Do personal injury lawyers charge upfront fees?

No. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay no retainer or hourly fees. The attorney only gets paid if they obtain a settlement or verdict for you.

What percentage do lawyers take in a contingency fee?

Contingency fees typically range from 33⅓% to 40% of the recovery. The exact percentage depends on case complexity and stage (pre-suit, litigation, trial or appeal) and will be outlined in your fee agreement.

Who pays case expenses—and what if we lose?

Firms commonly advance case costs (experts, filings, records). These are usually reimbursed from the recovery. Policies vary by firm and jurisdiction; your fee agreement will spell out whether you owe any advanced costs if there’s no recovery.

When do I pay the fee and how is my settlement distributed?

Fees and any reimbursable costs are deducted from the settlement or verdict at disbursement. Your agreement will explain the order of deductions and provide a final accounting before funds are released to you.

Can I negotiate the contingency fee?

Sometimes. Factors include case risk, complexity, anticipated costs, and stage of representation. Ask the firm whether the percentage changes if a lawsuit or trial is required.

Will my case go to court, and does that affect the fee?

Most cases settle before trial. If litigation or trial is necessary, the fee percentage may be higher because of the added time, work, and expense. The specific tiers appear in your contract.

When should I hire a personal injury lawyer?

As soon as possible. Early representation helps preserve evidence, manage insurer contact, and protect deadlines. Most firms offer a free consultation to explain fees and next steps.

September 5, 2025

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

Q: How much it costs to hire a lawyer for a personal injury case?

With a contingency fee, there’s no upfront cost. The cost to hire the lawyer is an agreed percentage of the settlement or verdict, paid from the recovery at the end of the case.

Hand holding a business card that reads ‘Personal Injury Lawyer’ For the vast majority of personal injury cases, hiring a lawyer costs you nothing out of pocket. Most experienced personal injury attorneys work on what is called a contingency fee basis, which means their fee is a percentage of the money they recover for you. If they don’t win your case, you don’t owe them an attorney’s fee.

This system is designed to give you, the injured person, a fighting chance. It levels the playing field, allowing you to access top-tier legal representation without having to pay any upfront retainers or hourly bills.

What is a Contingency Fee? A Deeper Look

The term “contingency fee” means the lawyer’s payment is contingent upon a successful outcome. If you’re wondering how much it costs to hire a lawyer for a personal injury case, this model explains it: you don’t pay upfront—rather, you agree to a set percentage of any recovery. It’s a partnership. Your legal team invests their time, experience, and financial resources into building your case and is paid from the settlement or verdict only if they win. A firm that takes your case on contingency is signaling confidence in its ability to succeed.

What is a typical percentage?

The standard contingency fee percentage can vary, but it often falls between 33.3% and 40%. The exact percentage will be clearly outlined in the agreement you sign with your attorney before any work begins. This percentage might change depending on the stage at which your case is resolved. For example:

Settlement Before a Lawsuit is Filed: A case that settles during the initial negotiation phase with the insurance company may have a lower percentage.
Settlement After a Lawsuit is Filed: If a lawsuit needs to be filed and the case proceeds through litigation (including depositions, discovery, and extensive legal motions), the percentage may be higher to reflect the significant increase in work and resources required.
Resolution Through Trial or Appeal: If your case goes to a full trial or is appealed by the other side, the fee might be at the higher end of the range due to the immense preparation and skill involved in courtroom litigation and appellate work.

A trustworthy attorney will walk you through their fee structure and the written agreement, answering every question you have until you feel completely comfortable. The goal is total transparency, so you can focus on what matters most: your health and your family.

Are There Other Costs Besides the Lawyer's Fee?

In addition to the attorney's fee (which covers their time and effort), every lawsuit involves case costs and expenses. These are the funds needed to build a powerful and persuasive case on your behalf.

Common case costs in a personal injury lawsuit include:

Expert Witness Fees: This is often the largest expense. To prove the extent of your injuries and the fault of the other party, your legal team may need to hire highly qualified experts. These can include medical doctors to explain your future treatment needs, accident reconstructionists to prove how a crash occurred, economists to calculate your lost future income, and vocational experts to testify about your inability to work. Their experience is crucial for demonstrating the true value of your claim to an insurance company or a jury.
Court Filing Fees: Every court requires fees to file a lawsuit and subsequent legal documents.
Deposition Costs: Depositions are formal, sworn interviews of witnesses, defendants, and experts. Costs include hiring a court reporter to create a transcript and sometimes a videographer to record the session.
Investigation Costs: This can include hiring investigators to find and interview witnesses, take photographs of the accident scene, and uncover important evidence.
Medical Record Retrieval: Your legal team will need to gather all of your medical records and bills, and there are fees for obtaining these documents.
Trial Exhibits: If your case goes to trial, creating compelling visual aids like charts, diagrams, models, and video presentations is essential for helping a jury understand the complex details of your case.

How are these costs handled?

Just like the attorney's fee, you should not have to pay these costs out of your own pocket. A well-established and reputable personal injury firm will have the financial resources to advance all of these case costs for you. They essentially front the money needed to build your case properly, bearing the financial risk.

