Understand Their Fees

Why Understanding Fees Matters

Hiring a lawyer is not just about legal knowledge—it’s also about trust. If you don’t understand how the lawyer gets paid, that trust can quickly break down.

Imagine going through months of a legal fight only to find out that you owe more than you expected. That’s the kind of stress you don’t want. Knowing the fee system before you start avoids these problems.

The Main Types of Lawyer Fees

Lawyers can use different systems to charge for their work. Here are the most common ones:

• Contingency fee: The lawyer only gets paid if you win your case. They take a percentage of the settlement or verdict.

• Hourly fee: The lawyer charges for every hour they work on your case.

• Flat fee: A set price for the case, no matter how long it takes.

For serious injury cases, contingency fees are by far the most common. That’s because most people can’t afford to pay a lawyer up front when they’re already dealing with huge medical bills.

Breaking Down Contingency Fees

Let’s say your lawyer takes 33% as their fee. If you win $90,000 in a settlement, your lawyer’s share would be $30,000. You would get the remaining $60,000, minus costs like filing fees or medical records.

If you don’t win, you don’t owe your lawyer for their time. This setup helps people afford legal help without paying anything out of pocket.

What Percentage Is Normal?

Many serious injury lawyers charge somewhere between 30% and 40% of the total amount you win. Sometimes the percentage is lower if the case settles quickly, but higher if the case goes to trial because trials require a lot more work.

Always ask for the exact breakdown. You don’t want to be guessing later.

Extra Costs You Should Know About

Lawyer fees aren’t the only expenses in a case. Serious injury cases often include extra costs, such as:

• Court filing fees

• Copying or mailing documents

• Paying for medical records

• Expert witness fees

• Travel expenses

• Deposition costs

Some lawyers cover these upfront and subtract them from your final settlement. Others may ask you to pay as the case goes on. Ask which system your lawyer uses.

How Fee Agreements Work

A fee agreement is a written contract between you and your lawyer. It explains how the lawyer gets paid and who covers different costs.

Read it carefully. Don’t just sign it without looking it over. Make sure it includes:

• The lawyer’s percentage

• How costs are handled

• What happens if you lose

• What happens if you fire the lawyer or switch to another one

This agreement is there to protect both you and your lawyer.

Honesty About Fees Shows Character

The way a lawyer talks about fees can tell you a lot about them. If they’re clear, patient, and open, that’s a good sign. If they avoid your questions or rush you into signing, that’s a red flag.

A good lawyer knows that explaining fees is part of building trust.

Flat Fees in Serious Injury Cases

Flat fees are rare for serious injury cases because no one knows how long the case will take or how complex it will be. A flat fee might work for simple cases like writing a will, but not for lawsuits involving major injuries.

If a lawyer suggests a flat fee for your injury case, ask them to explain exactly what that covers.

Hourly Fees and Why They’re Risky

Hourly billing is not common in injury cases, but some lawyers may still use it. This system can get very expensive very quickly.

For example, if a lawyer charges $250 per hour and works 200 hours on your case, that’s $50,000 in fees. Most people can’t afford that, which is why contingency fees are more common.

Key Questions to Ask About Fees

When you sit down with a lawyer, here are some questions that can help you understand their system:

• Do you work on contingency?

• What percentage do you take if we settle? What about if we go to trial?

• How are extra costs handled?

• Will I owe anything if we lose?

• Can I see a copy of the fee agreement before I sign?

These questions show the lawyer that you’re serious and careful.

Comparing Lawyers Beyond Fees

It might seem tempting to pick the lawyer with the lowest percentage. But cheaper doesn’t always mean better.

A lawyer with more experience and resources might take a slightly higher percentage but end up getting you a much bigger settlement. In the long run, you may take home more money even though their fee is higher.

Think about value, not just cost.

The Importance of Resources

Big cases require big resources. Expert witnesses, medical evaluations, accident reconstruction—these all cost money.

A lawyer with strong resources has a better chance of building a strong case. Yes, they might charge a higher percentage, but they also bring more power to the table.

Civil Rights and Fee Arrangements

Some serious injury cases overlap with civil rights. For example, if unsafe working conditions violate labor laws, or if a public agency fails to protect people’s safety, civil rights issues may come into play.

In some civil rights cases, the law may allow the losing side to cover the lawyer’s fees. This could mean you keep more of your settlement. Ask your lawyer if your case could qualify for this.

Red Flags Around Fees

Here are some warning signs to look out for:

• The lawyer guarantees you’ll win a certain amount.

• They refuse to explain how their fees work.

• They pressure you to sign quickly.

• They want a huge upfront payment for a contingency case.

If any of these happen, take a step back and look for someone else.

Family Support in Fee Talks

Talking about money can feel overwhelming when you’re also dealing with an injury. Sometimes it helps to bring a trusted family member or friend with you. They can listen, take notes, and help you remember the details later.

This can give you peace of mind that you’re making the right choice.

Real-Life Examples of Fee Experiences

• A construction worker in Milwaukee hired a lawyer who explained the contingency fee clearly. When the settlement came through, there were no surprises. He felt relieved knowing exactly how much he would take home.

• A woman in Madison signed with a lawyer who barely explained the costs. When expert fees were subtracted from her settlement, she was shocked. Later, she said she wished she had asked more questions.

• A family in Green Bay chose a lawyer who charged 35%, slightly higher than others they met with. But because that lawyer had strong resources, they won a much larger settlement, and the family ended up better off.

These stories show how important it is to ask about fees before signing anything.

Why Transparency Builds Confidence

When a lawyer is open about fees, it helps you feel confident in their honesty. You shouldn’t have to wonder how much you’ll owe. Transparency makes the whole process less stressful and lets you focus on healing.

Taking Time to Decide

Don’t let a lawyer rush you. If you’re unsure about their fee agreement, take it home and review it. Discuss it with your family. Ask for clarification if something doesn’t make sense.

The right lawyer will respect your need for time and clarity.

What Happens If You Fire Your Lawyer?

Sometimes people hire a lawyer and later feel it’s not a good fit. If you switch lawyers, the first lawyer may still have a right to part of the fee, depending on how much work they did.

This is another reason to read the fee agreement carefully. It should explain what happens if you decide to change lawyers.

Negotiating Fees

In some cases, you may be able to negotiate fees. If a lawyer quotes 40%, ask if they would consider 33% or a sliding scale depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial.

Not every lawyer will agree, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

How Courts View Fees

Courts in Wisconsin and other states keep an eye on lawyer fees to make sure they’re fair. If a fee seems too high or unfair, the court may step in.

This is rare, but it’s good to know that there are limits to protect clients.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Understanding lawyer fees isn’t just about numbers. It’s about trust, respect, and peace of mind. After a serious injury, you’re already dealing with enough stress. You don’t need to worry about surprise bills from your lawyer.

Take time to ask questions, read agreements carefully, and involve your family if it helps. The right lawyer will explain fees clearly and make sure you feel comfortable before moving forward.

When you truly understand their fees, you’ll feel more confident in your choice. That confidence frees you to focus on healing while your lawyer focuses on fighting for your future.