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Cost Guide
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 an attorney consultation.
Questions about legal fees?
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?
Most personal injury attorneys, including Raffi Naljian, offer initial case reviews 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.
Topic preparation notes
Prepare the right information before you contact Raffi Naljian, Esq.
These notes explain what the issue may involve, which documents make the first review stronger, and when a direct consultation may be more useful than further browsing.
What information changes the answer
The most helpful preparation is chronological: what happened first, when symptoms appeared, when care started, who contacted insurance, and what has changed since.
What to Do Next
- 1Schedule free intake reviews 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
1
Free Intake Review
Initial case evaluation at no cost
2
Fee Agreement
Sign contingency agreement outlining terms
3
Case Work
Attorney works your case, advancing costs as needed
4
Resolution
Case settles or receives verdict
5
Fee Deduction
Attorney fee calculated from recovery
6
Cost Reimbursement
Advanced costs deducted per agreement
7
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. attorney fees may be deferred until compensation is recovered under a written fee agreement, 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.
What fees or costs apply if no recovery is obtained?
With contingency agreements, fee and cost responsibility varies by written agreement. Some attorneys absorb costs if no recovery is obtained; others may seek reimbursement. Clarify this before signing.
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.
Contingency-fee terms may be available to get started.
Related Resources
Free Intake Review
Speak with Raffi Naljian about your case
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.