If you were hurt in a car accident or other incident, you may be worried about how much it will cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in El Paso. Many people hesitate to reach out for legal help because they assume attorney fees will be too high. In Texas, however, most personal injury lawyers handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any upfront costs, and the lawyer only collects a fee if they recover money for you.
Learning about how these fees work can help you feel more comfortable about contacting an attorney and pursuing the compensation you need and deserve.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is the most common way personal injury lawyers in Texas charge clients. Instead of billing by the hour, your lawyer takes a percentage of the settlement or jury verdict. If your lawyer does not win your case, you don’t owe them any attorney’s fees.
This arrangement gives injured people access to skilled representation without worrying about paying legal fees out of pocket while they are already dealing with medical expenses and lost income.
How Much Do Lawyers Typically Charge?
The exact percentage can vary depending on the lawyer, the type of case, and how complex the matter becomes. In Texas, contingency fees often range from 33% to 40% of the recovery.
- If your case settles early without a lawsuit, the percentage may be on the lower end
- If your case goes to trial or appeal, the fee is often higher because of the additional time and resources required
Your attorney should explain the fee structure clearly in a written agreement before you hire them as well so that you will know what to expect.
What Costs Are Involved in an Injury Case?
In addition to attorney’s fees, there are often other costs involved in pursuing a personal injury claim. These may include:
- Court filing fees
- Expert witness fees
- Costs for medical records and reports
- Deposition or transcript expenses
- Investigation costs, such as accident reconstruction
It’s important to ask your lawyer how they handle costs and whether they will be reimbursed separately from the contingency fee, as not all personal injury law firms treat these expenses the same.
How the Contingency Fee Model Can Benefit You as the Client
The contingency fee system is designed to make legal representation accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford to pay hourly rates. It also aligns your attorney’s interests with yours because, at the end of the day, they only get paid if you do.
You’ll also sign a contingency fee agreement at the beginning of your case so that you won’t be caught off guard and will know what to expect during the legal process.
Contact a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Texas does not have to be a financial burden. With contingency fees, you can get experienced legal help without paying anything up front. If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact Cal Mundell Law Firm PLLC today for a free consultation. We’ll be at your side every step of the way, including taking your case to trial if necessary.