How Will I Pay My Erie Injury Lawyer?

How Legal Fees Work in Pennsylvania Personal Injury Cases

One of the most common concerns people have when considering hiring a personal injury attorney is cost. The good news is that virtually all Erie personal injury attorneys — including the attorneys at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. — handle car accident and injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless your case results in a settlement or verdict in your favor.

What Is a Contingency Fee?

A contingency fee is a fee arrangement in which the attorney’s compensation is contingent on — dependent on — achieving a favorable outcome for the client. If there is no recovery, there is no attorney’s fee. The attorney is paid a percentage of the amount recovered, which is agreed upon in a written fee agreement before representation begins.

Under this model, anyone who has been seriously injured in a Pennsylvania car accident can access experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation. You don’t need to pay a retainer, pay by the hour, or front any legal costs to get a skilled attorney working on your behalf.

Typical Contingency Fee Percentages

While specific fee percentages vary and are established by written agreement, personal injury contingency fees in Pennsylvania typically range from 33⅓% (one-third) of the recovery in cases that settle before trial, to higher percentages for cases that proceed to trial or appeal. The exact percentage and the structure of the arrangement will be spelled out clearly in your retainer agreement.

Case Expenses

Separate from attorney’s fees, personal injury cases involve out-of-pocket expenses — such as costs for medical records, expert witnesses, filing fees, and deposition costs. These costs are typically advanced by the law firm during the case and repaid from the recovery at the conclusion of the case. Your fee agreement should clearly explain how expenses are handled.

At Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C., we offer free initial consultations and handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. Contact our Erie office to learn more.