What Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge?

Award-Winning Contingency Fee Lawyers Providing Legal Help to Accident Victims in Naperville, St. Charles, and Throughout Illinois

When you’ve been injured in an accident, one of your first concerns might be, “How much is this going to cost me?” The thought of hiring a personal injury lawyer can be intimidating, especially if you’re already facing medical bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens. However, understanding how the acclaimed personal injury lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates charge for their services can alleviate some of these concerns and help you make an informed decision about pursuing your case.

Contingency Fees: The Most Common Arrangement

At John J. Malm & Associates, our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. But what does that mean? Simply put, a contingency fee means that the lawyer’s payment is contingent upon winning your case. If you don’t win, you don’t pay. If you do win, the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or award.

• Standard Contingency Fees: The standard contingency fee for personal injury lawyers is 33.33% (one-third).  In some instances, fees can ranges between 33.33% and 40% of the final settlement or award. This percentage might vary depending on the complexity of the case, the stage at which it is resolved, and the jurisdiction. For example, if your case settles before going to trial, the fee might be lower (around 33%), but in some instances, if it goes to trial, the fee could be closer to 40% due to the increased time and resources required.  All of these details will be clearly stated in the fee agreement.
• Why Contingency Fees Are Beneficial: Contingency fees provide significant advantages for clients. First and foremost, they allow you to pursue justice without any upfront costs. This is particularly important if you’re facing financial difficulties due to your injury. Additionally, because your lawyer’s payment depends on the outcome of the case, they are highly motivated to secure the best possible result for you.

Costs and Expenses

While the contingency fee covers the lawyer’s time and effort, there are other costs associated with pursuing a personal injury case. These may include:

• Court Filing Fees: The cost of filing your case in court.
• Expert Witness Fees: If your case requires expert testimony, such as from a medical professional or accident reconstructionist, there will be fees associated with their services.
• Investigation Costs: Gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and obtaining records can incur costs.
• Administrative Costs: These include copying, mailing, and other office-related expenses.

In most cases, these costs are advanced by the lawyer and then deducted from your settlement or award, in addition to the contingency fee. It’s important to discuss with your lawyer how these expenses will be handled.

Transparency With Legal Services Agreements: What to Expect

Before you agree to hire a personal injury lawyer, you should have a clear understanding of the fee structure. At John J. Malm & Associates, we provide you with a written fee agreement that outlines:

• The Percentage of the Contingency Fee: Clearly stating the percentage that will be taken from your settlement or award.
• How Costs Will Be Handled: Explaining how costs and expenses will be deducted after the contingency fee is calculated.
• Other Potential Charges: Any other potential fees or costs that could arise during the case.

Be sure to ask any questions you have about the legal services agreement before signing. Our attorneys will always be transparent about our fees and will make sure you understand all aspects of the agreement.

Why You Shouldn’t Let Fees Deter You from Seeking Justice

Some people hesitate to hire a lawyer because they’re worried about the cost. However, it’s important to remember that the potential benefits of hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer far outweigh the costs. Studies have shown that people who hire lawyers for their personal injury cases typically recover significantly more than those who don’t. Injured parties who hire an attorney often recover three times more compensation than those who go it alone.

“At John J. Malm & Associates, we work on a contingency fee basis because we believe that everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case, and we’re committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.” – John J. Malm, Naperville personal injury lawyer

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois Personal Injury Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

Understanding how personal injury lawyers charge for their services can help alleviate concerns about cost and allow you to focus on what’s most important—your recovery. At John J. Malm & Associates, we offer our clients a contingency fee arrangement, so you don’t have to worry about paying anything upfront, and you can trust that your lawyer is motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

If you’ve been injured in Naperville, St. Charles, or anywhere in Illinois, and are considering legal action, contact us at John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.