Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | November 14, 2025 | Personal Injury
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Florida, you might be wondering whether you can afford to hire a personal injury lawyer. The short answer is that you probably can because most personal injury attorneys in Florida work on a contingency fee basis.
This blog explains what that means, what you can expect to pay, and how legal fees are typically structured in Florida personal injury cases.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is a payment arrangement in which your attorney is only paid if you win your case. Instead of charging hourly fees or requiring an upfront retainer, your lawyer will receive a percentage of your settlement or court award.
This approach is common in personal injury law because it makes legal services accessible to injured victims regardless of their financial situation. It also aligns your lawyer’s incentives with your own—they don’t get paid unless you do.
What Percentage Do Personal Injury Lawyers Take in Florida?
Florida law allows personal injury lawyers to charge contingency fees of up to 33⅓% of a settlement before a lawsuit is filed. If your case goes to court, the standard fee may increase to 40%. These percentages are common and regulated by the Florida Bar to ensure fairness and transparency.
Here’s a general breakdown:
- Up to 33⅓% of any settlement up to $1 million if the case is settled before a lawsuit is filed
- Up to 40% if the case goes to trial or the defendant files an answer to the complaint
- Lower percentages for larger settlements (e.g., reduced rates on amounts above $1 million)
Most personal injury lawyers will explain their fee structure during your initial consultation, and the details will be outlined in your agreement.
What Costs Are Involved Besides Attorney’s Fees?
In addition to attorney’s fees, there are other costs involved in handling a personal injury case. These may include:
- Filing fees
- Costs of obtaining medical records
- Expert witness fees
- Court reporter and deposition fees
- Travel expenses
Many firms will cover these costs upfront and deduct them from your final recovery. Be sure to ask whether you’ll owe these costs if the case is unsuccessful.
Do You Pay If You Lose Your Case?
If your lawyer works on a pure contingency fee basis, you won’t owe any attorney’s fees if you don’t win your case. However, depending on your agreement, you might still be responsible for case-related expenses. This is why it’s important to understand your retainer before signing.
Why Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer May Be Worth the Cost
Even after fees are deducted, people with legal representation often walk away with more money than those who try to handle claims on their own. Insurance companies are known for offering lowball settlements to unrepresented claimants.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can:
- Investigate your case
- Identify all liable parties
- Calculate your full damages
- Handle paperwork and legal deadlines
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Take your case to trial if necessary
The right lawyer can take the pressure off you and help you seek the maximum recovery available.
Contact Workman Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With Our Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers
If you’re worried about affording a lawyer after an accident, know that you don’t have to face the legal process alone—or pay upfront to get help. At Workman Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we offer a free consultation and charge no fees unless we win your case.
Let us explain your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our law office today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer.
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Fort Lauderdale, Clermont, and its surrounding areas:
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
633 S Andrews Ave Ste 401, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 361-3997
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
1655 E Hwy 50 ste 316, Clermont, FL 34711
(352) 77-33866