less than what your bills show you are owed, shifting the financial burden of your recovery back onto you. Don’t forget to account for all related expenses, not just the big ones.

Your Pain and Suffering Is Undervalued

Your injuries are more than just a stack of medical bills. They involve physical pain, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life—all of which deserve compensation. These are known as “pain and suffering” damages. Because these damages aren’t tied to a specific invoice, insurance adjusters often try to minimize them or dismiss them entirely. They might use confusing policy language or downplay the severity of your experience to justify a lower payment. If the settlement offer feels like it ignores the real-world impact the injury has had on your life, it’s a clear sign that your pain and suffering is being undervalued.

Lost Wages and Future Earnings Are Missing

If your injuries forced you to miss work, you are entitled to compensation for those lost wages. But what if your injuries prevent you from returning to your old job or limit your ability to earn money in the future? A comprehensive settlement must account for this loss of future earning capacity. Many initial offers completely overlook this or only cover the immediate time you missed from work. A claim that has been improperly assessed might cover your initial hospital bill but fail to consider the long-term financial impact of your injuries, leaving you and your family in a difficult position down the road.

Future Medical Care Is Ignored

Some injuries require long-term medical attention. You might need ongoing physical therapy, future surgeries, prescription medications for chronic pain, or specialized medical equipment. A fair settlement must anticipate and cover these future medical needs. Insurance companies often make offers that only address your past and current medical bills, completely ignoring what’s to come. Accepting such an offer means you could be left paying for necessary future treatments on your own. This can cause immense financial stress right when you should be focused on your health. A complete claim evaluation always includes a thorough projection of future medical costs.

How an Attorney Fights for a Fair Settlement

When you’re recovering from an injury, the last thing you want is a fight with an insurance company. Unfortunately, their goal is often to pay as little as possible, not what’s fair. This is where a personal injury attorney steps in to become your advocate. They take over the stressful communications and complex legal work so you can focus on getting better. An experienced lawyer understands the tactics insurers use and knows how to counter them effectively.

From the moment you hire them, your attorney starts building a strong case on your behalf. They handle everything from gathering evidence and calculating your total damages to negotiating with adjusters and, if needed, taking your case to court. Having a professional in your corner levels the playing field and sends a clear message to the insurance company: you will not accept an unfair offer. Their entire focus is on securing the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Evaluating Your Claim’s True Worth

One of the most critical roles an attorney plays is determining the true value of your claim. It’s much more than just adding up your current medical bills. A skilled lawyer assesses every aspect of your case, including future medical treatments, physical therapy, lost wages from time off work, and even your potential loss of future earning capacity. They also calculate non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, which are often minimized or ignored by insurance companies. By conducting a thorough damages assessment, your attorney establishes a clear, evidence-based figure for what your claim is actually worth.

Negotiating Directly With the Insurance Company

Once your attorney has calculated your total damages, they will manage all negotiations with the insurance company. This process typically starts with a formal demand letter that outlines your case and requests a specific settlement amount. Insurance adjusters almost always respond with a lowball offer. Your lawyer will then counter their offer, beginning a back-and-forth negotiation. They use the evidence they’ve gathered—like medical records, expert opinions, and proof of lost income—to justify your claim and push for a fair amount. This protects you from the pressure and intimidation tactics adjusters often use.

Taking Formal Legal Action

What happens if the insurance company refuses to negotiate fairly? If an insurer is acting dishonestly or unreasonably—a practice known as “bad faith”—your attorney knows how to hold them accountable. They can take formal legal action by filing a lawsuit. This step often motivates the insurance company to take your claim more seriously, as it shows you are prepared to fight for what you are owed. An attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue the full amount you deserve, which may include additional compensation for the insurer’s unfair delays or conduct.

Representing You in Court if Necessary

While the vast majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court, it’s crucial to have an attorney who is ready and able to represent you at trial. If an insurance company remains unreasonable, taking the case to court may be the only way to get a fair outcome. The insurer’s legal team knows which attorneys have a reputation for winning in the courtroom. Having a skilled trial lawyer on your side gives you a significant advantage during negotiations, as the threat of a trial often encourages the insurance company to offer a much better settlement.

How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Attorney

After an accident, choosing a lawyer can feel like another overwhelming task on your to-do list. But finding the right legal partner is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights and secure a fair outcome. You’re not just hiring an attorney; you’re choosing an advocate who will stand by you through a difficult time. The goal is to find a professional who not only has the right qualifications but also makes you feel heard and understood. To help you make a confident choice, here are four key things to look for.

