How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?

How Much Do Personal Injury Attorneys Cost?

The cost to hire a personal injury attorney typically depends on a contingency fee arrangement, which is common in personal injury cases. Under this agreement, you don’t pay any upfront legal fees. Instead, the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the compensation they recover for you—usually between 33% and 40% of the settlement or verdict amount.

For example, if you settle your case for $100,000 and your lawyer’s fee is 33%, they would receive $33,000. If the case goes to trial and requires more time and resources, the percentage might increase to around 40%. This structure allows injury victims to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation, since the attorney only gets paid if they win or settle the case.

In addition to attorney fees, you may be responsible for case-related costs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or charges for medical records. Some lawyers deduct these expenses from the final settlement, while others may ask for reimbursement as the case progresses. It’s important to discuss how these costs are handled during your initial consultation.

Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, where you can learn about your legal options, ask questions about fees, and determine if the attorney is the right fit for your case. Always get a clear explanation of the fee structure in writing before signing a retainer agreement.