Most people worry that hiring a lawyer means big bills before anything happens. That is not how our firm works. You do not pay us out of pocket. Our fee is paid from the money we recover for you, either through a settlement or a trial judgment. We work on a contingency fee, which means we only get paid if we win money for you.
What “contingency” really means
Contingency ties our fee to the outcome. If there is no recovery, you do not owe an attorney’s fee. If there is a recovery, our fee is a percentage of that result. This model lets you pursue your case without taking on monthly invoices or retainers while you are trying to heal and get back to normal.
The standard percentages you’ll see
Contingency fee agreements in injury cases follow common brackets. The exact terms are written in your agreement, but these are the typical numbers:
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Before a lawsuit is filed: 33 percent
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After a lawsuit is filed: 40 percent
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If the case goes to an appeal: 45 percent
The percentage can rise when a case moves into litigation or appeal because the risk, time, and expenses rise. Complex rules, expert testimony, depositions, and court hearings add work for the legal team and cost exposure for the firm.
Who pays case costs
On top of attorney’s fees, injury cases involve costs. Think expert witness fees, medical record charges, filing fees, deposition transcripts, and investigation expenses. Our firm advances those costs during the case. We are reimbursed only if there is a recovery in your favor. That means you are not reaching into your wallet for every record request or hearing.
What counts as a “recovery”
Recovery means money in your favor. That can be:
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A settlement with an insurance company or defendant
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A judgment entered by a court after trial
Either one triggers the contingency fee and the reimbursement of advanced costs.
A simple example
This is a basic illustration to show the math. It is not a quote and your numbers will vary.
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Suppose your case settles before a lawsuit for 90,000 dollars
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Fee at 33 percent: 29,700 dollars
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Assume case costs advanced by the firm total 3,000 dollars
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Net to you: 90,000 minus 29,700 minus 3,000 equals 57,300 dollars
If the case were filed and settled during litigation, the fee would follow the 40 percent bracket. If an appeal were necessary, the 45 percent bracket would apply. The core idea is the same: the fee and costs come from the recovery, not from your pocket during the case.
Why this model helps injured clients
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No upfront payment barrier
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The firm shares the risk and only gets paid on a result
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Costs are advanced so your case can move forward with the experts and records it needs
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You can focus on treatment while your lawyers handle the legal and procedural grind
What to expect in your agreement
You will receive a written contingency fee agreement that explains:
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The percentage at each stage
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Which costs the firm may advance
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How costs are handled if there is no recovery
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Your right to ask questions and get a full accounting at the end of the case
Read it carefully and ask anything that is not clear. A good agreement should match what you heard in plain language: no out-of-pocket fees, costs advanced by the firm, and payment only from money recovered.
FAQs
Will I ever owe money if we do not win?
Our clients do not pay us out of pocket. Fees and advanced costs are taken only from a recovery in your favor. If there is no recovery, you do not owe an attorney’s fee, and advanced costs are not charged to you.
Why does the percentage go up after filing suit or on appeal?
Litigation and appeals bring more risk and more work, from expert testimony to motion practice to briefing. The higher bracket reflects that added exposure and effort.
What if the insurance company makes a low offer?
You decide whether to accept or reject any offer. We advise you on value, risk, and timing so you can make an informed choice.
When do I get paid?
After a settlement or judgment is finalized and any liens are resolved, the firm issues a closing statement that lists the gross recovery, the fee, itemized costs, liens, and your net check.
Need help with a case or want us to review your situation? Contact Inzina Law and speak with our team about your options on a contingency fee basis.
General information only. Not legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship.