How Much Does Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

When it comes to hiring a lawyer, costs can vary widely. Legal fees can be high, especially if lawyers charge by the hour or require a retainer. However, not all personal injury attorneys require upfront payments. At Morgan & Morgan, our fee structure is different—we only get paid if we win your case and recover compensation for you. There are no out-of-pocket fees or unexpected legal expenses, making quality legal representation accessible to everyone.

How Do Lawyers Bill Their Clients?

Law firms can bill their clients in several ways, including hourly fees, retainers, and contingency agreements. Most personal injury lawyers, including those at Morgan & Morgan, work on a contingency basis, which means "no win, no fee."

Hourly Rate

Some attorneys charge by the hour. This means you pay for every hour the lawyer spends working on your case, which can include:

• Reviewing case files
• Filing court documents
• Gathering evidence
• Conducting discovery
• Preparing for depositions and hearings
• Communicating via phone and email
• Preparing for trial

Hourly rates can range widely depending on the lawyer’s experience and location. Some attorneys charge $100-$400 per hour, while highly specialized lawyers and prestigious firms can charge up to $1,000 per hour. This method can become expensive quickly, especially for complex cases.

Retainer

Many lawyers require a retainer, an upfront fee paid before they start working on your case. The attorney then deducts their hourly fees and expenses from this retainer. Retainers can be substantial, often ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 or more. If your case is complex, fees can exceed the initial retainer, requiring additional payments. If you lose or abandon your case, you might not get any unused portion of the retainer back.

Contingency Fee

Many personal injury firms, including Morgan & Morgan, operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any attorney fees unless your case is resolved in your favor. If you win, the attorney receives a percentage of the final recovery amount, typically around one-third of the settlement. This arrangement allows individuals without upfront funds to hire an attorney and seek justice.

Flat Fee

Some attorneys handle straightforward, well-defined cases for a flat fee. This approach is common for services like immigration proceedings, bankruptcy filings, uncontested divorces, and estate matters. The flat fee usually covers the entire process from start to finish.

Beware of Legal Expenses

While contingency agreements are beneficial, some attorneys might require you to cover certain legal expenses out of pocket. These costs can include:

• Court filing fees
• Obtaining official documents
• Expert witness fees
• Deposition costs
• Travel expenses

These expenses can add up, especially in lengthy or complex cases, potentially amounting to thousands of dollars.

The Risks of Upfront Fees

Paying upfront fees can be risky. Lawyers who charge hourly or retainer fees get paid regardless of the outcome and may not be as motivated to achieve the best result for you. In contrast, attorneys working on a contingency basis have a vested interest in winning your case since their payment depends on it.

Key Questions to Ask

Before hiring a lawyer, ask about the costs you’ll be responsible for if you lose your case. Unexpected legal bills can be a significant burden. Ensure you understand all potential costs upfront, whether you win or lose. If an attorney is evasive about these details, consider finding someone else.

Morgan & Morgan Charges Nothing Upfront

At Morgan & Morgan, we care about our clients and are committed to helping you win. We believe that financial constraints should not prevent you from seeking justice. When we take your case, you won’t have to worry about upfront costs or legal expenses. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.