How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Texas?

Most personal injury attorneys in Texas work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if your lawyer wins your case.

What Is a Contingency Fee?

A contingency fee means your attorney’s payment is contingent upon the outcome of your case. If your lawyer secures a settlement or court award, they receive a percentage of the compensation.

If you do not recover any money, you do not owe any attorney’s fees.

In Texas, the standard contingency fee ranges from:

• 33% to 40% of the total recovery
• A higher percentage may apply if the case proceeds to trial or appeal

This fee structure aligns the attorney’s interests with your own. The lawyer only gets paid if you do.

Are There Upfront Costs?

No. Personal injury lawyers who work on contingency do not charge clients upfront fees for legal representation. You do not pay a retainer or hourly rate.

This allows anyone, regardless of financial situation, to access legal help after an accident.

What About Case Expenses?

In addition to attorney’s fees, most personal injury claims involve certain out-of-pocket case expenses, including:

• Filing fees
• Medical records retrieval
• Court reporter and deposition costs
• Expert witness fees
• Investigation expenses
• Travel costs for legal proceedings

Many personal injury firms in Texas, including Craft Law Firm, will front these costs during the case and recover them from your settlement or judgment later.

It is important to clarify whether you are responsible for these costs if the case is unsuccessful. Some firms absorb the loss; others may expect reimbursement.

When Are Attorney’s Fees Paid?

Attorney’s fees and case expenses are typically paid directly out of the final settlement or court award. You do not write a check or make payments during the case.

Once the settlement or award is received by your attorney, they deduct the agreed percentage, reimburses case expenses, and disburses the remainder to you.

A written agreement, known as a fee agreement, will outline all terms in detail before legal representation begins.

Why the Contingency Fee Structure Benefits Injury Victims

The contingency fee model offers several advantages to clients:

• No risk: You owe nothing unless the case succeeds.
• Equal access: You can hire a top attorney without worrying about cost.
• Motivation: The attorney only gets paid if they win your case.
• Focus on results: Lawyers are selective about the cases they take, which means more attention to those they do accept.

Can You Negotiate a Contingency Fee?

Contingency fees are negotiable in many cases. While most personal injury lawyers in Texas charge a standard fee, some may be willing to adjust their percentage based on specific factors. These include:

• Case complexity: If the case is straightforward and unlikely to go to trial, the attorney may agree to a lower percentage.
• Settlement likelihood: If there is clear liability and strong insurance coverage, a faster resolution may allow for negotiation.
• Client damages: Larger cases with high-value damages may justify a slightly reduced percentage while still offering the attorney a strong return.
• Client risk: If the attorney assesses low financial risk in advancing costs, they may be more flexible with the fee.

Clients should never hesitate to ask about fees during the initial consultation. The attorney should be transparent about the proposed rate, how costs will be handled, and what triggers a higher percentage.

To schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney, click here.