What Percentage Do Lawyers Take for a Personal Injury Case?

chapmanlaw
Jan 15
4 min read

If you've recently been injured in an accident and are considering hiring a personal injury lawyer, one of the first questions on your mind might be: What percentage do lawyers take for a personal injury case? At Chapman Law Firm, we understand that navigating through an injury case can be overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with it. Serving clients in ND & MT, we're here to give you the answers you need while ensuring that your rights are protected.

Let’s break it down and give you the full picture of how personal injury lawyers typically get paid and how this can impact your case.

Understanding Personal Injury Law and the Role of Lawyers

Personal injury law is designed to help individuals who have been injured due to the negligence or wrongful actions of others. This can include accidents from car collisions, slip-and-fall incidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and more. When it comes to hiring a lawyer to help with your personal injury case, it's crucial to understand how their payment structure works.

Most personal injury lawyers, including those at Chapman Law Firm, operate on a contingency fee basis. But what does that mean for you, the client?

What is a Contingency Fee?

A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where a lawyer only gets paid if they win your case or secure a settlement on your behalf. In other words, you don’t have to worry about paying any upfront costs for your lawyer’s services. If your case is successful, the lawyer will take a percentage of the settlement or verdict as their fee.

The beauty of this setup is that it allows people who might not otherwise afford legal representation to still have access to justice. At Chapman Law Firm, we understand the financial burdens you may already be facing, and we are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve without charging you anything upfront.

How Much Do Lawyers Take in Personal Injury Cases?

The typical percentage lawyers take in a personal injury case ranges from 25% to 40%. However, the exact percentage can vary based on several factors. Let’s explore some of the key factors that might influence how much a lawyer will take from your personal injury settlement:

1. Complexity of the Case

Simple cases might cost less to handle because there’s less legal work involved. For example, if you’ve been involved in a minor car accident and the insurance company is willing to offer a fair settlement quickly, your lawyer might take a lower percentage (around 25%).

However, if your case is complex, such as a long-term injury or involves significant legal battles with insurance companies, lawyers may charge a higher percentage (up to 40%) due to the increased time, effort, and resources required to pursue your case.

2. Stage of the Case

The stage at which your case is resolved can also impact the lawyer’s fee. If a settlement is reached quickly and before the case goes to trial, the lawyer might take a lower percentage. If your case has to go to trial, the lawyer’s fee may be higher because litigation is more time-consuming and expensive.

3. Negotiation Between Lawyer and Client

It’s essential to have a clear understanding of the percentage from the outset. Before signing any agreement, discuss the fee structure with your lawyer to ensure that you’re comfortable with the terms. You might be able to negotiate the fee, particularly if you have a straightforward case, or if the lawyer is confident in the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

What Happens if Your Lawyer Doesn’t Win Your Case?

One of the major advantages of a contingency fee arrangement is that if your lawyer doesn’t win or settle your case, you don’t owe them anything. This can provide peace of mind as you know you won’t be financially burdened if your case doesn’t result in compensation.

At Chapman Law Firm, we work diligently to ensure that you receive the justice you deserve. Our team is committed to fighting for your rights and achieving the best possible outcome in your personal injury case, whether it involves negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court.

Other Costs Involved in a Personal Injury Case

While lawyers typically charge a contingency fee, there might be additional costs that are not included in this percentage. These can include court filing fees, expert witness fees, investigation costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. Be sure to discuss these potential costs with your lawyer beforehand so you know exactly what to expect.

In some cases, a lawyer may agree to cover these costs upfront and then deduct them from your settlement once the case is resolved. This arrangement can vary from lawyer to lawyer, so be sure to clarify this before signing any agreement.

Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

When it comes to hiring a personal injury lawyer in ND or MT, choosing someone you trust is essential. Your lawyer will be your advocate throughout the entire process, so it’s important to work with someone who is experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable about personal injury law.

At Chapman Law Firm, we pride ourselves on providing reliable representation for personal injury claims. With over 25 years of experience, our team is dedicated to helping clients secure the compensation they deserve for their injuries. If you’ve been injured in an accident, give us a call today for a free consultation.

Conclusion: Get the Compensation You Deserve

The percentage that personal injury lawyers take can vary, but the most important thing is to understand how the contingency fee works and to ensure that you’re comfortable with the terms. At Chapman Law Firm, we strive to make the process as transparent as possible, so you can focus on recovering while we focus on getting you the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured and want to discuss your case, contact Chapman Law Firm today. We offer free consultations to help you understand your options and get the process started. Let us help you get the justice you deserve—because when you win, we win!