Toronto Star Article Describes Double Dipping and Improper Billing by Ontario Personal Injury Lawyers

A recent article in the Toronto Star suggests that some Ontario personal injury lawyers may be charging contingency fees in excess of what is permitted under Ontario law.  There is also a class action proceeding against a prominent Toronto personal injury law firm, alleging improper billing practices on personal injury settlements.  In short it is alleged that some injury law firms "double dipped" by charging their clients both a percentage of the settlement and also charging for "costs" contributed by the defendant/insurance company.  If the allegations are proven, some law firms may be found to have collected millions of dollars in improper fees.  Read the Toronto Star Article here.

Iacobell Law Firm is pleased to assure our clients and prospective clients that, at our Ontario injury law firm, we have never charged more than an agreed upon percentage of the net proceeds.  I learned of the Toronto Star article from a former client who sent me an email with a link to the article along with a very kind note thanking me for being fair and decent.  The note was much appreciated, and helps to renew my belief that the most important rule in life is the golden rule.   

Our firm has never charged fees in the manner described as "double dipping" where clients are charged a contingency fee percentage plus additional fee in the form of costs. Our Contingency Fee Retainer clearly describes the method in which fees are calculated, and further informs the client of their right to have their bill assessed by an Ontario court should they so desire.  

The allegations of "double dipping" and improper billing have almost certainly had a negative impact on the professional reputation of the entire personal injury bar.  This is unfortunate because most injury lawyers that I have known are ethical and treat their clients with the utmost sincerity, respect and fairness.  Furthermore, in the absence of contingency fee retainers, it would be exceedingly difficult for many victims to obtain justice against a defence  mounted by multi-billion dollar insurance companies. ​

In light of the allegations of widespread improper billing, and in an effort to help restore confidence in the personal injury bar, Iacobelli Law Firm is pleased to offer free review of accounts and contingency fee retainers.  If you had a case settled with another Ontario personal injury law firm and are unsure whether you were fairly charged contingency fees, call us for a FREE REVIEW of your account and contingency fee retainer.    

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