A Proven Record in Personal Injury Law

Experience is more than just a number—it’s a track record of success. You want an attorney who lives and breathes personal injury law, not someone who just dabbles in it. A lawyer with a history of handling cases similar to yours will understand the specific challenges and opportunities involved. They know what evidence to gather, which experts to consult, and how to build a compelling case from day one. Having a skilled personal injury attorney makes a clear difference in how your case is handled. Don’t be afraid to ask about their past results and read client testimonials. This is your best indicator of their ability to deliver.

Strong Negotiation and Trial Skills

Most personal injury cases settle out of court, which makes strong negotiation skills essential. A great attorney knows how to present the facts of your case in a way that pressures the insurance company to offer a fair settlement. But what happens if they refuse to be reasonable? That’s where trial skills come in. The best lawyers are always prepared to take your case to court if necessary. This willingness to fight it out in front of a judge and jury is often the biggest leverage you have during settlement negotiations. It shows the insurer you’re serious and won’t back down from a lowball offer.

Deep Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to protect their profits by paying out as little as possible. They have a playbook of tactics designed to devalue your claim, from recording statements that can be used against you to delaying the process in hopes you’ll get desperate and accept a low offer. An experienced attorney knows these insurance company tactics inside and out. They can anticipate the adjuster’s moves, protect you from common traps, and counter their arguments effectively. This inside knowledge is crucial for leveling the playing field and making sure you’re treated fairly throughout the process.

Offers a Free, No-Obligation Consultation

You should never have to pay just to find out if you have a case. Reputable personal injury firms almost always offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation. This meeting is your opportunity to share your story, ask questions, and get a professional opinion on your legal options. It’s also a chance to see if the attorney is a good fit for you. Do they listen? Do they explain things clearly? Do you feel comfortable with them? Use this time to interview them just as they are evaluating your case. It’s the best way to make an informed decision without any financial pressure. You can schedule a free consultation to get started.

How Do Personal Injury Attorney Fees Work?

After an accident, the last thing you need is another bill. The thought of paying a lawyer might seem impossible when you’re already dealing with medical expenses and lost income. But here’s some good news: most personal injury law firms, including ours, work in a way that makes legal help accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. You don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, the system is designed so that your attorney only gets paid if they successfully recover money for you. This approach ensures that your focus can remain on your recovery while we focus on fighting for the compensation you deserve. It’s a partnership where we invest in your case because we believe in it.

Understanding the Contingency Fee Model

The payment structure we just mentioned is called a contingency fee agreement. It’s the standard for personal injury cases, and it’s simple: we only collect a fee if we win your case, either through a settlement or a court verdict. Our payment is “contingent” upon a successful outcome. This fee is a pre-agreed-upon percentage of the total amount we recover for you. Typically, this ranges from 33% to 40%. This model means our goals are perfectly aligned with yours. We are motivated to secure the highest possible compensation for you because our success is directly tied to your success.

What Other Case Costs to Expect

It’s important to understand the difference between attorney fees and case costs. Attorney fees are what you pay your lawyer for their time and expertise. Case costs are the out-of-pocket expenses required to build and pursue your claim. These can include court filing fees, the cost of obtaining your medical records, fees for expert witnesses who might need to testify, and deposition costs. At James McKiernan Lawyers, we typically advance these costs on your behalf. You don’t have to pay for them as they come up. Instead, they are reimbursed to the firm from the settlement or award at the end of your case, after the attorney’s fee is calculated.

The “No Win, No Fee” Promise

This brings us to the core promise of our fee structure: if we don’t win your case, you owe us absolutely nothing in attorney fees. That’s our “no win, no fee” guarantee. It removes the financial risk from your shoulders. Let’s look at a simple example. If we secure a $100,000 settlement for you and our agreed-upon fee is 40%, our fee would be $40,000. You would receive the remaining $60,000, minus any case costs that were fronted by our firm. If we don’t recover any money, you walk away without owing us a fee. This system ensures that everyone has access to justice, not just those who can afford to pay a lawyer out of pocket.

Common Myths About Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

After an accident, the last thing you need is confusion. Unfortunately, there are many myths floating around about personal injury claims that can stop people from getting the legal help they deserve. These misconceptions can be costly, leaving you to deal with mounting medical bills and lost income on your own. Believing you can’t afford a lawyer or that your injuries aren’t “serious enough” are common reasons people hesitate to reach out. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the process, especially when you’re trying to recover physically and emotionally from an unexpected injury.

Understanding the truth behind these myths is the first step toward protecting your rights and securing your financial future. An experienced attorney works for you, not the insurance company, and their goal is to ensure you receive fair compensation for everything you’ve lost. They can handle the complex legal work and negotiations while you focus on healing. Let’s clear up some of the biggest misunderstandings so you can make an informed decision with confidence. We’ll break down why these beliefs are false and explain how the personal injury process really works, so you know what to expect and how to move forward.

