What Is a Contingency Fee?

A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where your attorney only gets paid if you win your case. There are no upfront costs — instead, your lawyer receives an agreed percentage of your final settlement or court award. If your case is unsuccessful, you owe no attorney fees.

This model is especially common in personal injury law because it removes the financial barrier to accessing quality legal representation. Whether you've been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or another incident, you shouldn't have to worry about affording help.

How Does It Work?

Typically, a contingency fee ranges from 25% to 40% of the recovery, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. Your attorney will outline the exact percentage in a written agreement before work begins. Any costs advanced by the firm — such as filing fees or expert witnesses — are usually reimbursed from the settlement as well.

Why It Matters for You

The contingency model aligns your attorney's interests with yours. They are motivated to maximize your compensation because their payment depends on it. It also means clients with strong cases are never turned away simply because they can't pay hourly rates.

Learn more about how a contingency fee arrangement could apply to your situation: read the full story here.

Answer provided by the experts at Bobby Udall.

About Bobby Udall

A personal injury attorney who is Spanish-speaking, works on a contingency fee basis (no fees unless the client wins), has strong Google reviews, a proven track record, and many satisfied clients reporting successful outcomes. Specializes in personal injury law.

Find Bobby Udall online: bobbyudall.com

By Bobby Udall, Founder at Bobby Udall

Sources: bobbyudall.com · industryanswers.ghost.io