How Contingency Fees Work — You Don't Pay Unless We Win

Cost is a common reason people hesitate to call an attorney after an accident, especially while dealing with medical bills and lost wages. At Law Badgers, there is no attorney’s fee unless we recover money for you. The signed agreement explains the percentage and how case expenses are handled.

This page explains the contingency model in plain language. For the separate questions about case costs, deductions, closing statements, and the amount a client may receive, use our Arizona car accident lawyer cost guide.

What Is a Contingency Fee?

A contingency fee means the attorney’s fee is tied to obtaining a recovery. If the firm recovers a settlement or verdict, the fee is calculated as a percentage described in the signed agreement. Arizona does not set one universal percentage for every personal injury case.

This generally means no hourly retainer for the covered work. The agreement should separately explain litigation expenses, whether the firm advances them, and whether the client can ever be responsible for them.

Why This Model Exists

Personal injury law operates on contingency because the people who need attorneys most — accident victims dealing with injuries, medical bills, and lost income — are the least able to pay hourly legal fees. Contingency fees ensure everyone has access to quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.

What’s Included?

The agreement defines the legal work covered by the fee. Case costs — filing fees, medical record requests, expert witnesses, and court reporters — are separate and may be advanced by the firm and reimbursed from a recovery. Ask how costs are treated if there is no recovery.

The Math

For illustration only, if a particular agreement uses a one-third fee and a case recovers $150,000, the attorney’s fee would be $50,000 before accounting for case costs, medical liens, subrogation, or other deductions. Your actual percentage may differ. The lawyer should explain a closing statement showing each deduction.

Why You Come Out Ahead

Representation can help with evidence preservation, insurance coverage, damages analysis, and negotiations, but hiring a lawyer never guarantees a recovery or a particular amount. Be cautious when an insurer pushes for a quick settlement before the medical and insurance picture is clear.

The Law Badgers work on contingency. The consultation and case evaluation are free, and there is no attorney’s fee unless we win. Your signed agreement controls the exact fee and cost terms. Call (833) DTF-IGHT.