Brian White | November 16, 2024 | Personal Injury
You might wonder how lawyers get paid if you’ve been injured and think you might have a personal injury case. Personal injury cases can get complicated, and understanding how lawyer fees work is essential. In this article, we’ll break down what percentage lawyers typically take from personal injury cases so you know what to expect.
What are Contingency Fees?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a “contingency fee” basis. This means their payment depends on the outcome of your case. If you win or settle your case, the lawyer gets paid a percentage of the money you receive. If you don’t win, the lawyer usually doesn’t get paid.
Lawyers use contingency fees mainly to help people who might need help to afford to pay lawyers up-front. This way, anyone who has been injured can have access to legal assistance.
Standard Percentage Rates
The percentage that lawyers take from a personal injury case can vary. Still, it typically ranges from 33% to 40% of the settlement amount. In Texas, like many other states, this percentage might depend on several factors, including how complicated the case is and how much time the lawyer expects to spend on it.
For example, if your case settles without going to court, the fee might be 33%. However, if your case goes to trial, involving more work from your lawyer, the cost might increase to 40%. The lawyers and clients usually agree on the percentage before starting the case, and this will be spelled out in a document called a “contingency fee agreement.”
Are There Any Other Costs?
Aside from the lawyer’s percentage, there might be additional costs associated with your case. These costs could include charges for filing fees, investigators, expert witnesses, and obtaining medical records. Sometimes, your lawyer pays these costs upfront and deducts them from your settlement. Ensure you understand how these costs will be handled before signing agreements with your lawyer.
Important Questions to Ask
When discussing fees with a lawyer, there are some critical questions you should ask to avoid any surprises later on:
- What percentage of my recovery is your fee? Confirm the exact percentage the lawyer will take if you win your case.
- What happens if we go to trial? Ask if the percentage will change if the case does not settle and goes to trial.
- Are there any additional costs? Find out what other costs you might be responsible for and when they must be paid.
- How are costs handled? Ask if costs are deducted before or after the lawyer’s fee is taken from your settlement.
Asking these questions upfront ensures transparency, helping you understand the potential costs and commitments involved, so you can make informed decisions about your personal injury case.
Why Such Percentages?
You might wonder why the percentages are set between 33% to 40%. The main reason is that personal injury cases can be very time-consuming and might require a lot of resources, including the lawyer’s expertise, their team’s time, and sometimes hiring additional professionals.
For example, suppose your case involves serious injuries, lots of medical records, or expert witnesses. In that case, preparation can be quite complex and thus more costly. The contingency fee reflects the risk lawyers take in representing you. If they don’t win, they will retain the time, effort, and money they invested into your case.
Contact a Clear Lake Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim
Understanding how lawyer fees work in personal injury cases can help you make informed choices. Always discuss fees upfront and make sure you are comfortable with the agreement. Remember, personal injury lawyers are there to help you get the best outcome possible with the resources and expertise they provide.
Talking to a personal injury lawyer can clarify if you’re considering an injury claim and want to know more about how attorney fees work. It’s their job to ensure you fully understand the costs and processes involved in your case.
At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the complexities of personal injury cases. If you’ve been injured and have questions about legal fees or other concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation.
Navigating legal conversations can be daunting, but having the proper knowledge and team can make all the difference. Whether understanding fees or fighting an insurance company, having legal experts who prioritize your well-being and recovery is crucial as you seek justice and compensation.
For more information, contact the Clear Lake personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Houston
3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350
Houston, TX 77098
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy
11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06
Houston, TX 77029
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – South Loop
2600 S Loop W, Suite 293
Houston, TX 77054
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Katy Freeway
11511 Katy Fwy Suite 515
Houston, TX 77079
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Burnet
205 S Pierce St.
Burnet, TX 78611
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Clear Lake
1300 Bay Area Blvd Suite B268
Houston, TX 77058
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – The Woodlands
1776 Woodstead Ct ste 203,
The Woodlands, TX 77380
