In a contingency case, the lawyer takes 1/3 of the settlement, no matter how it's reached - they take a risk on doing the work for no billable fee, so you lose a substantial portion of your winnings/settlement to compensate them for their time/work. It's generally in the lawyer's interest to settle as it's less work for them and they get paid their 1/3 whether they settle or litigation, and litigation is expensive. |