After getting hurt in an accident, a lot of people in Pennsylvania hold off on calling a personal injury lawyer because they’re worried about the cost. That’s a fair concern—especially if you’re already dealing with medical bills, missing work, or trying to get your car fixed. You might be thinking: if I hire a lawyer, will I just end up with less money in the end?
But here’s what most people don’t realize—injury lawyers don’t usually ask for anything up front. In most cases, you only pay if they win or settle your case. That payment comes out of the money they recover for you. If they don’t recover anything, you typically don’t owe them a fee.
That setup—called a contingency fee—can make it easier to get legal help without taking on more financial risk when things are already stressful.
In Pennsylvania, personal injury attorneys commonly charge a contingency fee ranging from 30% to 33% of the total compensation recovered for the client. However, depending on the type of case and it’s complexity, attorneys may charge 35% or more, especially if the case goes to trial or appeal due to the increased workload and risk.
Costs and Fees in Pennsylvania Personal Injury Claims
Hiring a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer often doesn’t require paying anything upfront, but there are other costs that come up during the course of a case. Whether you settle or go to trial, it’s important to understand what these expenses look like.
Filing Fees and Court Costs
When a case is filed in court, there’s usually a filing fee ranging from $100 to $400. If your case goes to trial, there can be daily costs for jurors, the price of serving legal documents, and fees for officially filing a complaint against the other party.
If you request a transcript of any testimony, you’ll pay between $2 and $4 per page—easily adding up to $400 or more for a single day in court.
Expert Witness Fees
Most cases that go to trial require at least one expert witness. These professionals may charge hundreds per hour to review records, write a report, and testify. A straightforward case might cost a few thousand dollars in expert fees, but more complex cases can reach tens of thousands.
Depositions and Transcripts
If depositions are needed, you’ll pay for the stenographer’s time and the cost of the transcript. A single deposition often costs around $500, depending on how long it takes and how detailed the transcript is.
Administrative and Investigation Costs
There are smaller but necessary expenses too. Copies, postage, travel, legal research, and producing trial exhibits all fall under administrative costs. In shorter cases, these might only add up to a few hundred dollars. But in cases that drag on—sometimes for years—these expenses can climb into the thousands.
Investigation costs, like getting medical records or hiring a private investigator, are generally lower but still worth noting.
Who Pays for These Costs?
Lawyers may front many of these expenses, especially in contingency fee cases, but that doesn’t mean they’re free. Whether you win or lose, you’re usually responsible for reimbursing them. Understanding this in advance helps you prepare and avoid surprises later.
What Percentage of My Personal Injury Settlement Does the Lawyer Keep?
When pursuing a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania, understanding how attorney fees work is crucial. As we mentioned, most personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning their payment depends on the outcome of your case. Here’s a breakdown of how these fees typically function.
Standard Contingency Fee Percentages
In Pennsylvania, personal injury attorneys commonly charge a contingency fee ranging from 30% to 33% of the total compensation recovered for the client. This percentage can vary based on factors such as the complexity of the case, the stage at which it is resolved, and the attorney’s experience.
For instance, if your case settles before filing a lawsuit, the fee might be on the lower end, whereas cases that proceed to trial could incur higher percentages due to increased time and resources involved.
Ethical Guidelines: Pennsylvania Bar Rule 1.5
The Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically Rule 1.5, govern attorney fees to ensure they are fair and reasonable. According to this rule, contingency fee agreements must be in writing and clearly state:
- The method by which the fee is determined, including percentages for settlement, trial, or appeal.
- Whether expenses are to be deducted before or after the contingency fee is calculated.
- The expenses for which the client is responsible, regardless of the outcome.
This rule prohibits attorneys from charging excessive fees and mandates transparency in fee arrangements.
Additional Considerations
Again, beyond the attorney’s contingency fee, clients may be responsible for other costs associated with their case, so it’s essential to discuss these potential costs upfront with your lawyer to understand how they will be handled and whether they will be deducted from your settlement.
Understanding the standard practices and ethical guidelines surrounding contingency fees in Pennsylvania can help you make informed decisions when hiring a personal injury attorney.
Is There Really No Fee If We Don’t Win My Case?
One of the most common concerns people have when considering legal help after an injury is what happens financially if the case doesn’t succeed. Thankfully, most personal injury attorneys in Pennsylvania work under a “no win, no fee” model, which limits your financial risk upfront.
Understanding the “No Win, No Fee” Model
Most personal injury lawyers only get paid if you recover money. This is called a contingency fee. If your attorney doesn’t win your case—whether through settlement or trial—you typically don’t owe them any attorney’s fees. This model lets injured clients pursue claims without paying out-of-pocket legal fees while they’re recovering.
