One of the most common questions potential clients have when seeking legal help after an injury is: “How much do personal injury lawyers take?” It’s an important question, and we understand why you want to be clear on fees before moving forward with a case.
The good news is that most personal injury lawyers, including The Law Office of Portnoi & Reed P.C., work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay your lawyer unless you win your case. It’s a system designed to ensure that your lawyer is fully invested in your success.
Let’s break down how contingency fees work, what factors influence them, and why they benefit you as a client.
How Contingency Fees Work
A contingency fee is a percentage of the total amount your lawyer helps you recover in a personal injury case. If you win your case (whether through a settlement or verdict), your lawyer receives a pre-agreed percentage of that recovery.
- Common Fee Range: The personal injury lawyer’s percentage typically falls between 33% to 40%, depending on the case and where you are in the legal process.
- 33% is common if the case settles early.
- 40% might apply if the case goes to trial, as trials involve more time and resources.
- 33% is common if the case settles early.
Since personal injury lawyers working on contingency don’t get paid unless you win, they are motivated to secure the best outcome possible for your case.
Factors Affecting the Percentage
Several factors can influence the percentage that your personal injury lawyer will take. These include:
- Complexity of the Case: The more complex your case, the higher the lawyer’s fee might be. For instance, cases that require extensive investigation, expert witnesses, or multiple parties may involve a higher percentage.
- Settlement vs. Trial: If your case settles quickly without going to trial, the lawyer’s fee may be closer to 33%. However, if your case goes to trial, the fee may rise to 40% or higher, as trials require more time and resources.
- Risk: Lawyers will often adjust their fees based on the perceived risk of the case. For example, if the chances of success are uncertain or there’s a strong defense, the lawyer may charge a higher contingency percentage to balance the risk.
The bottom line is that the complexity of your case and how it progresses will directly affect the percentage your lawyer takes.
Why a Contingency Fee is Beneficial for Clients
Contingency fees offer several advantages for clients, especially when compared to other payment arrangements:
- No Upfront Fees: You don’t need to pay anything upfront. Lawyers working on contingency only get paid when you win, so there’s no financial burden on you during your case.
- Aligned Interests: Because your lawyer only gets paid if you win, their interests are aligned with yours. They are motivated to win your case or secure the highest possible settlement for you, knowing that their compensation depends on the outcome.
- Access to Legal Help: For many people, hiring a lawyer upfront can be prohibitively expensive. Contingency fees make it possible for more people to access experienced legal help, regardless of their financial situation.
Are There Any Other Costs or Fees?
While contingency fees cover your lawyer’s compensation, there are sometimes additional costs associated with a personal injury case. These can include:
- Court Fees: Filing fees for documents and other court-related expenses.
- Expert Witness Fees: If your case requires expert testimony (e.g., medical professionals or accident reconstructionists), those experts will charge for their services.
- Investigation Costs: Fees for private investigators or accident reconstruction experts, if necessary.
At The Law Office of Portnoi & Reed P.C., we’ll always be transparent about any potential costs involved in your case. We ensure that you understand the financial side of things before proceeding and will keep you informed about any fees that come up during the process.
When you hire a personal injury lawyer on a contingency fee basis, you’re not only ensuring that your lawyer is motivated to win your case, but you’re also gaining access to experienced legal help without any upfront costs.
At The Law Office of Portnoi & Reed P.C., we believe in making the legal process as clear and stress-free as possible. Our contingency fee arrangement means you don’t pay unless we win your case. Our goal is to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured and are considering legal help, call us now for a free consultation to discuss how we can help you win your case.
