Question:
I just received a grant of service connected knee disorder disability. The required 20% was taken from my retroactive monies. The amount of the attorneys fees was $2545... My payment was just under $10,000...my calculations were that $13,000 was my retroactive. The lawyers have received the required $20...they are asking for another $737.96 for 'out of pocket expenses. Is this legal?
Jim's Reply:
Yes. Travel expenses, office expenses and so on are common expenses billed to a client that are above and beyond the customary 20%. That should have been explained to you up front and is likley in some small print in your fee agreement. If there was no notice of such fees, you have the right to protest.