Understand what a contingency fee means
Many personal injury cases use a contingency fee arrangement: the attorney fee is an agreed share of a recovery rather than an hourly bill while the matter is pending. In the accompanying video, attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez explains the distinction between attorney fees and litigation expenses. Before hiring counsel, review the written terms and ask questions about anything that affects your financial obligations.
Read the percentage and its calculation
A fee percentage is only part of the agreement. Ask what amount the percentage applies to and whether the fee changes at particular stages. Determine how expenses affect the calculation and your share of the recovery. Do not assume that all law firms use identical terms. Keep a signed copy so you can refer to the actual agreement rather than relying on a brief advertising phrase.
Separate attorney work from case expenses
Court filing fees, records charges, deposition expenses, investigators and expert witnesses can create costs distinct from the attorney fee. The needs of a case vary. Ask who advances these expenses, whether approval is required for particular expenditures and how reimbursement works. A statement about no attorney fee without a recovery does not, by itself, explain every possible cost provision.
Ask what happens in different outcomes
Discuss what the agreement says if the case resolves, produces no recovery or ends before completion. Ask about any obligations involving prior counsel, liens or medical reimbursement claims when relevant. Request a plain explanation of expected deductions, while recognizing that an early estimate is not a promise of the final net amount. Specific answers help you compare proposals on understandable terms.
Use the consultation to get clarity
Bring the documents you already have and ask both legal and financial questions. The State Bar of California offers public guidance about fee arrangements and billing. Choose counsel after understanding the scope of representation, communication expectations and agreement. Our office offers a free consultation about serious California injury matters; any engagement and its financial terms must be established in the written agreement.
General information, not legal advice. Viewing this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Outcomes and applicable requirements depend on the facts.
Discuss Your California Injury Claim
Work directly with an experienced trial lawyer. Call attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez at 800-816-1529 for a free consultation about a serious California injury.
Related Resources
Get Help Now
The Law offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates has almost 3 decades of experience handling personal injury cases all over the state of California. We have handled thousands of cases and obtained millions of dollars in settlements and judgments for our clients. Call now for a no pressure free consultation with an actual attorney. Call 800-816-1529 extension 1, click the chat button on the left, or click here to submit your case.
About Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez
