Contingency Basis, no Settlement, still owe $$?

[pastrychef]

What is the name of your state? Florida

A friend of mine was injured while taking a self defense class three years ago. She slipped while "sparring" and broke her kneecap and has since accumulated many medical bills. She has retained an attorney on a contingency basis and he is now talking about how she will owe him fees and repayment of expenses (ie.. ordering medical records, etc.) if they do not receive a settlement.
I was under the impression that the object of contingency basis is that if there is no settlement, there is no money out of the plaintiff's pocket. Am I wrong in this thinking? Please give any advice you have.
Thank you!
Candace

 

[JETX]

I was under the impression that the object of contingency basis is that if there is no settlement, there is no money out of the plaintiff's pocket. Am I wrong in this thinking?

Yep, you're wrong.
Most contingent fee agreements do not include out of pocket expenses (filing fees, copy costs, courier services, transcription costs, etc.). They are paid by the client.

 

[Dandy Don]

If there is a signed fee agrement with this attorney, look at the agreement and see if there is any mention of other fees in there. If there is no signed fee agreement, you need to ask for one now so that the fee doesn't continue to escalate upwards without an understanding by both parties.