How Do Personal Injury Attorneys Get Paid in Texas title image

A common question we get is, how do personal injury lawyers get paid? In personal injury cases, lawyers’ services are offered on a contingency basis, meaning the lawyers’ fees for representing their client will come from the final personal injury settlement. If a client doesn’t get a favorable outcome, then the lawyer collects no fees. The primary concern for most people when they consider hiring a lawyer is the expense. They wonder, “How much will it cost me to hire an attorney?” Here’s what you need to know before hiring a personal injury lawyer.

What Fees and Expenses Are Incurred in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

A law firm’s expenses to work on your case vary. Common expenses are related to the investigation and expert witness fees, such as:

      • Medical doctors
      • Engineers
      • Biochemists
      • Metallurgists
      • Physicists

    Additional expenses can include:

        • Legal research
        • Copies of records and reports
        • Court filing fees, reporting fees
        • Witness deposition fees
        • Jury fees
        • Mileage and travel

      It’s important to point out that these costs, unlike the contingency fee, must be paid by your lawyer even if you lose your case. In this fee structure, all parties unequivocally agree beforehand to the sharing percentage. Therefore, it is unethical for a personal injury lawyer to create an agreement that insists on a higher percentage than initially agreed upon if the case succeeds.

      Most personal injury lawyers shoulder the financial burden, pay all the fees and expenses upfront. Because of that, lawyers perform a comprehensive review of the facts to ensure that there is sufficient evidence to win compensation for their clients before accepting the case. This initial consultation is free of charge. At this meeting, we will ask questions about the circumstances leading up to and surrounding your accident and give you a general assessment of your case.

      How to Prepare for the First Meeting With a Personal Injury Lawyer

      Before meeting with a lawyer for the first time, the State Bar of Texas suggests preparing a list of questions, such as:

      How Do Personal Injury Attorneys Get Paid in Texas website image

      How Are Contingency Fees Determined?

      At Parker Law Firm, our contingency fee arrangement is calculated as a small percentage of the overall personal injury case settlement or verdict. This way, our clients can be assured that they’re getting the compensation they need to recover after an accident. Whether it’s a car accident or injury on the job that you need assistance with, don’t be shy about asking a lawyer up front about how he or she gets paid for their services. Remember, they are working for YOU.

      What Lawyers Consider Before Taking a Case

      A lawyer’s job in an injury case includes the determination of liability and checking the insurance policy. Most personal injury lawyers will ascertain answers to specific questions before taking a case, including:

          • Does the defendant have an insurance policy?
          • Is the policy coverage enough to cover a claim and other expenses, including court filing fees?
          • Is there any liability coverage on the property if the injury is from a slip or fall?
          • Did the accident cause significant personal injury or property damage?
          • Does this accident fall within the statute of limitations?

        You are at the best advantage if you hire a lawyer early in the settlement process for your personal injury claim. They can regulate communication with the defendant’s attorney or their paralegals to protect your rights and to ensure you are requesting the full amount of compensation you are due.

        How Much Will I Walk Away with from a Personal Injury Claim?

        The first step in calculating your settlement request, you will want to include all monetary losses in your claim. This consists of money you have already paid or may still owe, as well as foreseeable expenses for medical treatment or lost income from not being able to work. In the rare instance that a client has any regrets or reservations about retaining our services, they are free to walk away within the first 30 days. We consider our relationships with clients to be our lasting legacy, and we take it seriously.

        Do not be afraid to ask an attorney all of these questions up front. You should also interview a few different attorneys to find one that suits you best. Hiring an attorney for your injury case will be a big decision that you shouldn’t take lightly. To learn more about how to find the right attorney for you, check out one of Brad’s books by clicking here.