Contingent Fees and Costs of Personal Injury Cases in San Diego

One of the most common concerns for individuals seeking legal representation after a personal injury is the cost of hiring an attorney. Many people worry they cannot afford a lawyer, especially when medical bills and lost wages are already straining their finances. Fortunately, personal injury attorneys in San Diego typically work on a contingency fee basis, which offers significant benefits to clients. Let’s break down how this works and what it means for your out-of-pocket expenses.

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What Are Contingency Fees?

A contingency fee arrangement means that your attorney’s payment is contingent on the outcome of your case. In other words, your attorney only gets paid if they win your case, whether through a settlement or a trial verdict. Here’s how it works:

1. No Upfront Costs: You don’t pay anything out of pocket when you hire the attorney.
2. Percentage of Recovery: The attorney’s fee is a percentage of the compensation you receive.
3. No Fee Without Recovery: If your attorney doesn’t secure compensation, you don’t owe any legal fees.

This arrangement aligns your attorney’s interests with yours—they are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

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Typical Contingency Fee Percentages in San Diego

The percentage an attorney charges can vary based on the complexity of the case and when it is resolved:

• Standard Range: Most personal injury attorneys in San Diego charge between 33% and 40% of the recovery.
• Pre-Trial vs. Trial: If your case settles before a lawsuit is filed or during early negotiations, the fee may be closer to 33%. If the case proceeds to trial, the percentage may increase due to the additional time and resources required.

Always confirm the exact terms of the fee agreement during your initial consultation.

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Costs Associated with Personal Injury Cases

While the attorney’s fees come out of your recovery, there are additional costs involved in pursuing a personal injury claim. These costs may include:

• Filing Fees: Costs for filing a lawsuit with the court.
• Expert Witness Fees: Payment for medical experts, accident reconstructionists, or economists to testify on your behalf.
• Investigation Costs: Expenses for obtaining police reports, medical records, or surveillance footage.
• Deposition Costs: Fees for transcribing depositions or taking witness statements.
• Trial Costs: Costs for court exhibits, jury fees, and other trial-related expenses.

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Who Covers These Costs?

In most contingency fee arrangements, the attorney advances these costs on behalf of the client. Here’s how it typically works:

• Reimbursement Upon Recovery: If your case is successful, these costs are deducted from your settlement or verdict, along with the attorney’s fees.
• No Recovery, No Reimbursement: If your attorney doesn’t win your case, you usually don’t have to repay these costs.

Be sure to review the fee agreement to understand how your attorney handles case-related expenses.

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Benefits of Contingency Fees for Clients

Contingency fee arrangements offer significant advantages:

• Accessibility: You can hire an experienced attorney without worrying about upfront costs.
• Risk-Free Representation: You won’t owe fees or costs unless your attorney wins your case.
• Motivated Advocacy: Your attorney is incentivized to maximize your compensation.

This fee structure levels the playing field, allowing injured individuals to access high-quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.

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Why Choose Hulburt Law Firm?

At Hulburt Law Firm, our San Diego Personal Injury Attorneys understand the financial and emotional toll a personal injury can take. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, ensuring you can pursue justice without added financial strain. Conor and Leslie Hulburt are seasoned trial attorneys who invest in every client’s case, covering the costs of litigation upfront and fighting relentlessly for the compensation you deserve.

Our philosophy is simple: The Truth Demands Justice. Let us handle the legal and financial complexities so you can focus on your recovery.

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Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in San Diego, don’t let concerns about legal fees prevent you from seeking justice. Contact Hulburt Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll explain your rights, answer your questions, and outline how we can help you on a contingency fee basis.

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Related Content:

• Choosing the Right Personal Injury Attorney for Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death Cases in San Diego
• Compensation for Personal Injury Victims in San Diego