Most victims of a helicopter or airplane accident can’t afford to pay aviation attorneys an hourly rate to investigate the cause of the crash or to take an aviation lawsuit to trial.  For these people, the doors of the courthouse would be essentially closed were it not for the contingency fee agreement.  The contingency fee agreement places the victim on a level playing field with the aviation manufacturers, insurance companies and other major corporations who may be responsbile for an aircraft accident.  Under a contingency fee agreement, the client hires a lawyer, but if there is no settlement or verdict, the client pays nothing to the attorney for his work in investigating the case, initiating the lawsuit, or taking the case through trial.  All costs associated with the investigation and the lawsuit are paid by the attorney. The contingency fee agreement allows any victim access to the legal system, regardless of the victim’s financial circumstances.