Q & A: How does a lemon law representation work
People often ask these questions when considering hiring me to represent them in a lemon law case. I am always happy to discuss these issues and your potential lemon law case, free of charge. There is no fee unless we win, and no charge for an initial consultation.
Q. If I don’t win, will I end up owing you money?
A. No. There is no fee unless you win. I work on your case on a contingent fee basis. The only time I am paid is if you are paid.
Q. Will, I have to pay anything upfront?
A. No. I don’t require a down payment or a retainer when we begin the case. If the manufacturer fails to pay your refund or provide your comparable new replacement vehicle within the time required by the lemon law, the manufacturer is required to pay your attorney’s fees if you win your case. There is nothing payable by you for attorney’s fees. If this helps you you may want to contact our Wisconsin lemon law lawyers.
Q. Will, I have to pay attorney’s fees if the manufacturer gives a refund or a replacement vehicle but no suit is filed.
A. The answer here is, “Yes, but it is a capped fee.” You will never pay more than an affordable, capped fee if the manufacturer provides the refund or the replacement vehicle within the time specified by the lemon law.
If the manufacturer complies with the lemon law and provides the refund or comparable new motor vehicle within the time required by law, I cap the attorney’s fees in your case at an affordable level. I do this because when the manufacturer complies with the lemon law, it is not required to pay your attorney’s fees. In exchange for the capped rate fee, I still represent you in all aspects of the claim: from drafting the original paperwork to demand a refund or replacement vehicle, through evaluating any offers, through the vehicle return, (where I typically appear with you to make sure the transaction goes smoothly and your rights are protected).
Q. Do I have to pay anything upfront?
A. No, you do not pay anything up front. Any capped fee is deducted from the refund or billed at the end of the case.
It is always a stressful experience contemplating hiring a lawyer. I’m always happy to explain the various aspects of the legal system and how we work on these cases in the hopes of making the experience as positive and stress-free as possible. Feel free to call me at any time to talk about your potential claim.
Attorney Polich has over 20 years of experience litigating lemon law in Wisconsin and other consumer warranty cases and is a partner at Lawton & Cates, S.C. You can reach him at (608) 282-6249.