Mike Chimombe

Mike Chimombe BP Yamubata Ndokuti Tasa

By Staff Reporter
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3511
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October 03, 2024

THE fraud case of Harare businessmen, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu may spill to the Constitutional Court after the defence raised constitutional issues.

This comes after Chimombe and Mpofu through their legal representatives raised constitutional issues during their appearance at the High Court in Harare this Wednesday.

Among the issues raised is the use of court assessors who are over the age of 70, which they say is contrary to the law.

The defence said the court needs to address issues raised by their clients before the trial commences.

The duo also claimed that the State has not yet exhausted all remedies available to it in terms of the contract and there is no prejudice which the state has suffered or stands to suffer.

The duo was arrested in June this year by officers from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on allegations of fraud.

Circumstances are that Chimombe and Mpofu allegedly forged a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) tax clearance certificate and a NSSA compliance certificate in the name of Blackdeck Private Limited and attached them in a bidding document which they submitted to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development for a tender for the supply and delivery of goats for the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme.

It is also alleged that acting on the misrepresentation in November 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development

entered into a contract agreement with Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming for the supply and delivery of more than 6000 goats for the Presidential Goats Pass-on Scheme but failed to deliver.

Meanwhile, the court proceedings will go ahead at the High Court this Thursday.

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Personal Injury Lawyer Cost: How Attorney Fees Work

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Personal Injury Lawyer Cost: How Attorney Fees Work

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Many injured people worry about hiring a lawyer because they are already dealing with medical bills, missed work, and financial stress.

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The good news is that many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee.

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That usually means you do not pay attorney fees upfront. Instead, the lawyer receives a percentage of the settlement or court recovery if the case succeeds.

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Fee agreements vary, so always read the contract carefully.

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What Is a Contingency Fee?

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A contingency fee means the attorney’s payment depends on the outcome of the case.

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If there is no recovery, the lawyer may not collect an attorney fee. However, case costs may be handled differently depending on the agreement.

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The American Bar Association explains that in a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer agrees to accept a fixed percentage of the recovery, and if the client loses, the lawyer generally does not receive a fee, though expenses may still be owed depending on the agreement.

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What Percentage Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge?

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Percentages vary by lawyer, case type, and state rules. Many contingency fees are based on a percentage of the recovery.

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Some agreements may use different percentages depending on whether the case settles early, enters litigation, or goes to trial.

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Ask the lawyer to explain the fee clearly before signing.

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Attorney Fees vs. Case Costs

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Attorney fees are not always the same as case costs.

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Case costs may include:

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Court filing fees
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Ask whether costs are deducted before or after the attorney percentage is calculated.

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Questions to Ask About Fees

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Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, ask:

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What is your contingency fee percentage?
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A good attorney should explain fees in plain language.

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Is Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Worth It?

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A lawyer may be worth considering when:

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Injuries are serious
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A lawyer cannot guarantee more money, but legal representation may help protect your rights and avoid mistakes.

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Do All Personal Injury Cases Need a Lawyer?

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Not always.

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A minor accident with no injuries and simple property damage may not require an attorney.

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But if you have injuries, medical treatment, lost wages, or long-term symptoms, a consultation may be useful.

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Be Careful With Quick Settlements

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A quick settlement may not include:

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Future medical treatment
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Once you sign a release, you may not be able to ask for more money later.

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How to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer

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You can begin by checking state or local bar referral services. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that state bar websites generally have resources for the public looking for an attorney, and each legal case may require a lawyer suited to that specific problem.

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You can also ask:

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Friends or family
rnLocal bar association
rnTrusted attorneys in other fields
rnLegal aid resources
rnProfessional legal directories

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Final Thoughts

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Personal injury lawyer cost is usually based on a contingency fee, but every fee agreement is different.

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Before hiring a lawyer, ask about percentages, costs, deductions, liens, and what happens if there is no recovery.

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A clear fee agreement protects both you and the attorney.

Construction Site Injury Lawyer Near Me: Know Your Legal Rights Today

A construction site injury lawyer near you helps workers understand their legal rights after an accident. Many victims are unaware that they may be entitled to compensation beyond workers’ compensation, including third-party liability claims. These claims can significantly increase the total compensation available.

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An experienced attorney evaluates your case to identify all possible sources of recovery. They explain your options clearly and guide you through the legal process. With proper legal advice, you can make informed decisions that protect your financial future and ensure justice is served.