What Is a Contingency Fee?

What’s the one thing that prevents people from getting help? Whether we’re talking about legal assistance, medical care, or professional automotive repair, the answer is often the same: money.

If you don’t have the money to pay, chances are good that you won’t even seek out the help you need. That’s understandable.

If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, slip and fall, or any other type of accident, the last thing you need is another bill. Medical costs are piling up. You might be out of work. The idea of hiring a lawyer might seem out of reach, but that’s where contingency fees come in.

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we don’t charge you anything up front. Instead, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay us if we win your case.

This payment model helps level the playing field. You’re up against insurance companies with deep pockets and legal teams of their own. A contingency fee lets you get legal representation without worrying about how to afford it.

Let’s break down what a contingency fee actually means, how it works in personal injury cases, and why it’s such an important option when you’re seeking justice in Chicago.

What is a contingency fee, exactly?

A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where your lawyer’s fee is contingent (meaning it depends) on the outcome of your case.

If you win, the lawyer takes a percentage of your settlement or verdict. If you don’t win, you don’t owe any attorney’s fees.

It’s that simple.

Here’s how it usually works:

• You agree on a percentage when you hire the lawyer (usually between 33% and 40% of what you recover).
• If the case settles before trial, the fee might be on the lower end of the range.
• If the case goes to trial or appeal, the fee may be higher because of extra time and resources involved.
• You pay nothing upfront (no retainers, no hourly billing, and no out-of-pocket costs for the lawyer’s time).

This structure is common in personal injury cases, including:

• Car and truck accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycle injuries
• Slips and falls
• Wrongful death claims
• Medical malpractice
• Nursing home abuse

What does the contingency fee cover?

The fee covers your lawyer’s time, expertise, and the risk they take on by handling your case with no guarantee of payment.

When a law firm works on contingency, it’s basically investing in your case. They’re fronting the cost of legal strategy, research, negotiations, and trial preparation. That’s why you want a firm that’s selective and confident in the cases they take.

At Gainsberg Law, your fee also covers:

• All communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel
• Case investigation and gathering of evidence
• Medical record reviews and expert consultations
• Filing motions, briefs, and other court documents
• Trial preparation and courtroom representation, if necessary

What about case expenses?

While attorneys’ fees are contingent, you may still be responsible for some case-related expenses. These are the actual out-of-pocket costs of moving a case forward, and include things like:

• Court filing fees
• Expert witness fees
• Medical record retrieval
• Deposition and transcript costs
• Investigator or accident reconstruction services

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we can go over all of this with you before you sign anything. We want you to feel confident about how fees and expenses will be handled from day one.

Why contingency fees benefit you

Contingency fees aren’t just about convenience—they’re about access and fairness. Here’s how they help you:

1. You can afford a lawyer right away

You don’t need savings, credit, or income to get started. That means no delays while bills pile up and insurance companies take advantage of you.

2. Your lawyer is motivated to win

We don’t get paid unless you do. That means we’re focused on building the strongest case possible and maximizing your recovery.

3. There’s no financial risk to you

If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us any attorney’s fees. That puts the pressure on us, not you.

4. You’re not paying for guesswork

If a law firm is willing to take your case on contingency, it likely means they believe in it. We evaluate your claim thoroughly before we move forward, which protects you from wasting time and money on a weak case.

How much will a contingency fee cost me in the end?

Let’s say your case settles for $100,000 and you agreed to a 33% contingency fee. That means your lawyer would receive $33,000, plus any agreed-upon case expenses.

The remaining amount then goes directly to you. Insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements to unrepresented injury victims. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer often increases your total compensation significantly, even after fees are deducted.

Are contingency fees negotiable?

In some cases, yes. The fee percentage may vary depending on:

• The complexity of your case
• Whether it’s likely to settle quickly or go to trial
• Whether multiple parties are involved
• The anticipated cost of litigation

We’re always upfront about what you’ll owe and when. There are no hidden charges or surprise fees at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers. Everything is clearly explained in writing before we begin.

Don’t let legal costs stop you from getting justice

Being injured in an accident is hard enough. You shouldn’t have to worry about how to afford a lawyer on top of everything else.

With a contingency fee, you don’t pay anything unless we win. If you’ve been hurt and you’re wondering what to do next, contact us for a free consultation. We’re prepared to walk you through your options and help you get the compensation you deserve, with no risk to you.