Understanding Personal Injury Attorney Fees and Costs
Worried about affording a lawyer after your accident? You're not alone—it's one of the most common concerns. Raffi Naljian, like most personal injury attorneys, works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay attorney fees unless you recover compensation. This guide explains exactly how personal injury lawyer fees work, what costs might be involved, and what questions to ask during your consultation.
Questions about legal fees?
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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Most personal injury attorneys, including Raffi Naljian, offer free initial consultations and work on contingency fees. The specific percentage and cost arrangements vary by attorney and case complexity. When comparing attorneys, ask about their fee percentages, how costs are handled, and what happens if you don't win. Understanding the fee structure helps you make an informed decision. Also searched as: Rafi Nanaljian, Raffi Nalian, Rafi Naljian.
What to Do Next
- 1Schedule free consultations with potential attorneys
- 2Ask specifically about the contingency fee percentage
- 3Inquire how case costs (filing fees, experts) are handled
- 4Ask whether costs are deducted before or after the fee
- 5Get the fee agreement in writing before signing
- 6Understand what happens if the case doesn't result in recovery
- 7Compare fee structures between different attorneys
📋Evidence Checklist
- Written fee agreement from attorney
- Clear explanation of contingency percentage
- List of potential costs that may be advanced
- Explanation of how settlement/verdict funds are distributed
- Information about costs if case is lost
- Timeline estimates for your type of case
- Any additional fees for trial vs. settlement
Want to understand your options?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not asking about the fee percentage upfront
- Assuming all attorneys charge the same rates
- Not understanding how costs are handled separately from fees
- Signing agreements without reading them carefully
- Not asking about fee changes if case goes to trial
- Failing to understand what happens if you fire your attorney
- Not keeping copies of all signed agreements
How the Process Typically Works
Free Consultation
Initial case evaluation at no cost
Fee Agreement
Sign contingency agreement outlining terms
Case Work
Attorney works your case, advancing costs as needed
Resolution
Case settles or receives verdict
Fee Deduction
Attorney fee calculated from recovery
Cost Reimbursement
Advanced costs deducted per agreement
Your Share
Remaining funds paid to you
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
- •Your recovery amount minus attorney fees
- •Your recovery amount minus advanced costs
- •Varies based on negotiated fee percentage
- •May differ for settlement vs. trial outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a contingency fee?
A contingency fee means the attorney's fee is contingent on winning your case. You pay nothing upfront, and the attorney receives a percentage of your recovery. If you don't win, you typically don't owe attorney fees.
What percentage do personal injury lawyers charge?
Contingency fees typically range from 33% to 40% depending on the case and attorney. Some agreements have different percentages for settlement vs. trial. Always ask about the specific percentage before signing.
What costs might I be responsible for?
Costs are different from attorney fees and may include filing fees, medical record fees, expert witness fees, deposition costs, and other case expenses. Ask how these are handled—some attorneys advance them and deduct from recovery.
Do I owe anything if I lose my case?
With most contingency agreements, you don't owe attorney fees if there's no recovery. However, cost responsibility varies by agreement. Some attorneys absorb costs if you lose; others may seek reimbursement. Clarify this upfront.
Can I negotiate the fee percentage?
Fee percentages can sometimes be negotiated, particularly for high-value cases or cases with clear liability. It doesn't hurt to ask, but also consider attorney experience and resources, not just price.
What if I want to fire my attorney mid-case?
You generally can change attorneys, but the first attorney may have a lien on any recovery for work already performed. Review your fee agreement for terms about attorney changes.
Why do some attorneys charge more for trial?
Trials require significantly more work than settlements—court appearances, witness preparation, jury selection, etc. Some attorneys charge a higher percentage if the case proceeds to trial to reflect this additional work.
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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.