Look for a Lawyer Who Works on Contingency

What Contingency Really Means

When a lawyer says they work on contingency, it means their pay is “contingent” on the outcome of your case. They only earn money if you win or reach a settlement. If you don’t win, you don’t owe them for their time.

This is very different from lawyers who charge by the hour or want a big deposit up front. With contingency, you can focus on healing instead of worrying about coming up with cash just to get started.

Why Contingency Exists

Injury law is different from other areas of law. If you were being sued for breaking a contract, you’d probably pay a lawyer by the hour. But with serious injuries, people are often out of work and struggling financially.

If lawyers only worked by the hour, most injured people would never be able to hire one. Contingency solves this problem. It gives everyone a fair shot at justice, no matter their financial situation.

The Percentage Lawyers Charge

Most lawyers take between 30% and 40% of the money you win. This might sound like a lot, but remember—they’re taking a risk too. If they lose, they get nothing.

Here’s an example:

You settle your case for $100,000.
Your lawyer takes 33%. That’s $33,000.
You keep the remaining $67,000 (minus any case expenses).

If you lose your case, you usually don’t owe the lawyer for their time.

Extra Costs You Should Know About

Even with contingency, there can still be extra costs in a case. Examples include:

Filing fees at the courthouse
Paying medical experts to testify
Charges for getting official medical records
Investigator fees if someone needs to reconstruct an accident

Some law firms cover these costs upfront and then take them out of your settlement later. Others may ask you to pay as you go. Always ask about this before signing an agreement so you’re not surprised later.

Questions to Ask About Contingency

When you meet with a lawyer, here are some simple but important questions to ask:

What percentage do you charge?
Does the percentage change if the case goes to trial?
Will I owe anything if we lose?
Who pays for extra costs?
Can I see the agreement in writing?

Good lawyers will be upfront and honest with their answers. If they dodge your questions, that’s a red flag.

Why Contingency Motivates Lawyers

If a lawyer only gets paid when you win, they have a strong reason to fight hard for you. They’ll work to build the strongest case possible, because your success is also their success.

Think of it like a team sport. You and your lawyer are on the same side. If you win, you both benefit. If you lose, you both walk away with nothing.

Comparing Contingency Lawyers

Not all lawyers are the same, even if they all offer contingency. Some have years of experience in serious injury law. Others are newer or only handle smaller cases.

When comparing lawyers, think about:

Their experience with cases like yours
How clearly they explain their fees
Reviews from past clients
Whether they seem confident and trustworthy

Don’t just pick the first lawyer you find. Meet with a few before deciding.

Why Experience Still Matters

Even though contingency makes legal help possible, you still need the right lawyer. A lawyer with lots of experience in serious injury cases will understand how to:

Calculate future medical expenses
Prove lost income
Push back against lowball offers
Take the case to trial if needed

The percentage they charge doesn’t matter as much as their ability to win the case.

Why Law Firms Choose Contingency

Many personal injury law firms only work on contingency. It’s part of their business model. Firms often invest thousands of dollars into cases by paying experts and building evidence. They take this risk because they believe in their client’s chances of winning.

It’s like a company such as Alpha Book Publisher investing in a project they’re confident will succeed. Law firms do the same thing with strong cases.

Civil Rights and Contingency

When someone is seriously hurt by another person’s carelessness, it’s not just about money—it’s about justice. Civil rights include the right to be treated fairly, and contingency gives everyone a chance to enforce those rights.

Without contingency, only wealthy people could afford to fight back in court. Contingency levels the playing field.

Contingency and Insurance Companies

Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to fight hard. If they see you’ve hired a strong contingency lawyer with trial experience, they know you’re serious.

This often makes them more likely to offer a fair settlement, because they don’t want to risk losing even more money in court.

What Happens After You Hire a Contingency Lawyer

Here’s the typical process:

You sign a contingency agreement.
The lawyer gathers your medical records, bills, and accident reports.
They may hire experts to strengthen your case.
They negotiate with the insurance company.
If no fair settlement is offered, they prepare for trial.

Throughout this process, your lawyer should keep you updated and explain each step in simple terms.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not every lawyer who offers contingency is trustworthy. Watch out for these signs:

They promise a huge payout before knowing the facts.
They don’t explain fees clearly.
They pressure you to sign paperwork fast.
They don’t have experience with serious injury cases.

If anything feels off, keep looking.

Real-Life Example

Imagine two people, Alex and Jamie.

Alex hires a lawyer who charges by the hour. Within a few months, Alex owes thousands of dollars just in legal fees—even before the case is finished.
Jamie hires a lawyer on contingency. Jamie pays nothing upfront, and when the case settles, the lawyer’s fee comes out of the settlement.

In the end, Jamie keeps more money and has less stress because they didn’t have to pay out of pocket while the case was happening.

Why Transparency Is Key

Trust is everything between a lawyer and a client. That’s why the best contingency lawyers are transparent. They’ll give you a written contract that explains exactly how fees and costs work.

Never sign anything you don’t understand. A good lawyer will take time to explain the agreement in plain language.

Tennessee and Contingency Fees

In Tennessee, contingency is very common in personal injury cases. The state has a short deadline for filing these cases—usually one year from the date of the accident.

Having a lawyer on contingency means you don’t waste time worrying about money. You can get started quickly, which is important when the clock is ticking.

Contingency and Wrongful Death Cases

When a family loses someone in an accident, the emotional pain is overwhelming. On top of that, there may be funeral costs and lost income.

In wrongful death cases, contingency is often the only way families can afford legal help. It allows them to hold the responsible party accountable without having to pay upfront.

Final Checklist Before Choosing a Lawyer

Here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind:

Do they clearly explain their contingency percentage?
Do they cover extra costs or will you?
Do they have experience with serious injuries like yours?
Do you feel comfortable talking with them?
Did they give you a written agreement?

If you can check these boxes, you’re probably making a solid choice.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Hiring a lawyer on contingency is one of the smartest moves you can make after a serious injury. It takes away the pressure of paying upfront and makes sure your lawyer has every reason to fight hard for you.

But don’t just look for any lawyer who works this way. Look for one with real experience, clear communication, and a history of winning tough cases. That’s how you’ll protect your rights and secure the support you need for the future.

Alpha Book Publisher