I would have a similar situation as 091october. Could anyone give me some advice.
I was a passanger on publin transport last year when a drink driver crashed in the vehicle in which i was a passenger on. I sought legal advice and was advised to persue a personal injury claim as I suffered back and neck injuries. On my initial consultation with my solicitor he informed me that his fees would be between €1500-€1750 irrespective the amount I receive.
After verbally agreeing to settle, my solicitor asked me if I would be happy with approximately €10,000. I agreed and he stated that he would be back in contact with me.
I received correspondence form him a couple of weeks later and it contained a photocopy of a cheque of €12,000 paid to my solicitor (for me). It detailed that the oppositions legal team had paid my solicitor fees of €1750. On the bill, my solicitor was also requesting that I pay him another €1750 as well as the €1750 he received from the oppposition.
In total, his fees were €3500 half of which he got from the oppositions insurance company. This is 34% of my settlement which I feel is an excessive fee for a relatively small and short claim. Accident in December 2010, agreed to settle in May 2011.
Could anyone give me some advice as to whether I am being overcharged.