What You Might Still Owe
Even if you’re not billed for legal services after a loss, you may still be responsible for case-related expenses. These might include:
- Court filing fees
- Costs for obtaining medical records or police reports
- Expert witness fees
- Depositions and transcripts
Some law firms cover these expenses upfront and only seek reimbursement if they win. Others may expect repayment whether the case is successful or not. This is why it’s important to ask clear questions before signing a fee agreement.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
To avoid any surprises, ask the attorney:
- Will I owe any money if we lose?
- Are out-of-pocket case expenses included in the contingency fee?
- Can you estimate what those costs might be?
Getting these answers early gives you a better sense of how much your case could cost overall.
Minimize Risk with Clear Communication
The contingency fee system exists to help injury victims pursue justice without facing major financial risk. Still, each firm handles costs differently. Always review the written agreement and clarify who pays for what—and when—before you commit.
This approach gives you peace of mind and keeps you informed about the financial side of your injury claim.
Do Personal Injury Lawyer Fees Vary Based on the Type of Case?
Not every personal injury case is the same, and the attorney fees often reflect that. While most lawyers in Pennsylvania use a contingency fee model, the percentage they charge can shift depending on the nature of your case and how complicated it is.
Type and Complexity of the Case
Cases that are more straightforward—like minor car accidents with clear liability—often settle quickly. These tend to fall within the standard 30–33% contingency fee range.
On the other hand, more complex cases—such as medical malpractice, commercial vehicle collisions, or defective product claims—can require more time, resources, and expert input. When that happens, the percentage might be higher to account for the extra work involved.
Some attorneys may also use a tiered structure. For example, they might take 30% if the case settles early, but 35% or more if the case goes to trial or appeal due to the increased workload and risk.
Lawyer Experience and Resources
Attorneys with decades of experience or a track record of high-value verdicts may charge more than newer attorneys. While experience often translates to better outcomes, it can come at a premium. The fee should be clearly explained and agreed upon before the case begins.
Special Situations: Minors and Court Oversight
In some situations—such as cases involving injury settlements for children—a Pennsylvania judge may review and approve the attorney fee arrangement. Judges sometimes require lawyers to reduce their fees to ensure fairness, especially if the child’s portion of the settlement would be significantly reduced by legal costs.
Ask and Confirm in Writing
Fees should always be discussed openly and spelled out in writing. The written agreement should detail the contingency percentage and whether it changes if the case progresses to trial. This helps you understand what to expect and protects both you and the lawyer from misunderstandings down the road.
How Contingency Fee Arrangements Benefit You
For many injury victims, the biggest roadblock to hiring a lawyer is cost. But contingency fee arrangements are designed to remove that hurdle. You don’t pay anything up front, and your lawyer only gets paid if they win or settle your case.
This structure is about more than convenience—it shifts the risk away from you and makes it possible to move forward without extra financial stress. Here’s how contingency fees work in your favor:
- No payment unless you win: You won’t owe attorney’s fees unless your case results in compensation. If there’s no recovery, you don’t pay. That takes a lot of pressure off you while you’re trying to heal and get your life back on track.
- No upfront legal costs: With a contingency arrangement, there’s no need to come up with a retainer or pay hourly fees. You can pursue your claim even if you don’t have extra money on hand. That’s especially important if you’re out of work or facing medical bills.
- Your lawyer is motivated to win: Since your attorney only gets paid if they recover money for you, their interests are aligned with yours. They have a strong incentive to work hard, build a solid case, and push for the highest settlement or verdict possible.
- Access to experienced legal help: Without contingency fees, many people wouldn’t be able to afford a qualified lawyer. This model opens the door for injured people to get the legal support they need—regardless of income or financial situation.
- Clear expectations from the start: Contingency agreements are straightforward. You’ll know ahead of time what percentage your lawyer will take if you win, and how case expenses will be handled. That clarity helps you make informed choices.
- Lower personal financial risk: Contingency fee cases reduce your financial exposure. You’re not spending money just to keep your case going, which is a major relief if you’re already dealing with lost wages or medical debt.
- Incentive to resolve efficiently: Your lawyer benefits from a successful and timely outcome. That usually means they’ll aim to resolve your case as efficiently as possible—without dragging it out longer than necessary.
This system works because it puts you and your lawyer on the same team financially. You’re not investing in hours worked—you’re investing in results.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorneys Today
At Wilk Law Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we know how overwhelming life can feel after an accident. Medical bills, lost wages, and insurance pressure all hit at once—and it’s easy to feel like you’re on your own. That’s where we come in. Our team is committed to standing by your side, fighting for what you’re owed, and helping you move forward.
We handle each case with care, and we don’t back down when insurance companies try to minimize what you deserve.
Every client matters to us. We offer straightforward legal guidance, keep you informed throughout the process, and work under a contingency fee structure—so you don’t have to pay anything upfront. If you were hurt in Pennsylvania and have questions about your legal options, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Let’s talk about your case and what we can do to support you.