Most people can’t afford to pay a lawyer upfront to fight their car accident case— and that’s where contingency fees can make a major difference. Contingency fees are based on a percentage of your final settlement and only charged if an attorney recovers compensation for you. This arrangement gives you access to legal representation without requiring any money up front. Here is what you need to know about contingency fees for injury lawyers and how they work.
How Do Contingency Fee Arrangements Work?
Under a contingency fee arrangement, your attorney only gets paid if your case results in a successful outcome. Instead of charging you by the hour or requiring a large retainer, your lawyer’s compensation comes as a percentage of whatever settlement or court award you receive. If your case does not succeed, you do not owe attorney fees.
Your lawyer essentially invests their time and resources into your case, sharing both the risk and the reward with you. This arrangement aligns your attorney’s interests with yours—they are motivated to secure the best possible outcome because their compensation depends on your success.
What Are the Typical Percentage Rates and What Do They Cover?
Contingency fee percentages typically range from 25% to 40% of your final settlement or court award, depending on several factors. The complexity of your case plays a major role in determining the percentage, as more complicated cases require additional time and resources. The stage at which your case resolves also matters—cases that settle quickly often have lower percentages than those requiring extensive litigation or trial work.
Your personal injury attorney in Kansas City will explain their fee structure during your initial consultation, helping you understand exactly what percentage applies to your situation and what expenses might be deducted from your settlement. It is important to keep in mind that you may still be responsible for case-related costs and expenses even under a contingency fee arrangement, depending on your attorney’s policies.
These additional costs may include:
- Court filing fees
- Expert witness fees
- Medical record retrieval costs
- Investigation expenses
The Benefits of Contingency Fees for Accident Victims
Contingency fees make legal representation accessible when you need it most. There are many advantages to this arrangement for personal injury victims:
- No Financial Risk: You do not pay attorney fees unless your case succeeds. As a result, you don’t need to worry about legal bills while you are already facing medical expenses and lost income.
- Access to Experienced Representation: Contingency fees allow you to hire attorneys who might otherwise be financially out of reach, providing you with quality legal services regardless of your economic circumstances.
- Focus on Recovery: Without the burden of hourly legal fees, you can concentrate on healing and rebuilding your life while your attorney handles the legal complexities of your case.
Don’t Let Costs Prevent You From Seeking Justice—Contact an Attorney Today
Legal representation should be accessible when you need it most. At Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe, our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing upfront and only pay if we win your case. Contact us at (816) 876-2600 for a free, confidential consultation and learn how we can help without financial risk to you.