How do PI lawyers get paid?? Usually we get paid a contingent fee. That means, we take a % at the end of your case. 1/3 is a standard fee though you might see a bit less or more depending on circumstances. Occasionally you’ll see an hourly billing case, but mostly we are paid on contingency. That means our interests are tied together with that of our clients’ interests. You get a settlement of $30k. We are going to take $10k of it. Costs that we might front for your case are separate.
Why does it work this way? Well, when people are injured in collisions or by other negligent acts, they are generally thrown into financial hardship. They can’t afford a big retainer or to pay an hourly fee to fight for them. They find themselves at the mercy of big insurance companies with very little power, so they need a lawyer. But they can’t afford one. So it makes sense to hire one on contingency. We make money when you do. It ensures we work hard on your behalf. Sometimes this means we end up making a large fee, sometimes a small one or none at all. But we assume that risk and it tends to balance in the end and it allows everyone access to justice in the meantime.
Hope that sheds some light on it!