A contingency fee means your lawyer is paid only if your case produces a recovery, and the fee comes out of that recovery as a percentage. If there is no settlement or verdict, you owe no attorney fee. At Pilavjian Law, this is how we represent injured people across Studio City, from Ventura Boulevard to the neighborhoods off Laurel Canyon, so nobody has to choose between getting legal help and paying bills.
How Does a Contingency Fee Work?
Instead of billing by the hour, your attorney agrees to take a share of what is recovered. The process generally looks like this:
- You sign a written fee agreement that explains the percentage.
- Your lawyer investigates, negotiates, and if needed, files a lawsuit.
- If the case settles or you win at trial, the fee is deducted from the total.
- If there is no recovery, no attorney fee is owed.
California law requires contingency agreements to be in writing, so the terms should be clear before work begins.
What Percentage Do Personal Injury Lawyers Usually Charge?
Percentages vary by firm and by case stage. Many personal injury fees fall in the range of about one-third to 40 percent, and the rate may rise if a lawsuit is filed or the case goes to trial. Your agreement should state exactly when and how the percentage changes. Because rates are not set by one statewide rule in most injury cases, it is fair to ask for the details up front.
What Is the Difference Between Attorney Fees and Case Costs?
This is where many people get confused. Attorney fees pay for your lawyer’s time and work. Case costs are the out-of-pocket expenses needed to build and present your claim, such as:
- Court filing fees
- Medical records and police report charges
- Expert witness and accident reconstruction fees
- Depositions and court reporters
- Investigators and document copying
Firms commonly advance these costs and are reimbursed from the recovery. What happens to costs if you lose depends on the agreement, so ask about it before you sign.
What Does “No Fee Unless We Win” Actually Cover?
The promise means you do not pay an hourly rate or a retainer, and you owe no attorney fee without a recovery. It does not mean that every expense disappears in every situation. A good agreement explains whether costs are taken before or after the fee is calculated, and whether you are responsible for them if the case is unsuccessful. Reading those two points closely helps you compare firms fairly.
How Is Your Net Recovery Calculated?
Your settlement is not the same as the money you take home. Typically the total is reduced by the attorney fee, reimbursed case costs, and any liens, such as medical provider or health insurer claims. A transparent firm will give you a written settlement breakdown before you accept an offer. Part of our job is to negotiate liens down when possible so more stays with you.
Is a Free Consultation Really Free?
Yes. Meeting with a lawyer to review your accident does not obligate you to hire anyone. You can describe what happened, learn about your options and deadlines, and decide afterward. Our guide to personal injury representation shows the kinds of cases we handle.
What Should You Ask Before You Hire a Lawyer?
Bring a short list of questions to any first meeting:
- What percentage will you charge, and when does it change?
- Who advances case costs, and who pays them if we lose?
- How will liens be handled?
- Who will actually work on my case?
- How often will I receive updates?
Get Straight Answers About Fees
Money questions should never keep an injured person from asking for help. If you were hurt in Studio City and want to understand how our fee structure would apply to your situation, contact our office or call (818) 380-3021. We will walk through the numbers plainly, so you know what to expect before you commit to anything.