Question #4: “How Long Will This Take?”
(Transcribed from Audio Recording.)
Of course, this is a question only you can answer based on your needs, wants and personality. The fact is that a shockingly high number of cases that we take on are resolved for cash compensation or a repurchase of the vehicle for the consumer. So let’s assume for the sake of argument that you have a case, we take it and you follow our instructions so that you do not ruin your case.
Now, assuming all of that, the question I think your asking yourself is whether the payoff at the end of this will be worth the “additional time” invested by you? Am I right? We are not talking about the time you have already spent at the dealer, that has already occurred. You are contemplating whether its “worth your additional time” to move forward with your case.
If so, let’s take a couple of examples and see what that looks like. Let’s look at some different scenarios within the range of reasonableness. Of course some cases could result in higher or lower amounts than these examples, but I just want to illustrate some common amounts so you can make a real calculation.
| Amount Recovered | Hours Spent By Client | Amount Recovered Per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | 5 | $1,000 |
| $4,000 | 5 | $800 |
| $3,000 | 5 | $600 |
| $2,000 | 5 | $600 |
| — | — | — |
| $5,000 | 10 | $500 |
| $4,000 | 10 | $400 |
| $3,000 | 10 | $300 |
| $2,000 | 10 | $200 |
| — | — | — |
| $5,000 | 15 | $333 |
| $4,000 | 15 | $267 |
| $3,000 | 15 | $200 |
| $2,000 | 15 | $133 |
I mean I have never tracked how many hours someone other than this law firm spends on a case. We have been unable to do that of course. But when I think of the tasks that we are not able to do for you that only the client can do, things like finding documents at your house, reviewing and approving answers to questions in writing, possibly attending a deposition and/or a hearing and/or attending an inspection, I have trouble coming up with a lot of time in the vast majority of our cases.
Now, I don’t know what you make in your current job, but for most people these amounts are far more than they are being paid per hour – commonly 10, 20, 30 per hour!
I guess that is for you to decide, but I hope this helps you make a more informed decision.
