When you’re recovering from an accident, the last thing you need is more financial stress. Medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma already take a toll—so how can you possibly afford a lawyer to help you fight for justice? The good news is, if you’re working with a Personal Injury attorney Chicago, you likely don’t need to worry about upfront costs at all.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
Most personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. Rather than charging you an hourly rate or flat fee, your lawyer takes a percentage of the compensation you recover. No win? No fee.
This fee structure aligns your attorney’s interests with yours—they’re motivated to win and to get you the highest settlement possible.
How the Fee Structure Works
Typically, the contingency fee is about 33% (one-third) of your final settlement or court award. For example, if your case settles for $90,000, the lawyer may take $30,000 as their fee. In more complex cases—such as those requiring trial—the percentage may increase slightly to account for the additional time and resources involved.
Note: You should always review the fee agreement in writing before signing with any lawyer. A good personal injury attorney in Chicago will explain all terms clearly so there are no surprises later.
What’s Included in the Fee?
The contingency fee usually covers:
- Legal representation and advice
- Case investigation and evidence collection
- Negotiations with insurance companies
- Court filings and litigation if necessary
Some firms may charge for additional case expenses like expert witness fees or document filing costs. These are often reimbursed from your settlement, and your attorney should be upfront about how these are handled.
What If You Lose Your Case?
One of the biggest advantages of hiring a Chicago personal injury lawyer on contingency is that you don’t owe anything if you lose. That means you’re not risking money you don’t have just to seek the justice you deserve.
This provides peace of mind to many accident victims who are already overwhelmed by medical debt or loss of income. It ensures everyone—regardless of financial status—has access to experienced legal support.
Why This Matters for Injury Victims
For many people injured in accidents, especially workplace incidents or vehicle crashes, finances are tight. Contingency fee structures eliminate the barrier to legal help, allowing you to:
- Focus on recovery, not legal bills
- Fight back against lowball insurance offers
- Pursue full and fair compensation without out-of-pocket risk
By working with a Personal Injury attorney Chicago who operates on contingency, you’re not just hiring legal counsel—you’re gaining a partner who is as invested in your success as you are.
You shouldn’t have to choose between paying your bills and protecting your rights. The contingency fee model allows accident victims to level the playing field, even against large insurance companies with vast resources.
If you’ve been injured and are worried about how to afford a lawyer, remember: you don’t pay unless you win. It’s a system designed with your best interests in mind.