At Walton Law Firm, we believe in transparency, and that starts with how we get paid. If you’ve been injured in a car wreck, the last thing you need is to worry about upfront legal fees. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, which means if you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid.
What is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee means our payment is “contingent” on the outcome of your case. Instead of charging by the hour or requiring a retainer upfront, we only collect our fee if we recover money for you, whether through a settlement or a jury verdict.
Our standard contingency fee is 40% of the total recovery, which is industry standard for personal injury and car wreck cases.
Why a 40% Contingency Fee?
At Walton Law Firm, we operate on a contingency fee basis, and our standard rate is 40% of the total recovery, a fee structure that is widely recognized as the industry standard for personal injury litigation.
You might wonder, “Why 40%?”
The answer lies in the significant risk and investment our firm undertakes on your behalf. From the moment we take your case, we assume all the financial burden, including:
- Hiring expert witnesses, which can cost thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars depending on the complexity of the case.
- Ordering medical records and reports, which can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per provider.
- Filing fees, depositions, postage, investigations, trial exhibits, and more.
We don’t ask you to pay anything upfront. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing. That means the risk of financial loss falls entirely on us.
Because we only get paid if you win, our interests are fully aligned with yours. We are motivated to pursue the maximum possible recovery in every single case. The 40% fee reflects not only the financial risk we take on but also the resources, time, and legal expertise we invest to secure the best possible outcome for you.
This structure gives every client, regardless of financial situation, access to experienced legal representation without the burden of upfront costs.
A Real-World Example: How the Math Works
Let’s say you’re in a car wreck and we’re able to settle your case for $100,000. Here’s a breakdown of what that might look like:
- Total settlement: $100,000
- Attorney’s fee (40%): $40,000
- Remaining amount: $60,000
From the remaining $60,000, we’ll need to pay any outstanding medical bills or liens and case-related expenses (like medical records or postage). For example:
- Medical lien from hospital: $5,000
- Postage, records, expert review fees, etc.: $500
Your final take-home amount would be:
$100,000 – $40,000 (attorney fee) – $5,500 (expenses) = $54,500
Please keep in mind that every case is unique. The example provided is for illustrative purposes only and does not guarantee the value of your individual claim, the amount of any medical expenses or case related expenses.
Ready to discuss your case? Contact our experienced team of personal injury and car wreck lawyers for a free initial case consultation*
No Advances on Settlements
It’s important to know that we do not provide cash advances on expected settlement amounts. While we understand that an injury can create financial stress, Alabama law and ethical rules prevent attorneys from acting as lenders to clients.
This is for a good reason. It’s important to keep the lawyer-client relationship focused and professional. If we started loaning money, it could blur the lines and create a conflict of interest. That’s why, outside of our agreed-upon contingency fee, we will not get financially involved beyond handling your case.
Considering Trial? Know the Risks.
We will always fight for the maximum compensation possible, whether that means negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in front of a jury. However, it’s crucial to understand that taking your case to trial means putting the final decision in the hands of strangers. A jury may award more than a settlement offer… or they may award nothing at all.
Our role is to give you the information you need to make informed decisions every step of the way.
What About Medical Liens and Bills?
Under Alabama law, any valid lien must be paid out of your settlement. For example, if your doctor treated you after the accident and you haven’t paid their bill, they can place a lien on your case. That means when your case settles, we are legally required to pay that medical provider from your settlement proceeds before you receive your portion.
The good news is we handle this process for you and will work to negotiate medical bills down whenever possible to make sure you walk away with as much as you can.
Final Thoughts
Navigating a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, but understanding how your attorney gets paid shouldn’t be. At Walton Law Firm, our contingency fee structure ensures that you get top-quality representation without ever paying out of pocket unless you win.
If you’ve been injured in a car wreck in East Alabama or West Georgia, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through the process, answer every question, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