Myth: “I can’t afford to hire a lawyer.”

This is one of the most common and damaging myths. A significant barrier to seeking legal help is the misconception that hiring an attorney is prohibitively expensive. The reality is that most personal injury law firms, including ours, operate on a contingency fee basis. This payment structure is designed to give everyone access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. It means you pay absolutely no upfront fees. Your attorney’s payment is “contingent” upon them winning your case. If they secure a settlement or a court award for you, their fee is a pre-agreed-upon percentage of that amount. If you don’t win, you owe them nothing for their time. This model ensures your lawyer is motivated to get you the best possible outcome.

Myth: “My case is too small for an attorney.”

No case is too small if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence. It’s a common misunderstanding that only catastrophic accidents warrant legal action. However, even injuries that seem minor at first can lead to significant expenses. A sprained wrist could require physical therapy, a “minor” concussion can have lasting effects, and both can cause you to miss work. An attorney can help you recover compensation for all related costs, including medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They have the experience to evaluate the true, long-term value of your claim, which is often much higher than what an insurance company will initially offer.

Myth: “The insurance adjuster is on my side.”

This is a dangerous assumption. While an insurance adjuster might seem friendly and helpful, it’s crucial to remember who they work for: the insurance company. Their job is to protect the company’s bottom line by minimizing payouts on claims. They are trained negotiators skilled at getting you to accept a low offer or say something that could hurt your case. One of the most common reasons people don’t hire an attorney is believing the insurance company will take care of all their expenses. In reality, their interests are directly opposed to yours. An attorney’s sole duty is to you. They will handle all communications with the insurer to protect your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

When Should You Call an Attorney About Your Claim?

Knowing the right moment to contact a lawyer can feel confusing, especially when you’re focused on recovering from an injury. The truth is, the best time is almost always sooner rather than later. Acting quickly protects your rights and puts you in the strongest position to receive the compensation you deserve. Here are the key moments when picking up the phone is essential.

Before You Accept Any Offer

The insurance adjuster might call with a settlement offer sooner than you expect. While it can be tempting to accept the money and move on, this first offer is often far less than what your claim is actually worth. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to resolve claims for the lowest possible amount. Without legal help, many injury victims unknowingly accept low offers that don’t cover their long-term medical needs or lost income. An experienced attorney can evaluate the true value of your case and make sure you don’t leave money on the table. Never sign any paperwork or agree to a settlement without speaking to a lawyer first.

Understanding Your State’s Deadlines

In California, you have a limited window of time to take legal action for a personal injury. This is known as the statute of limitations, and for most injury cases, it’s two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this critical deadline, you could lose your right to file a lawsuit and recover any compensation at all. But the clock isn’t the only reason to act fast. The sooner you involve an attorney, the easier it is to gather crucial evidence, like witness statements and accident scene photos, before it disappears. Protecting your legal options starts with understanding the deadlines for filing a civil lawsuit in your state.

Warning Signs You Need Legal Help Now

Insurance companies should handle claims fairly, but their actions can sometimes feel anything but. If you notice any red flags, it’s a clear signal to seek legal advice immediately. Watch out for tactics like unnecessary delays in processing your claim, repeated requests for the same information, or a flat-out denial with a vague explanation. Another major warning sign is if the adjuster is pressuring you to accept a quick, low payment. Remember, insurance companies often prioritize their profits, which can lead them to minimize payouts. An attorney recognizes these strategies and knows exactly how to respond to protect your interests.

What Happens After You Hire an Attorney?

Once you’ve made the important decision to hire a personal injury attorney, you might wonder what happens next. It can feel like a relief to hand your case over to a professional, but it’s also natural to want to understand the process. Your attorney becomes your advocate, handling the complex legal work so you can focus on your recovery. Here’s a look at the key steps your legal team will take to build and resolve your claim.

Developing Your Case Strategy

The first step is for your attorney to get a complete picture of your situation. They will sit down with you to discuss the details of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and how they’ve impacted your life. This initial phase is all about building a strong foundation for your case. Having a skilled personal injury attorney makes a clear difference in how your case is handled. They will identify the strengths of your claim and map out a strategy to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. Without this expert guidance, many injury victims unknowingly accept low offers that don’t cover their long-term needs.

Gathering Evidence to Strengthen Your Claim

With a strategy in place, your attorney’s team will begin the critical work of gathering evidence. This is often the most time-consuming part of the process, but it’s essential for proving your claim. Your lawyer gathers evidence like police reports, medical records, and proof of lost wages. They may also consult with medical experts or accident reconstruction specialists to build a powerful case. It’s important to collect all documents that support your claim, including photos from the scene, repair estimates, and any communication you’ve had with the insurance company. Once this evidence is compiled, your attorney will draft a formal demand letter to the insurer, outlining your case and demanding fair compensation.

