The cost to hire a personal injury lawyer usually depends on a contingency fee arrangement. This means you don’t pay upfront. Instead, the lawyer gets paid only if they win your case. Typically, the fee is a percentage of the settlement or award, often ranging from 25% to 40%.
Some lawyers may charge for expenses related to your case, like court fees or expert witnesses, but these costs are usually deducted from your final settlement. It’s a good idea to ask for a detailed explanation of fees during your initial consultation.
If you are seeking legal representation, our Bellevue personal injury lawyers can review our payment arrangement with you.
What Is a Contingency Fee in Personal Injury Cases?
A contingency fee in personal injury cases is an arrangement where the lawyer only gets paid if they win or settle your case. Instead of charging an hourly rate or a flat fee upfront, the lawyer takes a percentage of the compensation you receive, which is often between 25% and 40%.
A benefit of this payment arrangement is it allows people to get legal help without worrying about how much it costs to hire a personal injury attorney to take their case. If the lawyer doesn’t win the case, you typically won’t owe legal fees. Still, other costs may be involved.
What Expenses Are Involved in a Personal Injury Case?
In addition to the lawyer’s contingency fee, other expenses might come up during a personal injury case that you may be responsible for paying. These could include:
- Court filing fees: These are the fees paid to file your lawsuit with the court, which are necessary to start legal proceedings.
- Charges for obtaining medical records: Doctors or hospitals may charge a fee to provide copies of your medical records that can prove the extent of your injuries.
- Expert witness fees: If your case requires testimony from medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, or other professionals, their fees can add up.
- Investigation costs: Lawyers may need to hire private investigators to gather evidence, interview witnesses, or re-create the accident scene to strengthen your case.
- Deposition costs: Depositions involve recording sworn statements from witnesses and experts before trial. This can include paying for court reporters, transcription services, and the location of the deposition.
- Administrative fees: These include costs for copying, mailing, and other office-related expenses that arise while handling your case.
- Travel expenses: If your lawyer or expert witnesses must travel for depositions, hearings, or other case-related tasks, travel costs could be part of the total expenses.
- Mediation or arbitration fees: If your case is settled outside of court through mediation or arbitration, there may be fees associated with these alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods.
These major costs are possible when hiring a personal injury lawyer, but each case is different, so you should ask your lawyer for a clear breakdown of what to expect. You can ask about these expenses before you decide to hire an attorney to handle your case.
How Are Expenses Related to a Personal Injury Case Paid?
Some lawyers cover these costs upfront and deduct them from the final settlement, while others may ask you to pay as the case progresses. The lawyer should explain how they handle these expenses when you review your case with them during an initial consultation.
In cases where the lawyer covers the expenses up front, they will typically deduct these costs from your settlement after taking their contingency fee. This means you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket while the case is ongoing.
However, if your lawyer requires you to pay as expenses arise, you will need to budget for these costs throughout the case. Either way, getting a clear understanding of how expenses will be handled can help you avoid any surprises later on.
Do I Have to Pay the Personal Injury Lawyer if I Lose My Case?
In most personal injury cases handled on a contingency fee basis, you do not have to pay your lawyer if you lose the case. This is because the lawyer collects their fee only if they win or settle your case.
However, because you may still be responsible for other case-related expenses, you can ask your lawyer about these potential costs before signing any agreements.
Can I Negotiate the Lawyer’s Fee?
In many cases, you can negotiate the lawyer’s fee. Some lawyers may be open to adjusting their percentage of the contingency fee, especially if your case is straightforward or expected to settle quickly.
It’s also possible to negotiate how certain case-related expenses are handled, such as whether they will be deducted from your final settlement or billed separately. Always make sure to have a written fee agreement before proceeding with your case so that there are no surprises later.
How Are Legal Fees Deducted from My Injury Settlement?
Once your attorney settles your case, legal fees and expenses are typically deducted from your settlement before you receive your portion. First, the lawyer’s contingency fee is taken as a percentage of the total settlement amount.
Afterward, case-related expenses like court fees, expert witnesses, or medical records charges are deducted. If you recover a settlement, you should receive a clear breakdown of how it was distributed so you can see what was deducted and how much it affects your portion.
Is Getting a Personal Injury Lawyer for My Case Worth It?
Only you can decide if you should hire an attorney to represent you. However, working with a lawyer can benefit your personal injury case. They can work to seek full compensation and handle all the tasks in your case, including:
- Negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you get a fair award.
- Gathering evidence to establish your case.
- Protecting your rights and interests throughout the process.
You can always review a law firm or lawyer’s case results and client reviews to understand their track record, client satisfaction, and how they handle cases similar to yours. This can help you feel confident in your choice and confirm you’re working with a lawyer you can trust.
One advantage is that a lawyer will help keep your case on track and file it within the statute of limitations deadline so you don’t permanently lose your chance to seek compensation. In Washington state, parties generally have three years to sue for injury damages, per state law.
Learn What It Costs to Get a Personal Injury Lawyer – Call Premier Law Group
If you have questions about how much it costs to hire a personal injury lawyer, call Premier Law Group today. We can explain our fee structure, discuss any potential expenses, and walk you through what to expect. Don’t wait—call us for a free consultation and learn how we can help.
With a free consultation, you can get the answers you need without any financial risk. We aim to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us now to see how we can help you seek the awards you deserve.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.