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Cost Guide
Understanding Contingency Fees with Attorney Raffi Naljian
Many injury victims worry about affording an attorney, but personal injury lawyers typically work on contingency. Attorney Raffi Naljian explains how contingency fees work and what "contingency-fee terms may be available" actually means. Understanding fee structures helps you make informed decisions about legal representation.
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Raffi Naljian
California Personal Injury, Litigation & Criminal Defense Attorney
Raffi Garabed Naljian is an active California attorney listed under State Bar #238919. The State Bar profile lists personal injury, litigation, criminal law, and business law among his self-reported practice areas, and Naljian Law Offices describes a Glendale practice handling criminal defense and civil litigation, including personal injury matters.
View Full ProfileIs This the Right Attorney for Your Case?
Raffi Naljian, like most personal injury attorneys, works on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees and the attorney's payment comes from your settlement or verdict. Understanding this arrangement helps you focus on your recovery without worrying about hourly legal bills. Also searched as: Rafi Nanaljian, Raffi Nalian, Rafi Naljian.
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What to bring into intake
For damages topics, keep treatment records, bills, work notes, and daily limitation examples together so value is not discussed in the abstract.
What to Do Next
- 1Understand the basic concept: attorney is paid from recovery
- 2Ask about the specific percentage during consultation
- 3Clarify what happens if the case is unsuccessful
- 4Ask about costs vs. fees—they're different
- 5Get the fee agreement in writing
- 6Understand when the percentage might change
- 7Ask about disbursement of settlement funds
Evidence Checklist
- Written fee agreement from attorney
- List of potential case costs
- Explanation of percentage breakdown
- Timeline for potential case duration
- Understanding of cost responsibility if case loses
- Documentation of all case expenses
Contingency-fee terms may be available—understand how it works.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not reading the fee agreement carefully
- Confusing fees with costs
- Not asking about cost responsibility
- Assuming all contingency rates are the same
- Not understanding when fees increase (litigation)
- Forgetting to ask about liens and deductions
How the Process Typically Works
1
Consultation
Attorney evaluates case—typically free
2
Fee Agreement
Sign contingency fee contract if proceeding
3
Case Work
Attorney works case, advances costs if needed
4
Settlement/Verdict
Recovery obtained through negotiation or trial
5
Distribution
Fees and costs deducted, remainder to client
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
- •Your net recovery is settlement minus fees and costs
- •Contingency allows access to justice regardless of funds
- •Attorney incentive aligned with your recovery
- •Written agreement controls fees and costs if no recovery is obtained
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a contingency fee?
A contingency fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict that the attorney receives as payment. If no recovery is obtained, the written attorney agreement controls attorney fees and case costs.
What's the typical contingency percentage?
Contingency fees typically range from 33% to 40%, depending on whether the case settles before or after litigation is filed. Always ask for specifics.
What's the difference between fees and costs?
Fees are the attorney's payment for legal work. Costs are expenses like filing fees, medical records, expert witnesses, etc. Ask how costs are handled.
What happens to costs if my case loses?
Fee agreements vary. Some attorneys absorb costs if unsuccessful, others may require reimbursement. Clarify this before signing.
Why do contingency rates increase if I file a lawsuit?
Litigation requires significantly more attorney time and risk. Many agreements have a higher percentage (e.g., 40% vs. 33%) once a lawsuit is filed.
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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.