If you’ve been injured in an accident, you’re probably worried about medical bills, lost wages, and how you’ll afford legal help.
The good news? The cost to hire a personal injury lawyer is often more affordable than you think.
Many people assume lawyers are expensive, but most personal injury attorneys—including us—operate on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and your lawyer only gets paid if you win your injury claim.
In this guide, we’ll break down how personal injury law handles legal fees, explain common costs associated with a case, and show you how to ensure you get the best legal representation without breaking the bank.
Contact our San Angelo personal injury attorney today for a free consultation—no upfront costs, no risk, and we only get paid if you win.
Understanding Personal Injury Lawyer Fees
What is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee agreement means your lawyer’s payment is contingent on winning your case. Instead of charging hourly rates or requiring upfront payments, your attorney gets a percentage of your final settlement or court award.
Why is this beneficial for you?
- No upfront costs – You don’t have to pay out of pocket.
- Risk-free representation – If you don’t win, you owe nothing.
- Lawyer motivation – As your attorney, we are incentivized to recover compensation for you.
What Percentage Do Personal Injury Lawyers Take From a Settlement?
The exact percentage your lawyer takes depends on how far your case progresses.
Typical percentages might be:
- 33% if the case settles before filing a lawsuit.
- 36% if a lawsuit is filed but settles before trial.
- 40% if the case goes to trial.
Example: If your case settles for $100,000 with a 35% contingency fee agreement, your lawyer receives $35,000, and you take home $65,000 (minus case expenses).
We only get paid if you win – contact our West Texas personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.
How Are Legal Expenses Covered?
Even with a contingency fee agreement, lawsuits come with additional costs associated with building your case. Some lawyers front these costs and deduct them later, while others require payment as they arise.
Common legal expenses in a personal injury case:
- Court filing fees – $100–$500
- Transcripts & depositions – $500+ per session
- Investigation costs – Police reports, medical records, private investigators
- Expert witness fees – Medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists ($500–$10,000+)
Some lawyers cover these costs upfront and only deduct them if you win. Others may require you to pay as the case progresses. Always ask your attorney how they handle expenses in the fee agreement.
What Are the Hidden Costs in a Personal Injury Case?
Even with a contingency fee agreement, certain deductions can impact how much money you actually take home.
- Medical liens – If your health insurer or a medical provider paid for treatment, they may claim part of your settlement.
- Fee calculation differences – Some lawyers take their fee before deducting expenses, while others deduct expenses first—leaving you with a slightly larger payout.
- Unexpected costs – Ask about potential charges for gathering evidence and case-related expenses so you’re not caught off guard.
Is Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Worth It?
Many accident victims wonder if hiring a lawyer really makes a difference in their injury claim. The answer? Absolutely.
Here’s why:
- Higher settlements – Studies show claimants with attorneys receive three times more than those who negotiate alone.
- Legal expertise – Lawyers handle negotiations, paperwork, and court appearances.
- No risk – With legal fees based on contingency, you only pay if you win.
Without our, you risk settling for far less than you deserve—or nothing at all.
Call now to speak with our Lubbock personal injury attorney and find out how much your case is worth.
How to Negotiate Attorney Fees and Save Money
Many people don’t realize that attorney fees are not always set in stone. In some cases, you can negotiate a fee structure that works best for your situation.
1. Ask About Tiered Fee Structures
Some law firms offer tiered contingency fees, meaning the percentage might vary depending on when your case is resolved.
- A lower percentage (around 25%–30%) might apply if your case is settled quickly before a lawsuit is filed.
- A standard contingency fee (33%–36%) applies if your attorney needs to file a lawsuit but resolves the case before trial.
- A higher fee (up to 40%) is usually charged if your case goes to trial due to the increased time and work involved.
Negotiating a tiered structure with your lawyer could save you money, especially if you have a strong case that is likely to settle early.
