The "Contingency" Fee is a fee agreement with a lawyer in which your fee is dependent on the outcome of the case. Typically, this means that if the lawyer doesn't win the case, there is no fee. You should look out for the fine print. Often, law firms advertise that there is no fee if they don't win your case, but you are still responsible for "costs". "Costs" typically are expenses during the case such as court filing fees, deposition/stenographer bills, expert bills, or costs for getting medical records. Ask the lawyer if they will still bill you for the costs if they don't win. Also, ask who is responsible for paying the costs up front. Some lawyers may even make you pay for those costs during the case.
A reputable personal injury lawyer or personal injury firm will not only agree to a "contingency fee" and to advance those costs (pay them up front), they will agree that if they don't win your case, they will eat those costs and not bill you.
If you would like more information, free free to contact us.
David Schreiber
Of Counsel
Law Offices of Thomas Wolpert, PC
(610) 792-3304
Accident Injury Lawyers
