What a contingency fee actually covers
The percentage is only half the agreement. The other half is how costs are treated.
The fee is for the lawyer's time
It typically rises once a lawsuit is filed, because the workload changes substantially.
Costs are separate
Filing fees, expert witnesses, depositions and records requests are advanced by the firm and repaid from the settlement.
Order of deduction matters
Whether the fee is calculated before or after costs changes your net meaningfully on a large settlement.
Liens come last and are negotiable
Health plans and providers often accept reduced repayment once a case resolves. Ask before signing the settlement statement.
Tools for this topic
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