The Negotiation Process and What to Expect

After sending the demand letter, the negotiation phase begins. It’s important to know that the insurance company usually offers a low amount first. This initial offer is rarely their best one. Your lawyer will review the offer, discuss it with you, and then make a counteroffer based on the true value of your claim. This back-and-forth is a standard part of the process. Your attorney’s experience is crucial here, as they understand the tactics insurers use and know how to counter them effectively. Hiring a personal injury attorney significantly improves your chances of receiving fair compensation because they are skilled at negotiating with insurance companies to secure a settlement that truly reflects your losses.

How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Claim?

It’s one of the first questions we hear from clients, and it’s completely understandable. After an accident, you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty. You want to know when you can expect some resolution and start moving forward. While there’s no magic formula to predict the exact timeline for a personal injury claim, the truth is that it varies for everyone. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others might take a year or more.

The length of your case depends on several moving parts, including the severity of your injuries and the complexity of your accident. Rushing the process can mean leaving money on the table—money you need for future care. Having a skilled personal injury attorney on your side makes a real difference. An experienced lawyer understands how to manage the legal process efficiently, helping you avoid the common delays and lowball offers that can drag things out when you handle a claim alone. Our goal is to secure the full compensation you deserve, not just the fastest settlement possible.

Factors That Influence Your Case’s Timeline

Every personal injury case has its own unique rhythm. One of the biggest factors is the extent of your medical treatment. To understand the true value of your claim, we often need to wait until you’ve reached what’s called “maximum medical improvement.” This is the point where your doctor has a clear picture of your long-term prognosis. Settling before this point is risky because you might not know the full cost of future medical care. Other factors include how clear it is who was at fault and how willing the insurance company is to negotiate in good faith. A straightforward case with minor injuries might resolve quickly, while a complex case with life-altering injuries will naturally take more time to build and negotiate.

Deciding Between a Settlement and a Trial

You’ve probably seen dramatic courtroom scenes on TV, but the reality is that most personal injury cases are settled without ever going to court. A settlement is a formal agreement where you receive a negotiated amount of money from the insurance company in exchange for releasing them from further liability. This can happen at different stages—sometimes after we send a demand letter, and other times after a lawsuit has been filed but before a trial begins. Insurance companies almost always start with a low offer, but your attorney knows their tactics. We will handle all the negotiations to fight for a number that truly reflects your losses. If the insurance company refuses to be fair, we are always prepared to take your case to trial to get the justice you deserve.

Related Articles

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• Why You Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Not Your Fault
• How to Settle a Car Accident Claim (Without a Lawyer)
• How Is a Car Accident Settlement Calculated? Step-by-Step

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the insurance company’s offer seems reasonable? Should I still talk to a lawyer? Even an offer that seems reasonable at first glance might not cover the full, long-term cost of your injury. Insurance companies are very good at making an initial offer look attractive, but it often fails to account for future medical treatments, lost earning capacity, or the full extent of your pain and suffering. Speaking with an attorney allows you to get a professional evaluation of your claim’s true worth. A quick consultation can confirm if the offer is fair or reveal significant costs you haven’t yet considered, ensuring you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Will I have to go to court if I hire a personal injury attorney? This is a common concern, but the reality is that the vast majority of personal injury cases are resolved through a settlement without ever going to trial. The goal is always to negotiate a fair agreement with the insurance company. However, having an attorney who is fully prepared to take your case to court is a powerful advantage. It shows the insurance company you are serious about your claim, which often motivates them to offer a much better settlement during negotiations.

How much is my personal injury claim actually worth? There is no simple calculator for determining a claim’s value because every case is unique. A fair settlement is calculated by looking at all of your losses, both economic and non-economic. This includes all of your past and future medical bills, lost wages, damage to your future earning ability, and compensation for your physical pain and emotional distress. An experienced attorney will carefully investigate every detail to determine a complete and accurate valuation of your claim.

The other driver’s insurance adjuster wants me to give a recorded statement. Should I do it? It is best to decline giving a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company until you have spoken with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to ask questions in a way that can get you to unintentionally say something that hurts your claim. They may try to get you to downplay your injuries or admit partial fault. Your attorney can handle all communications with the insurance company for you, protecting your rights and ensuring you don’t fall into these common traps.

How can I afford a lawyer when I’m already dealing with medical bills and can’t work? This is exactly why personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means you pay no upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees. Your lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or award they recover for you. If you don’t win your case, you owe no attorney fees. This model removes the financial risk and allows you to get expert legal help when you need it most, regardless of your current financial situation.