How Contingency Fees Work: Hiring an Injury Attorney With No Upfront Cost

Your Injury Claim · Liz Valdez Garza · 2026-10-14

After an accident, money is often tight — medical bills are piling up and paychecks may have stopped. Many people assume they can't afford a lawyer. In personal injury cases, that usually isn't true.

What is a contingency fee?

A contingency fee means the attorney's fee depends on the outcome of the case. Instead of paying by the hour, you agree that the lawyer will receive a percentage of the recovery if there is one. If there is no recovery, you generally owe no attorney's fee.

In Texas, contingency fee agreements must be in writing and explain how the fee is calculated.

Why injury lawyers use contingency fees

Contingency fees allow people to hire experienced counsel no matter their financial situation. They also align the lawyer's interests with yours: the lawyer is paid when you are.

Fees vs. case expenses

It's important to understand the difference between the attorney's fee and case expenses. Expenses are the costs of building the case, such as:

  • Obtaining medical records and police reports
  • Court filing fees
  • Expert witnesses
  • Depositions and court reporters

Your agreement should explain how expenses are handled — whether they're advanced by the firm, and how and when they are repaid from a recovery.

Questions to ask before you sign

  1. What percentage is the fee, and does it change if the case goes to trial?
  2. How are case expenses handled?
  3. Is the fee calculated before or after expenses are deducted?
  4. Who will be working on my case day to day?
  5. How will you keep me updated?

A good attorney will answer these clearly and give you a copy of the agreement to review.

The consultation is free

You can talk to an attorney about your case at no cost and with no obligation.

If you were hurt and have questions, Attorney Liz Valdez Garza can help. Call 866-LA-LEONA for a free consultation, or use the case review form on this page. Hablamos español.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay anything if we lose?

Under a contingency agreement, you generally owe no attorney's fee without a recovery. Ask how case expenses are handled in that situation, since agreements vary.

Does a contingency fee agreement have to be in writing?

Yes. Texas requires contingency fee agreements to be in writing and to explain how the fee is determined.

Valdez Garza Law Firm, P.C. · 1105 East 6th Street, Brownsville, TX 78520 · 866-LA-LEONA (866) 525-3662