This article is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different. Talk to an attorney about yours.
The basic idea
In a contingency arrangement, your lawyer’s fee is a percentage of what they recover for you. If there’s no recovery, there’s no attorney fee.
Fees versus costs
Case costs, like filing fees, expert witnesses and medical records, are different from attorney fees. Ask how costs are handled if the case is lost, and whether they come out before or after the fee is calculated.
Get it in writing
A reputable firm will explain the percentage, how it may change if the case goes to trial, and how costs are handled, all in a written agreement before work begins.
Written by
Eleanor Vale
Managing Partner, Trial Lawyer