These advanced costs are then typically reimbursed to the law firm from the final settlement or verdict, after the attorney’s fee is calculated. Most importantly, in Missouri, if you do not win your case, you are generally not responsible for repaying these advanced costs. This removes another financial barrier and source of anxiety for you and your family.

The Value of an Experienced Attorney: Is It Worth the Fee?

Lawyer reviewing documents at a desk with a client at a law office Now you might be thinking, "If the lawyer takes a percentage, wouldn't I get more money by just handling the claim myself with the insurance company?"

It’s a logical question, but in almost every case, the answer is a resounding no. Studies and industry data have consistently shown that accident victims who have experienced legal representation receive significantly higher settlements than those who do not, and this is after accounting for attorneys’ fees.

Here is why you need a personal injury lawyer and what an experienced team brings to the table that justifies their fee many times over:

Leveling the Playing Field

Insurance companies are not in the business of paying fair compensation; they are in the business of maximizing profits. Their adjusters are highly trained negotiators whose primary goal is to minimize or deny your claim. They may try to get you to accept a quick, lowball offer before you know the full extent of your injuries, or twist your words in a recorded statement to use against you later.

When an experienced law firm is representing you, the insurance company knows these tactics won't work. They are forced to take your claim seriously.

Accurately Valuing Your Claim

How do you put a number on a lifetime of pain? How do you calculate the wages you would have earned over the next 20 years if not for your injury? The true value of a catastrophic injury claim goes far beyond just the immediate medical bills.

An experienced attorney knows how to calculate and prove the full scope of your damages, including:

Future medical treatment, surgeries, and therapy
Lost earning capacity and future lost wages
Permanent disability and disfigurement
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Emotional distress

Navigating the Complex Legal Process

The legal system is a maze of deadlines (statutes of limitations), rules of evidence, and complex procedures. A simple mistake can get your case dismissed. Your legal team manages all of this for you, from filing the initial lawsuit to handling all communication, paperwork, and court appearances, and will set expectations around how long a personal injury lawsuit takes, which can vary based on medical recovery, discovery, and court scheduling. This allows you to step away from the stress and focus completely on your physical and emotional recovery.

Resources and Preparation

A successful case is built on a foundation of thorough preparation. Top-tier law firms have the resources to conduct investigations, hire the best experts in the country, and use cutting-edge courtroom technology to present your case in the most compelling way possible.

This level of preparation sends a powerful message to the defense: we are ready for trial, and we are confident we will win. Often, this is what forces them to offer a fair settlement.

Finding the Right Personal Injury Lawyer for You

The contingency fee model means you can afford the best representation, not just the cheapest. When choosing a firm, you are choosing a partner to guide you through one of the most difficult times of your life. Look for a team that not only has a proven track record but also treats you with the compassion and respect you deserve.

During your free initial consultation, ask these questions:

Do you operate on a contingency fee basis?
Do you advance all case costs, and what happens if we don’t win?
What is your experience with cases like mine?
Who will be the members of my legal team, and how will you keep me informed?
What is your track record of success in verdicts and settlements?

Choose the firm that makes you feel heard, understood, and confident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims

We know you have many questions as you navigate this challenging time. Here are answers to a few more common concerns we hear from our clients.

How long will my case take to resolve?
Every case is unique, so there is no set timeline. A straightforward claim might resolve in several months, while a complex case involving catastrophic injuries could take a year or more, especially if it goes to trial. A key factor is waiting until you have reached "maximum medical improvement" so we can understand the full, long-term cost of your injuries before resolving your claim.

Will I have to go to court?
The vast majority of personal injury cases—over 95%—are settled out of court. While our attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to trial, this thorough preparation is precisely what often convinces the other side to offer a fair settlement. The final decision to accept a settlement or proceed to trial is always yours to make.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an injury?
Each state has a strict deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the "statute of limitations,” and the amount of time can vary depending on the circumstances. It is absolutely critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you do not lose your right to seek compensation.

What if the insurance company for the at-fault party contacts me?
You are not obligated to speak with the other party's insurance adjuster. It is best to politely decline to give a recorded statement or sign any documents and refer them to your attorney. Allowing your legal team to handle all communications ensures your rights are protected from the start.

Your Path to Recovery Starts with a Conversation

Many clients ask when to hire a personal injury lawyer—the short answer is: as early as possible, so evidence is preserved, deadlines are met, and you don’t say or sign something that hurts your claim. At Gray Ritter Graham, we understand the weight on your shoulders right now. For nearly 80 years, since our founding in 1946, our mission has been to lift that burden for accident victims and their families across Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, and the Midwest.

Our fee structure is built on the principles we’ve discussed. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us no attorneys' fees unless we make a recovery for you. Our initial consultation is always free and comes with no obligation. We have the resources and commitment to advance all case costs, removing that financial barrier from your path to justice.

Our results speak for themselves. We have secured over $7 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients, providing them with the financial security to rebuild their lives after catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths.

Contact us today at (314) 241-5620 or through our online form for a free, compassionate consultation. Let us answer your questions, explain your rights, and show you how we can help you on your journey to recovery.