How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in California?

Following a personal injury, paying for legal representation may seem like one more financial obstacle you have to deal with on your path toward justice and compensation. Attempting to navigate California’s personal injury laws on your own could lead to unfavorable outcomes. So, how much does a personal injury lawyer cost in California?

Understanding Personal Injury Lawyer Fees in California

Like other types of attorneys, personal injury lawyers charge for the time and resources they put into a case. Attorneys often work with paralegals and other types of assistants who handle bookkeeping, scheduling, and other important tasks.

Depending on the type of case a personal injury lawyer takes on, they may need to hire third-party investigators or special analysts to help gather and interpret evidence. The more complicated a case, the greater the cost incurred by an attorney and the higher fees they generally charge for their services.

Since a settlement can be of considerable value, plaintiffs find that the cost of legal representation is well worth it because having an attorney can take the uncertainty out of the claims process.

Contingency Fees: How Most Personal Injury Lawyers Charge

Most reputable attorneys work on what is known as a contingency fee basis. This means that their payment is “contingent” on winning the case. Compensation for plaintiffs can either come from a settlement or through a favorable court verdict.

The contingency fee is a set percentage that is deducted from the settlement or verdict. Attorneys decide what a specific contingency fee is based on the time and resources that need to go into a case and the predicted settlement amount.

The contingency fee should be disclosed early on and documented in the attorney-client agreement. Once a settlement is reached, the attorney’s fees are deducted along with other obligations before the plaintiff receives their portion of the settlement.

The contingency fee arrangement is favorable to plaintiffs because it allows injured parties to secure legal representation without the requirement of paying up-front for legal fees. Even when a case takes a year or well over a year to resolve, the plaintiff is not required to pay for legal services under the contingency fee arrangement.

Additional Costs to Consider in a Personal Injury Case

Although a contingency fee arrangement allows plaintiffs to seek compensation without upfront costs, there may be additional costs that are deducted from the final settlement beyond the attorney’s fees. Until a settlement is reached, you will be responsible for your own medical expenses, which could be considerable following a serious injury.

Your attorney may require special witnesses to testify in your case. These can include medical doctors and individuals who can reconstruct accidents. These individuals may be paid from the eventual settlement.

There are court filing fees to contend with during any court case, and there may be additional fees for obtaining reports and copies of court documents. Administrative expenses incurred by your attorney may be passed down to you following a settlement or verdict. If your case goes to trial, there may be additional expenses that can reduce the net compensation you receive.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Save Your Money

It may be tempting to hire an attorney who works on a lower contingency fee than a more experienced attorney. Under the contingency fee arrangement, though, the incentives for an attorney to secure a higher settlement align with the plaintiff’s desire to maximize compensation.

Ultimately, higher settlements can offset the expense of hiring an attorney. A personal injury lawyer should keep your ultimate compensation in mind. If they believe a trial could lead to a significantly larger settlement, they may advise that you pursue that option. If a trial poses significant downside risks, accepting the current settlement offer may be the better option.

FAQs

How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge in California?

A personal injury lawyer charges for the time and resources they put into a case. As lawyers gain greater experience helping clients win in court, they often charge higher fees. The cost of legal representation in a personal injury case is based on a contingency fee, which is a set percentage charged by a lawyer once a settlement or verdict is reached.

What Percentage Do Most Personal Injury Lawyers Take?

The percentage that a personal injury lawyer takes varies by case. An attorney may evaluate a case to determine how much time and resources it will take to win versus what a potential settlement or verdict may pay once the case is settled. After making those calculations, a personal injury attorney typically sets a fee that reflects their expected compensation for legal services.

What Are Reasonable Attorney Fees in California?

The client is the one who ultimately decides whether attorney fees are reasonable or not. In general, reasonable attorney fees should fairly compensate the attorney for their time while ensuring that the plaintiff ultimately receives enough compensation to pay for the damages they are owed. A large settlement is often more than enough to fairly compensate both the plaintiff and their attorney.

How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take in California?

The time it takes to resolve a personal injury claim in California is going to be different in every case. If the case goes to trial, that can extend the timeline considerably. An attorney can play an active role in ensuring that cases are not unduly delayed by actively negotiating in good faith with opposing counsel and gathering evidence early on to build a strong case.

Schedule Your Personal Injury Consultation Today

Attorney’s fees are a considerable expense for many plaintiffs, but having an attorney can greatly improve your odds of a favorable outcome to your case. An attorney balances the scales of justice by representing injured parties seeking justice. Legal representation ensures that you do not miss important deadlines and that all of your court filings are done correctly so they are not rejected by the court.

If you are considering taking legal action against someone who caused your injury, the legal team at Amendt Law is here to help. We believe in openness and transparency and can discuss the factors that may influence your legal fees. If you have questions about our contingency fee approach to cases, we are more than happy to provide you with an idea of what your fee agreement may look like. Contact our office today to schedule your no-cost consultation.