A contingency fee is a type of payment arrangement often used in personal injury cases. At the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell, we handle all injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means our clients do not pay any legal fees upfront. Instead, our fee is a percentage of the amount recovered at the end of the case.
If there is no recovery, there is no fee. That is what people mean when they say “no win, no fee.”
How Does a Contingency Fee Work?
When you hire us on a contingency fee basis, you do not pay any upfront legal fees, and we do not bill by the hour. Instead, our fee is a percentage of the total recovery, and we only get paid if we obtain a settlement or verdict in your favor.
We also advance the costs required to build and pursue your case. These may include:
- Filing fees
- Expert witness fees
- Accident reconstruction
- Medical records and reports
- Depositions and court expenses
These case costs are separate from our legal fee and are reimbursed from the final settlement or judgment. We always review these details with you before moving forward so you understand exactly how costs are handled.
Depending on the complexity of the case, these costs can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. Serious injury or wrongful death cases that require multiple experts or extensive litigation tend to involve higher case expenses.
What Happens If You Lose?
If we do not recover compensation for you, you do not owe us anything for attorney’s fees. We take on the risk of the legal work. In some situations, you may still be responsible for reimbursing the advanced case costs, but we explain that possibility clearly up front so you know exactly what to expect before signing anything.
Why Use a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee makes legal representation accessible to people who have been injured and are dealing with medical bills, lost income, or damage to their vehicle. It allows you to pursue your case without taking on financial risk. We are only paid if you are.
This arrangement also aligns our goals with yours. We have every reason to fight for the best possible result because our compensation depends on it.
Is There a Standard Contingency Fee in California?
There is no fixed fee percentage required by California law, but most personal injury lawyers charge between 33% and 40% depending on the complexity of the case. Cases that go to trial or involve appeals may have higher percentages because of the additional work involved.
We always explain the percentage and how costs are handled before you sign any agreement.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you were injured in an accident and are unsure about hiring an attorney, a contingency fee allows you to get help without worrying about paying out of pocket. At the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell, we offer free consultations and never charge a fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact us today to talk to a California personal injury attorney at no cost.
