After an accident, hiring a personal injury lawyer is a big step toward getting the compensation you deserve. But many people wonder, “How will my lawyer get paid?” At Mory & Colliersmith, we exclusively represent injured individuals (plaintiffs), and we’re here to explain exactly how our payment structure works—so you can focus on your recovery, not the legal costs.
From Contingency Fees to Hourly Charges: How Injury Attorneys Get Paid
Personal injury attorneys often get paid in different ways, but for plaintiff-only firms like ours, the most common method is contingency fees. This means you don’t pay anything upfront. Let’s dive into what that means for you.
How Do Personal Injury Plaintiff's Attorneys Get Paid?
Contingency Fees: The Most Common Method
At Mory & Colliersmith, we work on a contingency fee basis.
Here’s how it benefits you:
No upfront cost: You owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Percentage-based payment: Our fee is a portion of your settlement or court award—usually around 33%-40%, depending on the complexity and stage of the case.
No financial risk: If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Variations of Contingency Fees
While we keep our fee structure straightforward, some firms may offer variations like:
Sliding scale: Fees increase if the case goes to trial versus settling early.
Mixed arrangements: Combining contingency fees with small upfront costs or hourly rates.
At Mory & Colliersmith, our approach ensures your interests are our top priority—we only get paid when you do.
Who Pays the Court Costs and Other Expenses?
While legal fees are covered by the contingency arrangement, other expenses may arise, such as: Court filing fees - Expert witness costs - Document retrieval fees (e.g., medical records) - Deposition and transcript costs
At our firm, we handle these costs upfront, so you’re not burdened during your recovery. If we win your case, these expenses will be deducted from the settlement or award.
Why Contingency Fees Work for Plaintiffs
Contingency fees are designed to help injured individuals who might not otherwise afford legal representation.
Here’s why this system works: Access to justice; You don’t need to pay out-of-pocket for expert legal representation. Motivated representation: Our payment depends on your success, so we work tirelessly to maximize your compensation. This structure allows you to focus on healing while we handle the legal battle.
What Happens If the Case Settles Early?
Many personal injury cases settle before going to trial. When this happens, our fees might be lower than if the case went to court. While some firms charge a higher percentage for early settlements, we ensure that our fees remain fair and transparent throughout the process.
The Initial Consultation: What to Expect
At Mory & Colliersmith, your journey starts with a free consultation.
Here’s what happens:
Case Evaluation: We’ll review your situation, explain your legal options, and answer your questions.
Payment Terms: We’ll go over our contingency fee agreement in detail, so there are no surprises.
Next Steps: Once you’re ready, we’ll start building your case and fighting for your compensation.
FAQs About Personal Injury Lawyer Fees
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
We only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is typically 33%-40% of your settlement or court award.
Do I owe anything if I lose my case?
Who pays the court costs?
What if the case settles before trial?
Why should I hire Mory & Colliersmith?
At Mory & Colliersmith, we’re here to make your recovery our priority. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s work together to get the results you need—without adding financial stress to your plate.