Owner & Attorney - Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced Georgia personal injury lawyer, Nathan Whittenburg, you can do so here.
Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta often costs nothing upfront, due to the fact that many lawyers work on contingency fee arrangements.
Under a contingency fee agreement, your lawyer only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation on your behalf, with their fee being a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
This guide will explain how contingency fees work, what costs you can expect, and how hiring the right attorney can maximize your compensation without the financial strain.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta often costs nothing upfront, due to the fact that many lawyers work on contingent fees.
A lawyer working on a contingency fee basis receives payment only if your case results in a successful outcome, such as a settlement or court award.
This means there is no upfront payment or down payment required, allowing injured victims to access legal representation without financial barriers.
Unlike an hourly fee structure, where clients are billed for every hour the attorney works, a contingency fee is simply a percentage of the total compensation recovered.
This structure ensures that your lawyer is motivated to achieve the best possible results for your personal injury case.
In addition to avoiding high legal fees at the outset, contingency arrangements also mean that your attorney takes on the risk of pursuing the case.
If your lawyer is unsuccessful, you typically owe nothing for their time or services.
For many accident victims facing medical bills and lost income, this arrangement makes quality legal help accessible when it’s needed most.
In this guide, we’ll break down what you need to know about legal costs, how contingency fees are calculated, and what to expect during your case.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, First Class – The Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm is here to help you.
Contact us today to learn more about our practice, your legal rights, and how contingency fee arrangements benefit victims.
You can also use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a personal injury claim instantly.
A contingency fee agreement is a payment arrangement where an attorney’s fees are only collected if the client wins their case.
Instead of paying lawyer’s fees upfront or on an hourly basis, clients agree to a percentage of the final settlement or court award as payment.
This type of agreement is common in civil cases like personal injury lawsuits, where victims may not have the financial resources to pay for legal services out of pocket.
Because the lawyer receives compensation only upon a successful outcome, there is a strong incentive to fight for the maximum possible recovery.
Contingency fee agreements are outlined in a contract between the attorney and the client, often called a retainer agreement, which clearly defines the percentage the lawyer will collect and any additional costs that may arise.
These additional costs might include expenses for court filings, expert witnesses, and investigative work, which are sometimes deducted from the final settlement.
For many personal injury victims, this structure makes pursuing litigation affordable, allowing them to focus on recovery instead of worrying about mounting attorney fees.
It also provides peace of mind, as the client is not burdened with hourly bills or unexpected legal costs during the course of the case.
Advantages of a contingency fee agreement:
This fee structure not only levels the playing field for those facing powerful insurance companies but also allows victims to pursue justice without the barrier of high legal costs.
A qualified Atlanta personal injury lawyer can explain the terms of a contingency fee agreement and ensure you fully understand the process before moving forward.
The typical percentage a lawyer receives under a contingency fee basis usually ranges from 33% to 40% of the total settlement or court award.
This percentage can sometimes be adjusted based on a sliding scale, which accounts for the stage of the case and the amount of work involved.
For example, if the case settles quickly, the lawyer’s fee might be closer to 33%, while a case that goes to trial or requires additional time and resources may warrant a higher percentage.
Some agreements also outline different rates if appeals are necessary, as this involves more extensive litigation.
There are also various factors that can influence the final percentage, including the complexity of the case, the potential for recovery, and the costs of filing fees and expert witnesses.
In many cases, these filing fees and other expenses are deducted from the final settlement amount before the lawyer’s share is calculated.
Reputable law firms ensure that the contingency fee agreement is reasonable and clearly defined, so there are no surprises when it comes to recovering your money after a successful case.
While a contingency fee agreement covers your attorney’s fees, there are additional costs that may arise during the course of a personal injury case.
These expenses are necessary for building a strong claim, gathering evidence, and moving the case forward through the legal process.
Some of the most common costs include filing fees for submitting legal documents to the court, as well as fees for obtaining police reports, medical records, and expert evaluations.
Litigation also often involves court costs, deposition fees, and payments to expert witnesses who testify on your behalf.
In many cases, these costs are initially covered by the law firm and then deducted from the final settlement amount.
This is beneficial for clients, as it allows the case to progress without out-of-pocket expenses.
However, it’s important to understand how these deductions work, as they will impact the net recovery you receive.
A detailed contingency fee agreement should clearly outline how costs are handled so there are no surprises when the case concludes.
Common additional costs in a personal injury case include:
Understanding these costs upfront can help you make informed decisions and properly evaluate your case.
Your attorney should be transparent about these potential expenses and how they will be managed during the litigation process.
At First Class – the Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm, we proudly represent clients in a wide range of personal injury cases, all handled on a contingency fee basis.
This means you don’t pay any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Our practice areas include:
Our firm is committed to fighting for justice and fair compensation for every client we represent.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to help you take the next steps forward.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve dedicated legal representation that fights for your best interests.
At First Class – The Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm, we handle every case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Our team is committed to standing up to insurance companies, investigating your claim thoroughly, and pursuing the maximum recovery possible.
Your path to justice begins with a simple step—reaching out for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and guide you through the next steps with clarity and compassion.
Don’t wait to get the help you need.
Contact First Class – The Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm today and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where your attorney only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for your case.
Instead of paying upfront or by the hour, you agree to give your lawyer a percentage of the settlement or court award.
This structure allows you to pursue legal action without worrying about out-of-pocket costs.
If your case is not successful, you typically owe nothing for the attorney’s time or services.
Contingency fees make legal representation accessible for those who may not have the financial resources to pay for legal help upfront, ensuring you can fight for your rights without added financial stress.
In most personal injury cases, the typical percentage a lawyer takes under a contingency fee agreement ranges from 33% to 40% of the final settlement or court award.
The exact amount is often determined by the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial.
For example, if a case settles quickly, the percentage may be around 33%, but if it requires extensive litigation or goes to court, it may increase to 40% due to the additional time and resources required.
This arrangement is outlined in a written agreement before representation begins, so there are no surprises when the case concludes.
The contingency fee structure ensures your attorney is motivated to secure the highest possible compensation for your claim.
First Class – The Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm handles a wide range of personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis.
Personal injury cases commonly handled on a contingency fee basis include:
Handling these cases on a contingency basis allows victims to focus on recovery while their legal team fights for the compensation they deserve.
In Atlanta, as well as throughout Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the injury.
This means you have a two-year window to take legal action against the responsible party.
If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
However, there are some exceptions, such as cases involving minors or situations where the injury was not immediately discovered.
It’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to understand your rights and ensure your claim is filed on time.
Owner & Attorney - Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm
Our firm specializes in personal injury cases across the state of Georgia, working on a contingency fee basis to ensure the best possible service for each client.
Click below to get a free, instant case evaluation and find out if you qualify for legal action immediately.
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Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm specializes in personal injury cases across Georgia, including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death claims. Our experienced Georgia injury attorney works on a contingency fee basis, ensuring you only pay legal fees once we secure your settlement or verdict.
Contact our experienced legal team by phone or visit our website for a instant case evaluation. Trust Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm for dedicated legal representation in Georgia.
Our firm specializes in personal injury cases across the state of Georgia, working on a contingency fee basis to ensure the best possible service for each client.
Click below to get a free, instant case evaluation and find out if you qualify for legal action immediately.
Would you like our help?
Disclaimer: “Don’t Pay Unless You Win” and similar language refers only to fees charged by the attorney. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client. Contingent fees are not permitted in all types of cases. This website is an advertisement. Nothing is meant to be taken as legal advice or to give the impression that an attorney-client relationship has been created. Please speak with a legal professional.
