Heiberger v. Worthington
Heiberger v. Worthington
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the Court:
There is no room here for the discussion which the appellants seem desirous to raise, as to what would be a just and reasonable compensation to the appellees for the professional services rendered by them. There is an express contract in writing by which the matter must be determined. Nor is there any ground for restricting the appellees to a percentage of 10 per cent of the property recovered. The contract gives them the right to claim 15 per cent; and they have elected to do so. The only question reasonably open for consideration is that of the valuation of the property upon which the percentage claimed by the appellees is to be based; and this question is not a difficult or doubtful one.
The appellees, in their affidavit filed with the declaration, swear positively that the market value of the property recovered for Mary W. Heiberger is not less than $90,000; that this valuation was agreed upon between the appellants and the appellees; and that the sum of $13,500 based thereon, was like
We find no reason to disturb the judgment appealed from; and that judgment must be affirmed, with costs. And it is so ordered. Affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- HEIBERGER v. WORTHINGTON
- Status
- Published
- Syllabus
- Contracts; Attorney and Client; Affidavits of Defense. 1. In an action by attorneys to recover fees due for professional services, on a written contract fixing the fees to be paid, what would be just and reasonable compensation for the services rendered is immaterial. 2. Where a written contract between attorneys and client provides for the payment, as a contingent fee for services, of a sum equal to “from 10 to 15 per cent” of the market value of the interest of the elient recovered, the contract gives them the right to claim 15 per cent, and they cannot be restricted to 10 per cent. 3. In an action by the attorneys on such a contract, where the affidavit supporting the declaration alleges the market value of the defendants’ interest recovered to have been $90,000, and that after the making of the contract the defendant agreed that the compensation was to be 15 per cent of that sum, an affidavit of defense is insufficient which does not controvert such allegations, but merely states that in a compromise settlement of the litigation, the interest of the defendant was estimated to be of the value of $80,000, and that the compromise had been effected with the approval and active co-operation of the plaintiffs.