When someone is injured in a car accident, slip-and-fall, dog attack, or any serious incident in Orange County, one of the first questions they ask is:
“How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?”
The good news is that hiring a personal injury attorney in California is risk-free for clients because nearly all reputable firms—including ours—work on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay upfront fees, hourly charges, or retainers. You only pay if your lawyer wins your case. As a nationally recognized personal injury law firm in Irvine, our goal is to make high-quality representation accessible to every injury victim.
Below is a clear explanation of how contingency fees work, what they typically cost, and what injury victims in Irvine and Orange County should know before choosing a lawyer.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee means the attorney’s payment is contingent upon obtaining a settlement or verdict on your behalf.
If there is no recovery, the client pays nothing for legal fees.
In California, contingency fees commonly range from:
33% to 40% in most personal injury cases
40% or more in highly complex or catastrophic injury matters
Lower percentages in cases settled very early
Most firms—including ours—structure percentages based on the stage of the case:
Pre-litigation settlement
Litigation (filing a lawsuit)
Trial
This compensates for the significant time, risk, and resources required. Clients can review their options with a contingency fee personal injury lawyer in Orange County before signing an agreement.
No Hourly Billing and No Retainers
In personal injury cases, clients do not pay:
Hourly billing
Retainers
Monthly legal invoices
Charges for attorney time
This ensures that injury victims—regardless of financial circumstances—can pursue justice without worrying about upfront costs.
Who Pays Case Costs?
Most reputable firms cover all upfront costs, including:
Accident reconstruction
Medical record retrieval
Expert testimony
Filing fees
Depositions
Trial preparation materials
These costs are typically reimbursed only if the case is successful.
This model allows injury victims to pursue claims involving complex medical issues, disputed liability, or large corporate defendants—without any financial risk.
Why Contingency Fees Benefit Injury Victims
Contingency fees align the lawyer’s interests with the client’s. Your legal team is motivated to:
Maximize the value of your case
Move your case efficiently
Prepare for trial when necessary
Fight aggressively against insurance companies
If the case does not succeed, the client owes nothing for attorney’s fees. Many individuals seeking a car accident lawyer in Irvine benefit from early legal representation because their lawyer is invested in building a strong claim from day one.
How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer in Orange County
When evaluating injury lawyers, consider:
Trial experience
Settlement and verdict history
Peer recognition (Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers)
Experience with your specific type of case
Communication and client experience
A contingency fee agreement is standard. What matters most is choosing a firm with the expertise, resources, and track record to obtain the best possible result.
For example, injury victims searching for a
should select a legal team with prior experience in similar cases and the ability to take the matter to trial if required.
When to Contact a Lawyer
If you were injured in a motor vehicle collision, slip-and-fall accident, dog attack, construction accident, or any significant injury event, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights, preserves critical evidence, and prevents insurance companies from undercutting your claim.
Families dealing with loss can speak with a wrongful death lawyer in Orange County to understand their legal options and what compensation may be available.
About the Author:
Cynthia A. Craig is a founding partner and senior trial attorney at Kubota & Craig, PC, a National and Regional Tier 1 personal injury law firm based in Irvine, California, recognized by Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms through 2026. The firm represent clients throughout Orange County in complex injury, wrongful death, motor vehicle accident, premises liability, and catastrophic injury cases.
