The amount you receive from a personal injury settlement depends on the total settlement amount, the attorney fee arrangement, case expenses, medical bills or liens, and any other amounts that must be paid from the recovery.
Contingency fees
Personal injury attorneys commonly work on a contingency fee, which means the attorney is paid a percentage of the recovery rather than charging an hourly fee upfront. The exact percentage should be clearly explained in the fee agreement before representation begins.
Case expenses and medical liens
Case expenses may also be deducted from the settlement. These can include costs for medical records, expert witnesses, filing fees, accident reconstruction, depositions, or other expenses needed to pursue the claim. Outstanding medical bills or valid liens may also need to be paid before the remaining funds are distributed to the client.
Ask for the breakdown
Before accepting a settlement, you should ask for a clear breakdown showing the gross settlement, attorney fees, expenses, medical payments or liens, and the estimated amount you will receive.
If you have a personal injury claim in Sherman, Grayson County, the surrounding North Texas area, or Southern Oklahoma, our office can explain how fees and expenses work and what you may actually receive from a settlement.