Many people hurt in accidents worry they cannot afford a lawyer. Personal injury cases are commonly handled on a contingency basis, which means the lawyer is paid from the recovery rather than by the hour.
What contingency means
- No upfront attorney fee.
- The fee is a percentage of the recovery and is agreed in writing at the start.
- If there is no recovery, no attorney fee is owed.
Questions to ask any lawyer
- What percentage will you charge, and does it change if the case goes to trial?
- How are case costs such as records and experts handled, and are they repaid if there is no recovery?
- Who will actually work on my case, and how will you keep me updated?
- How are medical liens and bills handled at settlement?
The firm of Matthew J. Wilkins offers free consultations and does not get paid unless and until you get paid. Call (559) 438-2390 to ask how the fee agreement works for your case.
Published October 13, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and every case is different. Attorney advertising.