The percentage in a settlement case that goes to the lawyer depends on the agreement between the attorney and their client. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis and take a percentage of the settlement at the end of the case. For these lawyers, the percentage is often around one-third of a personal injury settlement.
Before a Lafayette personal injury lawyer takes on your case, we discuss the percentage of a settlement that goes to an attorney. Your attorney addresses your legal concerns and questions and helps you make informed legal decisions at each stage of your case proceedings.
What Percentage Do Attorneys Typically Receive in a Settlement?
Generally, personal injury attorneys receive up to 40% of a settlement amount. If a lawyer works on contingency, they take a percentage of their client’s settlement. At the end of the case, the lawyer takes their portion of the settlement, and the client receives the remainder of their compensation.
With a contingency-fee structure, you may not have to pay your lawyer anything unless your case is successful. However, even with this agreement in place, you could be responsible for court filing fees, deposition costs, and various attorney fees and expenses, regardless of whether you receive a settlement.
Case complexity, a lawyer’s reputation and experience, and other factors can impact the percentage of compensation that an attorney receives for their legal services. Schedule an initial consultation to learn how an attorney bills their clients. Your lawyer can share FAQs and other resources to help you decide if now is the right time to hire them as your legal representation.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientHow Does a Contingency Fee Agreement Work?
Some lawyers work based on hourly rates or retainers. Alternatively, attorneys who offer contingency-fee arrangements do not require hourly billing or upfront costs. Working based on contingency means that:
- You do not pay any out-of-pocket costs to get started with your case.
- You only pay your attorney if they win or settle your case.
- A percentage-based contingency fee is agreed upon at the outset of your case.
If you agree to a percentage of a settlement that will go to a lawyer, you can start the legal process. According to La. Civ. Code Art. 3493.1, you have two years from the date you suffer an injury to request compensation from a liable party. Your attorney positions you to achieve outstanding case results.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientWhy Should You Hire a Lawyer Who Works on Contingency?
There is a lot to like about having an attorney on your side who will take a percentage of your settlement case. Trust a lawyer who has a track record of helping clients get their desired verdicts and settlements to teach you about contingency-fee agreements. Reasons to hire an attorney who uses a contingency fee structure include:
Affordability
There are significant costs with personal injury claims. You have no idea how you will cover legal expenses if you take legal action against anyone who caused you to get hurt. Thanks to a contingency agreement, you can receive legal guidance and support without breaking your budget.
Minimal Risk
You are worried you will have to pay your legal representation thousands of dollars right away and fall short of getting the optimal case outcome. An attorney who works on contingency assists you with your personal injury claim immediately. They fight for damages for you. If you get compensation, you will only have to give your attorney a percentage of your settlement.
Incentive for an Attorney to Get You the Most Compensation Possible
In a contingency agreement, an attorney bets on themselves. They feel confident in themselves and your case to the point where they are willing to handle your legal matters for free until you get money for your losses. As such, your attorney will do everything they can to get fair compensation for you, as they will get a high percentage of your settlement if they succeed.
Throughout a personal injury case, an attorney who is working on contingency remains accessible. They explain what they are doing to help you win your personal injury claim and ensure you are compensated fairly for your losses. Your lawyer can negotiate a settlement for you or bring your case to trial if that’s what it takes.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientFactors to Consider as You Look at the Percentage of a Settlement That Will Go to a Lawyer
Account for your economic and non-economic damages. Your attorney calculates your pain and suffering, medical costs, lost wages, and other quantifiable and subjective losses. They craft an argument to help you obtain maximum compensation. Meanwhile, they could get substantial compensation as a percentage of your settlement total.
Check out our client testimonials. A lawyer who has received many positive client reviews knows what it takes to fulfill their clients’ legal requests. They will work hard to get your compensation that matches your expectations. Plus, they may take a reasonable fraction of your settlement.
Speak with an attorney as you weigh the pros and cons of hiring them to help you with your personal injury case. Your lawyer can discuss how they bill for their legal services and if they offer contingency fee arrangements. If you partner with this attorney, they can submit your claim promptly and may receive a portion of your settlement, depending on how your case resolves.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientLearn More About the Percentage of a Personal Injury Settlement That Goes to an Attorney
Insurance companies dedicate substantial time and resources to preventing those injured due to no fault of their own from receiving the compensation they want. Personal injury attorneys who work on a contingency basis want to help these individuals. When you work with one of these lawyers, they will deduct a percentage of your settlement for their legal costs.
Laborde Earles is a Louisiana personal injury law firm with over 350 years of combined experience. Our team does not charge fees unless we win or settle your case. Contact us today for more information.
