How Much My Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

One of the biggest issues that come up when meeting with a personal injury lawyer for the first time is how much his or her services are going to cost. Every case is unique and will have a unique set of factors that play into the cost, though there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to the cost of a personal injury lawyer.

Many Work on a Contingency Fee Basis

Personal injury lawyers realize you didn’t ask for your injury and probably weren’t saving up for the possibility of having to pay a lawyer. In a lot of solid personal injury cases, the lawyer works on something called a contingency fee basis. This basically means the lawyer doesn’t ask for any money up front, but will take a percentage of the settlement before the client sees any of the money him or herself. Often times, a contingency fee is around 33%, though it could be higher or lower based on experience, the type of injury, the personal situation of the injured and other factors.

There May Be Additional Costs

Aside from your lawyer fee, you may have other costs that come up during the course of your case. For example, you have to pay a fee to file your case with the court. If papers are being served to another party, you may have to pay to have that done. There are sometimes other clerical fees as well, which are typically your responsibility.

During the course of your case, an investigation may take place. Any investigators will need to be paid for their services. Your lawyer might also consult with professionals who can support your case, and you may have to pay them as well. Some witnesses will also get paid, though it’s not necessarily for testimony, but for time lost preparing for the case and spending that time in court.

Some lawyers include these fees in the contingency fee and you pay all at once. Others ask their clients to pay for them as they arise during the case. Speaking with your attorney is the best way to determine these additional costs and whether you’ll need to find the money to pay them.

Contacting an Attorney

If you were injured in an accident, a personal injury lawyer may become your best friend.