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How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge?

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Injuries caused by someone else’s negligence can be life-altering—whether it’s a car accident, a slip and fall, or another unexpected event, the consequences can include mounting medical bills, lost wages, and long-term physical or emotional distress. Trying to deal with all of this on your own can be overwhelming, and yet, you might be hesitant to seek legal help because you believe hiring a lawyer is too expensive.



If it’s your first time considering legal representation, you might be asking yourself, “How much do personal injury lawyers charge?” Most personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which makes getting the help you need more accessible than you might think.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a contingency fee is and discuss all the costs associated with pursuing a personal injury claim.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

Most personal injury lawyers in Connecticut do not require any out-of-pocket fees from their clients. Instead, they work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they successfully recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to focus on your recovery without the financial stress of upfront legal fees.

If you decide to move forward after an initial consultation, your lawyer will begin building your case. They’ll handle all the legal aspects while you focus on getting better. If they successfully secure a settlement or win your case in court, the lawyer will take a percentage of the compensation. This percentage can vary, but it is often between 30-40% of the total settlement.

In Connecticut, the General Assembly provides guidelines for flat fees and statutory sliding scales to help regulate how much attorneys can charge. For instance, a lawyer may take 33.33% of the first $300,000 of a settlement, then a reduced percentage on additional amounts recovered.

For example, if you receive a $600,000 settlement, the attorney might take approximately $200,000 for their services. Of course, this depends on the agreed terms. This type of fee structure ensures that your attorney’s success is tied to yours. The good thing is it gives them a strong incentive to fight for the highest possible compensation.

What Your Settlement Should Cover

As the plaintiff in a personal injury case, your settlement should be enough to cover all the damages you’ve suffered. Here’s what your settlement should include:

  • Medical Expenses: All past and future medical costs related to the injury, such as hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for any income lost due to your inability to work, as well as potential future earnings if your injury affects your long-term ability to work.
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress you have experienced as a result of the accident.
  • Property Damage: Any costs associated with repairing or replacing personal property damaged in the incident, such as a vehicle.
  • Loss of Enjoyment: Compensation if your injury has affected your ability to enjoy activities you previously participated in.
  • Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Damages related to any long-term or permanent disability or disfigurement caused by the injury.
  • Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Any other costs directly related to your injury, such as transportation to medical appointments or home modifications.

A fair settlement should address all of these aspects so you’re not left facing financial hardships.

What Lawyer Fees Are For

It may seem like lawyers take a significant percentage of your settlement. However, important to understand that these fees cover a wide range of expenses necessary to build a strong case. Here’s what lawyer fees are typically used for:

  • Case Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Time spent investigating the accident, gathering police reports, medical records, and speaking with witnesses.
  • Expert Witness Fees: Costs for hiring medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, or other professionals who can provide critical testimony to support your claim.
  • Court Filing Fees: Payments required for filing legal documents, such as the initial complaint or motions, with the court.
  • Administrative Costs: Office expenses, copying fees, postage, and other administrative tasks related to managing your case effectively.
  • Negotiation and Settlement: Efforts invested in negotiating with the insurance company to get you the maximum possible compensation, which often involves significant time and resources.
  • Trial Preparation: If your case goes to trial, fees also cover preparing your arguments, managing exhibits, and organizing witnesses to build a strong court presentation.

Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

There are many reasons why hiring a personal injury lawyer could be a great benefit to you. After an accident, the stress can be overwhelming. You don’t want to be taken advantage of, especially by insurance companies who might try to minimize your compensation.

A personal injury lawyer can help in several important ways:

  • Handling Insurance Companies: Negotiating with insurers to ensure you receive a fair settlement rather than being pressured into accepting a low offer.
  • Building a Strong Case: Gathering the evidence needed to support your claim, including speaking with witnesses and obtaining expert opinions.
  • Calculating Your Damages: Making sure that all aspects of your damages are taken into account, from medical bills to lost income.
  • Reducing Stress: Taking care of the legal process so you can focus on recovering, rather than worrying about paperwork or legal terminology.

If you’ve been seriously injured, the last thing you want to worry about is tracking down witnesses or collecting medical records. Let a personal injury lawyer do the heavy lifting. This not only eases your burden but also gives you the best chance at receiving the compensation you deserve. By allowing an experienced attorney to handle the details, you can focus on what truly matters—your recovery and well-being.

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