Imagine this: You’re recovering from a car accident that wasn’t your fault. The hospital sends you a bill for thousands of dollars in medical expenses, your job expects you back before you’re ready, and the insurance company keeps calling. You know you need legal help, but you’re worried about upfront costs. This is where a contingency fee arrangement can make all the difference.
At Multani Law Group, we believe that injury victims should have the opportunity to seek justice without being limited by their financial situation. If you’ve been hurt, it’s important to understand how a contingency fee works, and how our personal injury attorneys use it to fight for your rights.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where your lawyer’s fee structure depends on the outcome of your case. Instead of paying an hourly rate or retainer, your law firm only gets paid if you win your personal injury claim, either through a settlement or a trial verdict.
Here’s the basic idea:
If there is no recovery, you do not owe an attorney’s fee. Court costs and case expenses may still apply.
The attorney’s fees are a percentage of your recovery.
If you don’t win, you don’t owe legal fees to your attorney for their work.
This contingency fee basis can reduce the financial barrier many accident victims face when seeking legal representation.
Key Terms You Should Know
Upfront costs: Money you pay before legal work begins. In a contingency setup, you typically avoid these for attorney work.
Filing fees / court filing fees: Costs charged by the court to start or maintain your case.
Expert witness/expert witness fees: Specialists who provide testimony in complex cases, like medical malpractice or wrongful death claims.
Retainer: A lump-sum payment made before a lawyer starts working, common in an hourly fee arrangement.
Attorney-client relationship: The legal bond between you and your lawyer, guided by rules of professional conduct.
How a Contingency Fee Arrangement Works
Every personal injury law firm may have slight variations in its contingency fee agreement, but here’s what you can generally expect:
Case Review & Free Consultation
At Multani Law Group, we begin with a free initial consultation to evaluate your type of case—whether it’s a car accident, medical malpractice, or wrongful death.Agreement Signing
You’ll sign a written contingency fee agreement that outlines the payment arrangement, the percentage of recovery that becomes the lawyer’s fee, and any upfront costs for things like court costs or medical records.Case Preparation
Your attorney gathers evidence, including medical records, text messages, and depositions from witnesses. They may hire an expert witness to support your claims.Negotiation & Settlement Talks
The lawyer negotiates with the insurance company, aiming for fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.Trial (If Needed)
If settlement fails, your case goes to court, where court filing fees, expert witness fees, and other litigation expenses come into play.
Comparing Contingency Fees to Other Payment Options
| Payment Method | When You Pay | Common Use Cases | Risk to Client |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contingency Fee | Only if you win | Personal injury cases, wrongful death, medical malpractice | Low |
| Hourly Rate | As work is performed | Business disputes, family law | High |
| Retainer | Paid before work begins | Criminal defense, contract law | High |
The complexity of the case often determines which fee method a lawyer uses. For personal injury cases, contingency is the most common because it aligns the lawyer’s success with the client’s outcome.
Costs Beyond the Contingency Fee
While you may not pay for your attorney’s time upfront, certain legal fees and expenses may still apply:
Court filing fees
Expert witness fees
Costs for medical records
Deposition transcription fees
Investigation costs
Some law offices cover these expenses initially and deduct them from your settlement; others may require partial upfront costs. The disclaimer in your agreement will outline this clearly.
Why This Fee Structure Works for Injury Victims
Access to Justice – Anyone can pursue a claim without worrying about upfront legal fees.
Aligned Interests – Your lawyer is motivated to secure the best possible outcome.
Reduced Financial Risk – If you don’t recover money, you typically don’t owe the lawyer’s fee.
Sample Case Study: Maria’s Story
Maria, a single mother from Kent, was injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver. Facing overwhelming medical bills and lost wages, she contacted Multani Law Group for a free consultation.
Because she couldn’t afford a retainer or hourly fee, our team took her case on a contingency fee basis. We advanced court costs, hired an expert witness, and obtained crucial text messages proving negligence.
After months of negotiations, Maria’s case resolved through a settlement that addressed her medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. She paid no upfront costs, and the attorney’s fees came directly from the settlement, not her pocket. Results vary depending on the facts of each case.
How Multani Law Group Supports You
At Multani Law Group, we understand that personal injury cases often involve more than legal disputes, they involve real people facing medical bills, insurance company tactics, and uncertainty about the future.
We guide clients through every stage:
Explaining your fee structure in plain language.
Being transparent about legal fees, court costs, and payment arrangements.
Maintaining open communication during the attorney-client relationship.
Providing aggressive yet compassionate legal representation.
Your Next Step
If you’ve been injured in Washington, whether in a car accident, medical malpractice, or wrongful death matter, understanding your contingency fee options is the first step toward justice.
Find out if you qualify for a contingency fee case with Multani Law Group. Contact our personal injury attorneys today for a free initial consultation and case review.
Call or visit our law office in Burien, Seattle, or Kent to get started. Don’t let legal issues or medical expenses hold you back from the opportunity to seek justice.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and the exact contingency fee arrangement and payment structure will depend on your type of case and the complexity of the case. Always consult directly with a licensed attorney before making legal decisions.