Case Costs Explained: What Your Attorney May Advance
Beyond attorney fees, personal injury cases involve various costs that can add up. Raffi Naljian advances case costs for clients, meaning you don't pay out of pocket during your case. Understanding these costs helps you know what to expect when your case resolves and funds are distributed. This page breaks down common case costs and how different arrangements handle them.
Questions about case costs?
Raffi Naljian
Lead Personal Injury Attorney
With 15+ years of experience, Raffi Naljian has recovered millions for accident victims across California. Known for aggressive negotiation and compassionate client care.
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Different attorneys handle costs differently. Some advance all costs and deduct from your recovery. Others may ask you to pay certain costs as they arise. Raffi Naljian can explain his specific approach during your consultation. When evaluating attorneys, understanding cost arrangements is as important as understanding fee percentages. Also searched as: Rafi Nanaljian, Raffi Nalian, Rafi Naljian.
What to Do Next
- 1Ask your attorney specifically what costs may be incurred
- 2Understand whether costs are advanced or require out-of-pocket payment
- 3Get estimates for potential costs based on your case type
- 4Clarify what happens to advanced costs if you don't win
- 5Review the cost provisions in your fee agreement carefully
- 6Ask about cost-saving approaches for your case
- 7Request periodic cost updates during your case
📋Evidence Checklist
- Written fee agreement with cost provisions
- Estimated costs for your case type
- List of what costs the attorney advances
- Explanation of cost reimbursement timing
- Information about what happens if case is lost
- Communication about significant cost decisions
- Periodic statements showing advanced costs
Want to understand the financial side?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming attorney fees and costs are the same thing
- Not asking about potential cost amounts
- Not understanding when costs must be repaid
- Being surprised by costs at settlement distribution
- Not asking whether expert witnesses are necessary
- Failing to approve major cost decisions
- Not tracking costs as the case progresses
How the Process Typically Works
Case Start
Review cost provisions in fee agreement
Investigation
Costs incurred for records, reports, etc.
Development
Expert fees, depositions if needed
Resolution
Additional costs if case proceeds to trial
Distribution
Costs deducted from recovery per agreement
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
- •Gross recovery from settlement or verdict
- •Less attorney contingency fee
- •Less advanced case costs
- •Equals your net recovery amount
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between fees and costs?
Fees are what the attorney charges for their services (usually a contingency percentage). Costs are out-of-pocket expenses for things like medical records, court filing fees, expert witnesses, and depositions.
What are common case costs?
Common costs include: medical record fees ($15-50 per provider), court filing fees ($400-500), deposition costs ($500-2000+), expert witness fees ($2,000-10,000+), investigation expenses, and copy/mailing costs.
Do I pay costs if I lose my case?
This varies by attorney and agreement. Some attorneys absorb costs if there's no recovery. Others may seek reimbursement for costs even if you lose. Always clarify this before signing.
Are costs deducted before or after the attorney fee?
This varies. Some agreements deduct costs first, then calculate the attorney fee on the remainder. Others calculate the fee first, then deduct costs. The method affects your net recovery.
Can I approve costs before they're incurred?
For major costs like expert witnesses, most attorneys discuss these decisions with you first. Smaller routine costs may be handled without specific approval. Ask about the communication approach.
Why do some cases have higher costs than others?
Complexity drives costs. Cases requiring expert witnesses, extensive medical records, accident reconstruction, or depositions cost more. Straightforward liability cases with clear injuries typically cost less.
What if my case settles quickly?
Quick settlements typically have lower costs since less investigation and no trial preparation is needed. This can mean more of your recovery goes to you rather than costs.
No surprises about costs.
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Important Disclosures
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this website or submitting a contact form. Results vary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.