What is a contingency fee and how does it work?

A contingency fee is a type of fee agreement used in personal injury cases in California. Under a contingency fee arrangement, a lawyer agrees to represent a client in exchange for a percentage of any damages the client is awarded. This means that the lawyer will only be compensated if the client wins the case. In most contingency fee agreements, the lawyer will accept between 25 and 40 percent of the award. This is typically based on the complexity of the case and the level of expertise involved. If the lawyer is not successful in securing a settlement or winning a verdict at trial, the client is not responsible for paying the lawyer anything. A typical contingency fee arrangement will also cover any costs associated with the case, such as filing fees and court costs. The lawyer will advance these costs on behalf of the client, and the client will then reimburse the lawyer with the award winnings. If the case is unsuccessful, the client does not pay for these costs. Contingency fees make it possible for many people to pursue legal action who may not have the funds to pay an attorney hourly. This is especially important in personal injury cases, as many of these cases can be time-consuming and expensive. Ultimately, taken together, contingency fees are an important tool for ensuring individuals have access to legal representation in these types of cases.

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What is a contingency fee and how does it work?

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