If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may worry about legal fees on top of medical bills and lost income. A common and important question is: how do personal injury lawyers charge for their services?
The good news is that most personal injury lawyers — including those in New York City — structure their fees to make legal help accessible, even when you’re under financial stress.
The Most Common Fee Structure: Contingency Fees
Most personal injury lawyers charge on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay no upfront legal fees
- The lawyer only gets paid if you win your case
- The fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict
This structure aligns the lawyer’s interests with yours — they only succeed when you do.
American Bar Association – Understanding Contingency Fees
https://www.americanbar.org
What Percentage Do Personal Injury Lawyers Take?
In New York, contingency fees typically range from 25% to 40%, depending on factors such as:
- Whether the case settles or goes to trial
- Case complexity
- Amount of work required
- Litigation costs involved
Your attorney should clearly explain the exact percentage before you sign any agreement.
Are There Any Upfront Costs?
In most cases, there are no upfront costs. However, some expenses may be advanced by the law firm and later reimbursed from the settlement, such as:
- Court filing fees
- Medical record retrieval
- Expert witness fees
- Investigation costs
Reputable personal injury lawyers explain these details clearly during the free consultation.
Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge Consultation Fees?
Most top personal injury firms offer free initial consultations, allowing you to:
- Discuss your case
- Understand your legal options
- Ask about fees and timelines
- Decide whether to move forward
Avoid firms that charge high consultation fees without providing clear value.
Learn when to speak with a lawyer:
https://redmondfirm.com/blog/how-long-after-an-accident-should-you-get-a-lawyer
What Happens If You Don’t Win Your Case?
With a contingency fee arrangement:
- You typically owe no attorney’s fees if the case is unsuccessful
- You may or may not be responsible for certain case expenses, depending on your agreement
Always review the fee agreement carefully and ask questions before signing.
Why Contingency Fees Benefit Injury Victims
Contingency fees allow injury victims to:
- Access legal representation without financial risk
- Focus on recovery, not legal bills
- Level the playing field against insurance companies
- Work with attorneys motivated to maximize compensation
This model is widely accepted in personal injury law.
How Personal Injury Lawyers Add Value Beyond Cost
Hiring a lawyer often results in significantly higher settlements, even after fees, because attorneys:
- Know how to counter insurance tactics
- Accurately calculate damages
- Identify all liable parties
- Prepare cases for trial if needed
New York State Department of Financial Services – Insurance Consumer Guide
https://www.dfs.ny.gov
Why Redmond Law Firm PLLC Uses a Client-First Fee Structure
At Redmond Law Firm PLLC, we believe injured clients should never avoid legal help due to cost concerns. We offer:
- Free consultations
- Contingency-fee representation
- No upfront legal fees
- Clear, transparent agreements
- Aggressive advocacy for maximum compensation
Visit https://redmondfirm.com/ to speak with a personal injury lawyer today.