How Much Does a Personal Injury Attorney Cost in Los Angeles?
How much a personal injury attorney costs in Los Angeles depends on the individual case, the lawyer and the way that the law firm charges. Most law firms, including Rose, Klein & Marias LLP in Los Angeles, take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis – meaning if your attorney doesn’t win your case, you will owe $0 in attorney’s fees.
Contingency Fees (Nothing Out of Pocket)
The most common fee arrangement used by personal injury lawyers in the Los Angeles area is a “contingency fee basis.” This means attorney’s fees are contingent, or dependent, upon the personal injury lawyer winning the client’s case. No win = no fee.
With this type of legal fee, if the personal injury case ends in a settlement or judgment award for the client, the attorney will take a cut as payment for their legal services. The client does not pay the lawyer out of pocket, win or lose.
How Much Is a Contingency Fee Percentage?
The percentage of a contingency fee will depend on the law firm and the case. A case that has to go to court, for instance, will typically come with a higher attorney’s fee. Most fees range from about 33 percent to 40 percent. If a personal injury claim resulted in an insurance settlement of $900,000, for example, and the lawyer’s fee was 33 percent, the attorney’s cut would be $297,000.
The Benefits of Contingency Fees
With this type of legal fee, the client does not owe the attorney anything upfront. There is no retainer to initiate the attorney-client relationship. The client’s financial well-being and assets are protected from any financial risks that may be posed by bringing a claim. The law firm absorbs these risks when it accepts the individual as a client.
In addition to financial protection, contingency fees offer the advantage of motivation. A personal injury lawyer working on contingency won’t get paid unless you do, and the amount they earn is directly connected to the value of your settlement or jury verdict. Therefore, the attorney will be incentivized and highly motivated to achieve the highest possible result for you.
By the Hour or Flat Rate
Although it is much less common, it is also possible for a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles to charge in ways other than contingency fees. Two common options are an hourly rate and a flat fee.
An hourly rate is more common in other types of cases, such as family law. With this arrangement, the lawyer charges a certain amount per hour for each hour of work done on a case. Flat rates are more common for one-time legal services. Values are assigned to à la carte legal services, and a client is charged based on why he or she retains the attorney.
Additional Costs Involved in Bringing a Los Angeles Personal Injury Case
Even with a lawyer working for you on a contingency fee basis, you may accumulate other costs or expenses during a personal injury claim. Your lawyer should be transparent with you about any additional fees from the beginning, as well as explain to you whether these costs will be covered upfront and deducted from your payout later, or will be due separately.
Additional costs outside of the attorney’s base fee may include court costs, litigation fees, administrative fees, and the price to hire one or more experts for your claim. Be sure to ask about all fees and expenses associated with your personal injury claim in Los Angeles before signing with an attorney.
At Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP, we are always honest and upfront about our fees. We operate on a contingency fee basis and offer free initial consultations to clients in Los Angeles. Request yours today by calling (800) 362-7427.