As a copy editor, I have come across several legal terms that are not commonly known to people. One such term is "on contingency agreement," which is a legal arrangement that is adopted in several cases, especially in personal injury cases.

When a client enters into an "on contingency agreement" with their lawyer, they are essentially hiring the attorney on the condition that the lawyer will not charge them upfront fees for their services. Instead, the lawyer`s compensation is contingent upon the outcome of the case. If the client wins the case, the lawyer will receive a percentage of the settlement amount as compensation. If the client does not win the case, the lawyer will not receive any fee.

The idea behind "on contingency agreement" is to provide access to legal representation for people who cannot afford it. Most people cannot afford to pay expensive attorney fees upfront, especially when they are dealing with a personal injury case that has already caused them a financial burden. The "on contingency agreement" allows them to get legal representation without worrying about the upfront costs.

However, it is essential to understand that "on contingency agreement" is not suitable for all cases. It is mainly used in cases where the plaintiff is seeking monetary compensation, such as medical malpractice, wrongful death, or personal injury cases. In such cases, the lawyer`s compensation is usually a percentage of the settlement amount or verdict.

It is also important to note that the percentage of the settlement amount that the lawyer receives as compensation varies from case to case. The percentage can range from 25% to as high as 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and the level of risk involved.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the lawyer may also be entitled to reimbursement of expenses related to the case, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and travel costs. These expenses are usually paid out of the settlement amount or verdict.

In conclusion, "on contingency agreement" is a legal arrangement that allows people to access legal representation without worrying about upfront costs. It is mainly used in cases where the plaintiff is seeking monetary compensation. However, it`s essential to understand that the lawyer`s compensation is contingent upon the outcome of the case, and the percentage can vary from case to case. It is important to discuss the terms of the agreement with the lawyer before entering into the agreement to avoid any surprises down the line.