How much do contingency fee lawyers charge?

Most contingency fee lawyers charge between 33% and 40% of the total recovery. The exact percentage may vary depending on the complexity of the case, the stage at which it resolves (pre-trial vs post-trial), and the state in which the attorney practises.

What types of cases use contingency fees in the US?

Personal injury cases are the most common, but contingency fees are also widely used in medical malpractice, employment discrimination, class actions, mass torts, product liability, civil rights, and consumer protection cases.

Do I pay anything if I lose my case?

Under most contingency fee agreements, you do not pay attorney fees if you lose. However, you may still be responsible for case costs — such as court filing fees, deposition costs, and expert witness fees — depending on your agreement.

Are contingency fees legal in all US states?

Yes, contingency fees are legal in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories. However, they are generally prohibited in criminal defence cases and domestic relations matters. Each state's bar association may impose additional regulations.

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No Win No Fee in the United States

Q: What is a contingency fee?

A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where an attorney's fee is contingent upon — meaning dependent on — a successful outcome in the case. The attorney receives a pre-agreed percentage of the settlement or court award. If the case is unsuccessful, the client pays no attorney fee.

In the United States, "no win no fee" is known as a contingency fee arrangement. Your attorney receives a percentage of your recovery only if your case succeeds.

Personal Injury

Auto accidents, slip and fall, premises liability

Medical Malpractice

Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, birth injuries

Workers' Compensation

Workplace injuries and occupational illness

Employment Law

Wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment

Class Action

Consumer, securities, and antitrust class actions

Mass Tort

MDL, pharmaceutical, and environmental litigation

Product Liability

Defective products, strict liability claims

Civil Rights

Section 1983, police misconduct, § 1988 fee-shifting

Social Security Disability

SSDI and SSI claims and appeals

Wrongful Death

Fatal accident and survivor claims

Car Accident

Motor vehicle collision claims

Truck Accident

Commercial vehicle and 18-wheeler accidents

Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle collision claims

Uber & Lyft Accident

Rideshare accident claims

Dog Bite

Dog bite liability and strict liability claims

Construction Accident

Workplace injuries on construction sites

Nursing Home Abuse

Elder abuse and neglect in care facilities

Sexual Abuse

Civil lawsuits for sexual abuse survivors

Mesothelioma & Asbestos

Asbestos exposure and mesothelioma claims

Data Breach

Data breach class actions and privacy claims

Consumer Protection

FDCPA, TCPA, FCRA fee-shifting claims

Insurance Bad Faith

Denial of valid insurance claims

Lemon Law

Defective vehicle consumer protections

Veterans Claims

VA disability claims and appeals

No Win No Fee in the United States

Understanding Contingency Fees

What Is a Contingency Fee?

How Contingency Fees Work

Contingency Fee Agreements

Are Contingency Fees Regulated?

Costs vs Fees

Alternative Fee Arrangements

Legal Glossary

Practice Areas