How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

How Personal Injury Lawyers Typically Charge

For many legal matters, clients often pay an hourly or flat fee. However, those who are hiring a personal injury attorney do not. When hiring a personal injury lawyer, you do not pay any upfront costs because, instead of hourly or flat fees, personal injury lawyers charge contingency fees.

What Is a Contingency Fee?

A contingency fee is a sum paid to a personal injury attorney if they win their client’s case. The terms of contingency fee representation mean that the fee is contingent upon the outcome of your case. You only pay this fee if your attorney successfully resolves your injury claim.

When you hire a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas, you agree to the contingency fees and expenses stated in your contract. If your lawyer wins your case, they take their payment when you receive your settlement.

Typical Attorney Contingency Fee Percentage

When attorneys charge a contingency fee, it means they agree to receive a percentage of your settlement if they win your case. This amount is typically between 33% and 40% of the damages you receive.

Nevada’s Regulations Regarding Legal Fees

Nevada Rules of Professional Conduct govern the conduct of licensed attorneys throughout the state. These rules require lawyers to charge reasonable fees for their services. Factors considered when charging fees include:

• The difficulty of the case.
• The labor involved.
• The skills needed to represent the claimant.
• The time required to handle the case.
• Whether the case interferes with the lawyer’s ability to take on other claimants.

Having a professional relationship with a personal injury lawyer may also affect how much it costs to secure their representation.

These are only some of the factors that determine whether your contingency fees are 33% of your settlement or if they’re higher. A complex case that will consume the law firm’s legal team for several months will cost more than a straightforward claim that your lawyer can resolve quickly. 

How Are Legal Expenses and Additional Costs Covered?

Personal injury lawyers cover the upfront legal fees when they take on clients. Depending on the terms of your contract, you may be responsible for some initial fees, such as filing costs.

You may also be responsible for paying other fees, such as the cost of hiring an expert witness. These additional fees may be payable when your lawyer resolves your case. You must review the contract terms carefully when hiring an attorney. You can negotiate terms before signing your contract.

Who Pays if You Lose the Case?

You pay no attorney fees if they do not win your case. Depending on the terms of your contract, you may pay the following costs whether your attorney wins or loses:

• · Some investigative fees
• Court filing fees

Can You Negotiate Attorney Fees?

Yes, you can negotiate your legal fees. You should do this before signing a contract.

Why Would an Attorney Agree To Lower Fees?

You may be able to negotiate a lower fee if you bring your medical records and other evidence to your free consultation because you’re reducing their workload by providing crucial information they can use to win your case.

Ideally, you will take the following steps at the accident scene:

• Document the location of nearby security cameras.
• Gather contact information for witnesses.
• Seek medical care and collect medical documentation.
• Take photos and video footage of your injuries and the accident scene.

The more evidence you present before negotiating a contract, the better your chances of negotiating a lower fee.

How To Choose Lawyers in Las Vegas Based on Cost and Value

When you’re hiring a personal injury lawyer, their fees are only one factor to consider. Hiring the lawyer with the lowest contingency fees may seem financially prudent, but hiring an experienced attorney increases the likelihood you’ll win your case and receive the largest settlement possible.

Some things to look for when hiring an attorney include:

• Clear fees: Fees should be clearly identified in your contract.
• Excellent organization: A disorganized attorney may lose documentation or misplace it, making it take longer to resolve your case.
• Good communication skills: Find a lawyer who updates you and provides clear information about the status of your claim.
• Legal team: Lawyers have paralegals to help prepare documents and handle other tasks. Hiring an attorney with a legal team ensures they have the support they need to provide effective representation.

You should also verify that the lawyer has relevant experience handling similar cases and that they do not have a disciplinary record with the State Bar of Nevada.

It’s also important to ensure you’re comfortable with your attorney. Avoid attorneys if they’re aggressive during your free consultation and try to push you to agree to unclear contract terms. You may also have to discuss sensitive medical information with your attorney, and you should feel confident in their transparency and comfortable talking to them to ensure you receive the best possible representation.

Sample Contingency Fee Scenarios

You pay the contingency fees when you receive your final settlement. Depending on your contract’s terms, these fees may be calculated against the gross amount, or they may be based on the net amount, which is the amount remaining from your settlement after other fees are paid.

Contingency Fees Against the Gross Amount

Suppose you agreed to pay 33% contingency fees against the gross amount of your settlement. Your settlement is $500,000. The additional costs you must pay are a total of $15,000. You would then pay your attorney $165,000 plus $15,000 in costs, for a total of $180,000.

In this case, you’d receive a $320,000 balance.

Contingency Fees Charged Against the Net Amount

Suppose you agreed to pay 33% in contingency fees based on the net amount of your settlement. Your settlement is $500,000, and your additional fees are $15,000.

In this case, you’d pay $15,000 first, leaving $485,000 as the net amount. The 33% in contingency fees would equal $160,050.

In this scenario, you’d receive a balance of $324,950.

Why Choose Adam S. Kutner for Your Las Vegas Personal Injury Case?

Adam S. Kutner has over 35 years of experience representing injury victims. Our legal team has secured hundreds of millions in compensation for clients. Although the pain and trauma you have already experienced cannot be undone, Adam S. Kutner knows that securing the maximum compensation for your injuries can ease your financial concerns while you recover, and our goal is to secure the best outcome for every client.

Adam S. Kutner also has experience as a former insurance defense attorney. His first-hand knowledge of insurance company tactics enables him to protect his clients during settlement negotiations.

Contact Adam S. Kutner, Injury Lawyers, for a Free Consultation

The legal team at Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, is here to provide a free consultation. We’ll listen to your case, answer your questions, and explain how we can help you secure damages. We will ensure you know what to expect throughout the legal process and keep you informed at every step.

Contact Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, to book a free consultation.

Personal Injury Lawyer Cost FAQ