If you are thinking about hiring a personal injury lawyer after an accident, one of your first questions is likely: how much will it cost? At the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell, we understand that cost is a major concern, especially when you are dealing with medical bills, missed work, or car repairs. The good news is that hiring a personal injury lawyer in California typically does not require any upfront payment.
We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
Like most personal injury firms in California, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay anything upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our fee is taken as a percentage of your final settlement or verdict.
If there is no recovery, you do not owe us anything for attorney’s fees. This is often referred to as a “no win, no fee” arrangement.
What Percentage Do Lawyers Charge?
The percentage charged depends on the case and how far it goes. Most personal injury lawyers in California charge:
- 33% of the settlement in a standard case that resolves before a lawsuit is filed
- 40% or more if the case goes to trial or involves an appeal
We clearly explain our fee structure before you sign anything, so there are no surprises later.
What About Case Costs?
There are expenses involved in preparing and pursuing a personal injury case, including:
- Filing fees
- Medical records
- Expert witness fees
- Court reporting services
- Accident reconstruction
At our firm, we advance these costs during your case. In most cases, they are repaid out of the final settlement or award. You are not expected to pay out-of-pocket while your case is ongoing.
We make sure all of this is explained in writing before we begin work on your case.
What If You Do Not Win?
If we are not able to recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing for attorney’s fees. We take on the financial risk so you can focus on your recovery without worrying about how to pay for legal help.
Is Hiring a Lawyer Worth the Cost?
In most cases, yes. People who hire personal injury lawyers generally recover more in compensation than those who try to handle claims alone, even after paying attorney fees. Insurance companies often offer low settlements to unrepresented individuals. A lawyer helps level the playing field and pushes for a fair outcome.
Talk to Us About Your Case, Free of Charge
At the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell, we believe everyone deserves access to legal help after an injury. That is why we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay us unless we recover compensation for you.
Call us today to schedule your free consultation and get answers to your questions.
