How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge?

Clayton T. Hasbrook

Written by Clayton T. Hasbrook. Last modified on December 16, 2024

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How much do personal injury lawyers charge

When someone is injured because of another individual’s actions, they may need a personal injury lawyer. Hiring a lawyer helps ensure they receive compensation for lost earnings, hospital bills, and other damages. However, many people wonder about the cost of hiring legal help.

Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers help clients in Oklahoma understand personal injury lawyer fees. We believe everyone deserves access to justice, no matter their financial situation. Most personal injury cases involve contingency fees, which means you don’t pay unless your lawyer wins. This structure makes it easier for clients to afford legal services.

Understanding how personal injury lawyer costs work is important. It allows you to plan and make informed decisions.

 

Most Personal Injury Lawyers Work on a Contingency Fee

Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency fee

Many personal injury lawyers use a contingency fee structure. This means clients do not pay upfront. Instead, the lawyer’s payment depends on winning the case.

Some of the ways of how the contingency fee agreements work and what costs to expect are:

 

Typical Percentages Charged by Lawyers

In most personal injury cases, lawyers charge a percentage of the settlement or court award. This is known as the contingency fee percentage. Typically, personal injury lawyers charge between 33% and 40%.

The exact percentage often depends on the complexity of the case. If the case settles quickly, the percentage may be lower. However, if the case requires going to court or extensive legal work, the percentage may increase.

This system ensures the lawyer is motivated to secure a fair settlement for the client. Since you don’t pay upfront, contingency fees make it easier for injured people to get legal help.

Additional Costs for Filing and Case Expenses

Contingency fees cover the lawyer’s payment, but additional costs can arise during personal injury cases. These include filing fees, court costs, and expert witness fees. For example, filing fees are required to submit a lawsuit, and court fees apply during legal proceedings.

Other expenses might include medical records, witness fees, and investigations. Some personal injury attorneys cover these costs upfront and deduct them from the final settlement. Others may ask clients to pay certain expenses as the case progresses.

It’s important to understand what additional costs may apply. Discussing these details with your lawyer ensures there are no surprises during the legal process.

Factors That Affect Legal Fees

Legal fees in personal injury cases vary based on several factors. These include the complexity of the case, the time it takes to resolve, and whether the case goes to trial.

A few key factors that influence personal injury lawyer costs include:

Complexity and Length of the Case

The complexity and length of a personal injury case can significantly affect legal fees. Simple cases, like minor car accidents with clear liability, often resolve quickly. These cases may involve lower fees since less time and effort are required.

However, complex cases, such as those involving multiple parties or severe injuries, require more work. Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and negotiating with the insurance company take time. If legal research or specialized knowledge is needed, the costs can increase.

The longer a case takes to resolve, the higher the associated fees. Complex cases often demand a more thorough approach, which impacts overall costs.

Need for Expert Witnesses or Investigations

Expert witnesses and detailed investigations can strengthen a personal injury claim. However, they can also add to the overall costs. Expert witness fees, such as those for medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists, can be expensive.

Investigations may involve hiring specialists to examine accident scenes, gather evidence, or provide technical analysis. These steps can help prove fault or demonstrate the severity of injuries.

While these services improve your chances of success, they increase legal expenses. Discussing these potential costs with your lawyer upfront ensures transparency and prepares you for what to expect.

Whether the Case Goes to Trial

Most personal injury cases settle out of court. Settlements are usually faster and cost less. However, if a case goes to trial, legal fees often increase.

Trials require more preparation, including drafting legal arguments, questioning witnesses, and presenting evidence in court. Court fees also add to the overall cost. While trials are more expensive, they may result in higher compensation if the case is strong.

The decision to settle or go to trial should consider the case’s strength and potential outcomes.

The Skill and Track Record of the Lawyer

The experience and skill of your personal injury lawyer can affect the fees they charge. Lawyers with a very strong track record of winning cases may charge higher contingency fees. Their expertise often leads to better settlements or trial outcomes.

Experienced lawyers know how to haggle with insurance companies, gather compelling evidence, and build strong arguments. They often handle complex cases with confidence, giving clients an advantage.

While hiring a highly skilled lawyer might cost more, their ability to secure a fair settlement can save you money in the long run. Choosing the right lawyer is an investment in your case’s success.

Benefits of Contingency Fee Arrangements

Benefits of contingency fee arrangements

Contingency fee agreements provide many benefits for personal injury clients. They allow people to pursue justice without worrying about upfront costs or hourly fees. This arrangement aligns the lawyer’s success with the client’s success.

A few of the key advantages of contingency fees include:

No Upfront Costs for Clients

Contingency fee agreements eliminate the need for upfront payments. This means clients don’t have to pay their personal injury lawyer until the case is resolved. If the lawyer doesn’t win the case, the client owes nothing for legal services.

This arrangement is especially helpful for those facing unexpected medical expenses or lost income. Without upfront costs, clients can focus on recovery instead of worrying about legal bills. The lawyer takes on the financial risk, giving the client access to quality legal representation without immediate financial strain.

Aligning Lawyer Incentives With Case Outcomes

Under contingency fee agreements, the lawyer’s payment depends on winning the case. This creates a strong incentive for the lawyer to work hard for the best outcome. The more compensation the client receives, the higher the lawyer’s payment.

This alignment of interests motivates personal injury attorneys to build strong cases, negotiate effectively, and, if necessary, fight aggressively in court. Clients can feel confident that their attorney is fully invested in their success.

Contingency fees ensure that lawyers and clients share the same goal: securing a fair settlement or court award.

Flexibility for Those With Limited Financial Resources

Many people hesitate to pursue personal injury claims because of financial concerns. Contingency fee agreements remove this barrier. Clients don’t need to worry about paying legal fees upfront, making legal representation accessible to those with limited financial resources.

This flexibility allows injured individuals to seek compensation for hospital expenses, lost earnings, and other damages without financial risk. It levels the playing field, making sure that everybody has access to justice, regardless of their income or savings.

Contingency fees make it possible for any individual to hire a skilled and an experienced personal injury lawyer to fight for their rights.

We Adjust Our Payment Structure To Be Affordable for Our Clients

Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers understand that pursuing a personal injury lawsuit can feel overwhelming. Court filing fees, legal fees, and other expenses may seem like barriers to seeking justice. That’s why we make our payment structure as affordable as possible.

Our firm operates under a contingency fee agreement, which means you only pay if we win your case. This arrangement eliminates upfront costs and allows you to focus on recovery. Whether your case involves complex personal injury law issues or a straightforward claim, we are committed to providing accessible legal services.

We also discuss all potential costs, including court filing fees, upfront. Transparency is key to ensuring our clients feel confident about the process. With Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers, you’ll receive high-quality legal representation tailored to your needs without unnecessary financial stress.

Call Our Oklahoma Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Call our Oklahoma personal injury lawyer for a free consultation

If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help. Our experienced personal injury lawyers fight to get you the compensation you deserve. From medical expenses to lost wages, we work hard to secure a fair verdict or settlement.

We understand the challenges of pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. That’s why we offer a contingency fee agreement. You don’t pay unless we win. This structure ensures that legal fees won’t stand in the way of your recovery. We also explain all potential costs, like court filing fees, so there are no surprises.

Personal injury law can be complex, but you don’t have to face it alone. Contact our us today for a free consultation. Let us take care of your case, answer your questions, and help you take the first step toward justice.

Fact-Checked

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Clayton T. Hasbrook who has years of legal experience as a personal injury lawyer. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.