Aaron Israels

My name is Aaron Israels, and I am a personal injury attorney based in West Michigan. You can find more details about my personal injury practice on my website at www.AaronUnderstands.com.

In addition to my work in personal injury, I help investors recover their investment losses from large financial institutions that have either been negligent in managing investments or have defrauded investors. You can learn more about our services in investment loss recovery at www.israelsneuman.com.

I offer free consultations and work on a contingent fee basis, meaning there are no attorney fees unless we recover money for you.

• Free Consultation
  Free Consultations.
• Contingent Fees
  All of our fees are contingent. There are no fees unless we recover for you.

Arizona

State Bar of Arizona

Since 2018

Colorado

Colorado Supreme Court

Since 2010

Illinois

Supreme Court of Illinois

Since 2009

Michigan

State Bar of Michigan

Since 2007

Attorney at Law

Israels & Neuman, PLC

2014 - 2025

I currently work as an attorney at Israels & Neuman, PLC.

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

J.D.

2004 - 2007

Top-Rated Securities Attorney

Super Lawyers

Rising Star

Super Lawyers

Outstanding Service Award

Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association

Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association

Committee Chair

Current

The Israels & Neuman, PLC Law Blog

Israels & Neuman, PLC

January 24, 2025

Due Diligence for Non Traded Bonds and Private Placements, PIABA Member Meeting, Colorado Springs

October 2023

PIABA

Q. Why did my attorney get more of my personal injury settlement than me?

March 29, 2025

A: In Michigan, contingent fee agreements need to be in writing and will outline how fees are calculated and what 'out of pocket' costs are recoverable by the attorney. My guess is that your case didn't settle for a lot of money and that the costs created the discrepancy that you are concerned about, but I can't say for sure without knowing more about the situation. The answer to your question should be contained in your fee agreement and other documents provided by your attorney at the conclusion of your case.

In Michigan, attorney's fees in a contingent personal injury case are calculated on the "net" settlement (per the Court Rules). Therefore, if you case settles for $10,000 and there are $1,500 in costs, the math would be: $10,000 - $1,500 = $8500 ($8500 is the net). The attorney would receive 1/3 of the net plus their costs ($2,833.33 + $1,500.00 = $4,333.33) and you would receive the balance of $5,666.67. If the case settled for less than that, or the costs were more, you could possibly receive less than the attorney did.

Also, note that in Michigan, "[u]pon conclusion of a contingent fee matter, the lawyer shall provide the client with a written statement of the outcome of the matter and, if there is a recovery, show the remittance to the client and the method of its determination. "

You should have received a statement detailing what was withheld from the settlement as attorney fees and costs. I line item all costs for my clients (for my clients records, but also, for my own). To avoid the problem you are having, I also like to get this information to my client before the matter settles so my clients know what they are actually going to receive from the settlement before they sign off on the settlement agreement.

If you have questions about how your settlement payment was calculated, you should contact your attorney and ask them - it should be a easy question for them to answer. ... Read More