Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers | February 10, 2025 | Personal Injury
If you’ve been injured in an accident in San Diego, California, you might wonder about a lawyer’s payment arrangement. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which gives everyone access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. However, you may be wondering what happens if a lawyer loses your case. Find out more here.
Understanding Contingency Fees In Personal Injury Cases
The typical contingency fee ranges from 33% to 40% of the final settlement or court award. The exact percentage depends on several factors. These important factors that affect your contingency fee include:
- The complexity of your case
- Whether the case goes to trial
- Whether the case is appealed
- The amount of time and resources required
- The potential value of your claim
Understanding these factors helps you make informed decisions about your legal representation.
No Upfront Costs Or Hidden Fees
Under a contingency fee agreement, you pay nothing upfront. Your lawyer covers all the initial costs of building your case.
The typical expenses your attorney will cover include:
- Court filing fees
- Expert witness fees
- Medical record requests
- Accident reconstruction services
- Depositions and transcripts
While your attorney covers these costs initially, these expenses are typically reimbursed from the final settlement, separate from the attorney’s contingency fee percentage.
What Happens If You Lose Your Case?
If your case is unsuccessful, you generally won’t owe your attorney any fees for their time and work. Most reputable firms follow this standard practice to ensure access to justice for all clients.
However, you should carefully review your fee agreement regarding case costs and expenses. Some firms may require clients to reimburse these expenses even if the case is unsuccessful. Make sure you understand these terms before signing any agreement.
Benefits Of Contingency Fee Arrangements
This payment structure offers significant advantages for clients seeking legal representation. Key benefits of the contingency fee system include:
- Access to justice for everyone, regardless of financial status
- Alignment of attorney and client interests
- No financial risk if the case is unsuccessful
- Motivation for attorneys to maximize recovery amounts
These advantages make legal representation accessible to those who need it most.
Understanding Fee Percentages In Legal Cases
The contingency fee percentage might increase if your case goes to trial. This reflects the additional time, expertise, and resources required for court proceedings. Your attorney should explain these details during your initial consultation.
A typical contingency fee agreement outlines different percentages based on the stage of your case. Common fee structures include:
- 33% if the case settles before filing a lawsuit
- 40% if the case goes to trial
- Additional percentage if an appeal becomes necessary
Understanding these varying percentages helps you prepare for different possible outcomes in your case.
Additional Considerations For Your Case
Most personal injury firms offer free initial consultations. You should discuss several important aspects of your potential representation during these meetings. Key questions to ask during your consultation include:
- Specific fee percentages for your case
- How case expenses are handled
- What happens if you terminate the representation
- Whether fees are calculated before or after expenses
Getting clear answers to these questions will help you make an informed decision about your legal representation.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers of Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers in San Diego, CA, for Help Today
For more information, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We proudly serve San Diego County and its surrounding areas:
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
835 5th Avenue #302, San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 551-2090
Available 24/7
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – La Jolla Office
4660 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 585-9031
Available 24/7
