How do personal injury lawyers get paid if I don’t win my case?

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May 29, 2025

So, you’ve been injured—maybe in a car accident, maybe through medical malpractice, or maybe from a slip and fall. And now you’re wondering: What if I hire a lawyer and lose? Do I still have to pay them?

Great question! Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect, how personal injury lawyers get paid, and why hiring someone like a Minneapolis medical malpractice lawyer can still be worth every penny—even if your case doesn’t end in a win.

Contingency Fees: The No-Win, No-Fee Approach

Most personal injury lawyers—including Mark Perron at Perron Law Office—work on something called a contingency fee. That’s a fancy way of saying:

You don’t pay any legal fees upfront.
Your lawyer only gets paid if they win money for you.

If they don’t win, they don’t get paid. Simple as that!

How Does a Contingency Fee Work?

Here’s what you can usually expect:

If your lawyer wins your case—either through a settlement or in court—they take a percentage of the money you get.
This percentage is usually between 30-40% of your award. It’s spelled out in your fee agreement so there are no surprises.

So, if your case doesn’t succeed? Your lawyer doesn’t get paid a dime in fees.

What About Case Expenses?

Ah, here’s where it can get a little trickier. Even though the lawyer doesn’t get paid if you lose, there are some costs that might still need to be covered:

Filing fees for court documents.
Fees for expert witnesses (like doctors or accident reconstruction experts).
Medical record requests and other costs for gathering evidence.

These are called “case expenses” or “out-of-pocket costs.”

Who Pays These Expenses?

Every law firm handles this a bit differently:

Some firms will cover these costs upfront and only take them out of your settlement if you win.
Others might ask you to pay them regardless of the outcome.

The best way to know? Ask upfront! Mark Perron at Perron Law Office always makes sure clients understand exactly how these costs are handled before moving forward.

Why Do Lawyers Use Contingency Fees?

Let’s be real—lawsuits can get expensive. If you had to pay your lawyer’s hourly fee right away, most people wouldn’t be able to afford it. Contingency fees:

Make it easier for injured folks to get legal help—no matter how much money they have in the bank.
Motivate your lawyer to fight for every dollar you deserve—because if they don’t win, they don’t get paid.

Benefits for Clients

This arrangement means:

No upfront payment for legal services.
You don’t have to worry about hourly rates piling up.
Your lawyer is motivated to go the extra mile.

So, you get a dedicated partner who’s just as invested in your case’s success as you are.

What If You’re Worried About Costs?

We get it—lawsuits can be nerve-wracking. Here’s what you can do:

Talk openly with your lawyer about costs. Don’t be shy—ask how they handle expenses if your case doesn’t win.
Get it in writing. A clear fee agreement will spell out what happens if your case isn’t successful.
Work with a lawyer you trust. Like Mark Perron, who’s built a reputation for transparency and compassion as a Minneapolis medical malpractice lawyer.

Examples to Show How It Works

Let’s say you hire a lawyer on a contingency fee basis:

Your case settles for $100,000.
The contingency fee is 33% ($33,000).
There were $5,000 in expenses for expert witnesses and other costs.

What you get: $62,000.

If you lose: You might not owe the lawyer anything—but depending on the agreement, you might still have to cover the $5,000 in expenses.

How to Protect Yourself

Here’s how to make sure you’re not blindsided:

Read the fine print. Make sure the fee agreement clearly states what you’ll owe if you lose.
Ask questions. A good lawyer will happily explain how it all works.
Don’t assume. Every law firm has slightly different rules, so never rely on what you heard from a friend’s case.

Why Having the Right Lawyer Matters

At the end of the day, whether you win or lose, you want a lawyer who’s in your corner and upfront about costs. Mark Perron at Perron Law Office, a Minneapolis medical malpractice lawyer, understands how overwhelming this process can feel.

He’ll make sure you know:

How your case is going.
What fees you might owe (if any).
What’s at stake—and how to maximize your chances of a win.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Fees Scare You

The thought of paying a lawyer can be intimidating, but remember—most personal injury lawyers only get paid if you do. That means they’re as motivated as you are to see your case succeed.

So, if you’re hurt, don’t let worries about lawyer fees keep you from getting the help you need. Mark Perron and his team are here to fight for you and to help you understand exactly how the process works.

If you’re looking for a Personal Injury Lawyer in Minneapolis, Perron Law Office is the most trusted name in the Twin Cities area. Simply reach out on (651) 317-8133 to schedule your free consultation.