“Can I Even Afford a Lawyer?”
It’s one of the first questions most people ask after an accident: “I want legal help… but how much is this going to cost me?”
The good news? When it comes to personal injury, you don’t pay unless you win.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
Most personal injury lawyers work on what’s called a contingency fee basis. That means:
You don’t pay anything upfront. Your lawyer only gets paid if they win your case or reach a settlement.
Instead of hourly billing, their fee is taken as a percentage of your compensation — usually between 33% and 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. The percentage may also differ depending on the law firm. The range stated here is an average percentage of what you can expect.
So if your case settles for $30,000 and the contingency fee is 33%, your lawyer would receive $10,000, and you’d keep the remaining $20,000 (minus any case costs, which we’ll explain below).
Why This Fee Structure Works in Your Favor
Contingency fees are designed to make quality legal help accessible, even if you don’t have thousands of dollars sitting in the bank. They also mean:
- No financial risk up front
- Your lawyer has a strong incentive to win
- You’re not billed for every email or phone call
If your case doesn’t result in compensation, you typically don’t owe any legal fees at all.
What About Other Costs?
There are some case-related expenses that may come into play, like:
- Court filing fees
- Medical records requests
- Expert witnesses
- Deposition or transcript costs
Some firms front these costs and deduct them from your settlement. Others may ask you to reimburse them regardless of the outcome — which is why it’s important to ask how your attorney handles costs before you sign anything.
What to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer
To avoid surprises, here are a few questions you should always ask during a consultation:
- What percentage do you charge if we settle? What about if we go to trial?
- Are there any upfront fees at all?
- Will I owe anything if we don’t win?
- How are case expenses handled?
A reputable attorney will explain it all clearly — and put it in writing.
You Deserve to Understand the Terms
Hiring a lawyer is a big decision, but it shouldn’t be a confusing one. If someone pressures you, hides the fine print, or can’t give straight answers about fees — that’s a red flag.
The right lawyer will make sure you understand exactly what you’re signing up for — and what you’ll walk away with if you win.
Legal Help Without the Headaches
When you’re injured and overwhelmed, the last thing you need is to stress about legal bills. With contingency-based representation, you can get the help you need without paying a dime out of pocket upfront — and only pay when the results come in.
If you’ve been injured and want to know what hiring a lawyer would really look like, let’s talk. Your first consultation is always free — and you’ll leave with clarity, not confusion.