The Fee is Free

A contingency fee is a payment arrangement between a client and an attorney in which the lawyer is paid only if the case results in compensation. Instead of charging hourly fees or requiring payment upfront, the attorney receives a percentage of the settlement or verdict obtained in the case.

Contingency fees are commonly used in personal injury cases because they allow injured individuals to pursue legal representation without paying out-of-pocket legal fees at the start of the case.

If the case is successful, the attorney’s fee is typically deducted from the compensation recovered.

In a contingency fee agreement, the attorney agrees to represent the client without charging upfront legal fees. Instead, the attorney is paid a percentage of the compensation recovered if the case is successful.

Before representation begins, the attorney and client sign a written agreement that explains the percentage fee and how case-related expenses may be handled. This agreement ensures both parties clearly understand the terms of the representation.

Because payment depends on recovering compensation, contingency fee arrangements align the attorney’s interests with the client’s goal of pursuing a successful outcome.

In a contingency fee arrangement, you generally do not pay attorney’s fees unless your case is successful. This means your lawyer is paid only if they recover compensation for you through a settlement or a verdict. If there is no recovery, you typically do not owe legal fees.

This structure allows injured individuals to pursue a claim without worrying about paying upfront for legal representation. Instead, the attorney’s fee comes from a percentage of the compensation recovered in the case.

Because payment depends on the outcome, attorneys usually review the details of a case carefully before agreeing to represent a client under a contingency fee agreement.

While contingency fee cases typically do not require upfront legal fees, there may still be expenses associated with building and pursuing the claim. These costs are often necessary to investigate the case and present strong evidence.

Common case-related expenses may include:

• Court filing fees
• Medical record and documentation costs
• Expert witness fees
• Investigation expenses
• Depositions and court reporter fees

In many personal injury cases, law firms advance these costs during the case and recover them from the final settlement or verdict. The exact terms for handling expenses are typically explained in the contingency fee agreement before representation begins.

Pursuing a personal injury claim can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies and complex legal procedures. Having experienced legal representation can help ensure your case is properly investigated and that your rights are protected throughout the process.

Morgan & Morgan is the largest personal injury law firm in the country, with more than 1,000 attorneys and over 35 years of experience representing injured clients. Our firm has recovered more than $30 billion for people harmed by negligence, and we have the resources to take on large corporations and insurance companies.

Morgan & Morgan works on a contingency fee basis, meaning the Fee Is Free™; you only pay if we win your case. If you believe you may have a personal injury claim, you can start today with a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.