Contingency Fee — No win no fee
A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where your lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. The fee is a percentage of the money you recover.
Official source: americanbar.org
A contingency fee means your lawyer only gets paid if you win your case. If you do not win, you do not pay your lawyer's fees. This payment is usually a portion of the money you get from winning the case. It is a common way for people to pay for a lawyer, especially in personal injury cases or workers' compensation claims. It helps people get legal help even if they do not have a lot of money upfront. Most lawyers will not ask for a contingency fee in family law or criminal cases.
This fee matters because it makes getting a lawyer more accessible. You do not have to pay hourly rates or a large amount of money before your case starts. The lawyer takes a risk with you. They only get paid if they succeed for you. This often means your lawyer will work hard to win your case. They want to get money for you, so they can get paid too.
If you are thinking about hiring a lawyer, ask them if they work on a contingency fee basis. You should also ask what percentage of your winnings they would take. Make sure you understand how costs such as court fees or other expenses would be handled. This way, you know what to expect and can make a good choice about your legal help.
In real life
- A personal injury client paid no fees up front; the lawyer took 33% of the settlement.
- Sarah didn't have to pay her lawyer anything until they won her big work discrimination case, then the lawyer took a slice of her award.
- When John sued the company for a faulty product, his lawyer only got paid if they won the case, taking a portion of the money John received.
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Frequently asked questions about Contingency Fee
What is Contingency Fee?+
A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where your lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. The fee is a percentage of the money you recover.
Who qualifies for Contingency Fee?+
Anyone injured by another person's or company's negligence who can show damages — medical bills, lost wages, or lasting harm.
How do I apply for Contingency Fee?+
You don't "apply" — instead, request a free consultation with a personal injury or mass tort attorney. They work on contingency and only get paid if you win. Official forms and instructions: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_services/flh-home/flh-fees/.
Where can I get help?+
Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and only get paid if you win. Your state bar association can refer you to a local lawyer.
Source: americanbar.org