2. Inquire About Expense Handling
Even though lawyers work on contingency, there are still costs associated with handling your case. Some firms will front these costs, covering expenses such as:
- Filing fees
- Medical records and police report retrieval
- Depositions and court transcripts
- Expert witness fees
Other firms may require you to cover these costs as they arise, which could create financial strain. Always clarify upfront how expenses apply to your case and whether they will be deducted from your personal injury settlement or paid separately.
3. Compare Multiple Lawyers
Not all attorneys charge the same fees, and different law firms may offer varied fee agreements based on their experience, reputation, and confidence in your case. To get the best possible outcome, take the time to:
- Schedule consultations with multiple attorneys.
- Ask about their contingency fee percentage and whether they offer tiered structures.
- Discuss how they handle case expenses.
- Evaluate their experience in handling cases similar to yours.
We encourage you to compare lawyers before making a decision. Finding the right attorney with fair fees and a proven track record can make a huge difference in the legal process and the final amount you receive from your settlement.
Contact us now to speak with our Abilene personal injury lawyer and find out how much your case is worth.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Hiring a personal injury lawyer shouldn’t add to your stress—it should relieve it. With a contingency fee agreement, you won’t have to worry about upfront legal costs, and your attorney will only receive a percentage of the settlement if you win your case. This ensures that your lawyer is fully invested in securing the maximum compensation possible for you.
If you’ve been injured and need legal guidance, don’t wait. The sooner you have a skilled attorney on your side, the better your chances of building a strong case and achieving the best possible outcome.
- Call our law firm now for a free, no-risk initial consultation.
- Fill out our online form to discuss your case today.
We don’t get paid unless you win—contact us now!
We Serve Texas Clients in Multiple Locations:
FAQs
What percentage does a lawyer get in a settlement case?
A personal injury lawyer in Texas typically works on a contingency fee basis, meaning they take a percentage of your settlement only if you win. The standard percentage is usually:
- 33% if your case settles before a lawsuit is filed
- 36% if it settles after filing but before trial
- 40% if it goes to trial
For example, if you receive a $100,000 settlement and your lawyer’s exact percentage is 35%, they would receive $35,000, and you would keep $65,000 after other costs associated with your case are deducted.
Is it worth hiring an attorney for a car accident?
Yes, hiring an attorney for a car accident is often worth it. Insurance companies try to minimize payouts, and without legal knowledge, you might not realize how much compensation you are entitled to. Studies show that injury victims with attorneys receive, on average, three times more compensation than those who handle their claims alone.
A personal injury lawyer in Texas also takes care of negotiations, legal paperwork, and gathering evidence, allowing you to focus on recovery rather than fighting with the insurance company.
What happens if I lose my case?
If you lose your case, you do not owe your lawyer any legal fees. Because personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee, they only get paid if they secure a settlement or win in court. However, some firms require clients to cover certain costs associated with the case, such as court filing fees or expert witness costs, regardless of the outcome. It’s important to ask your lawyer upfront whether they cover these costs or if you might be responsible for them.
Do all personal injury lawyers charge the same fees?
No, the cost of hiring a personal injury attorney can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The complexity of the case
- The lawyer’s experience and reputation
- The location where your case is handled
While the standard contingency fee agreement ranges from 33% to 40%, some lawyers may be open to negotiation or offer different fee structures. It’s always a good idea to compare a few attorneys before making a decision.
How much do personal injury lawyers make per case?
How much a personal injury lawyer makes per case depends entirely on the settlement amount and the agreed-upon contingency fee agreement.
- If a lawyer represents a client in a case that settles for $100,000 and charges a 35% contingency fee, they would earn $35,000.
- If the case is more complex and results in a million-dollar settlement, the lawyer could make $350,000 before deducting legal fees and other costs associated with the case.
Since personal injury law works on contingency, lawyer earnings fluctuate significantly based on the number of cases they take on and the settlements they secure for their clients.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Texas shouldn’t add to your stress—it should relieve it. If you’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, contact our team today for a free consultation.
