Mayfield Law, LLC | June 23, 2025 | Personal Injury
When you have been hurt in a car crash, a slip-and-fall accident, or another accident in Georgia, hiring the right personal injury lawyer can make all the difference. One of the first questions most people ask is, “How will I pay my attorney?”
Understanding how personal injury lawyers get paid will help you plan ahead, avoid surprises, and feel confident about your case. This article breaks down the main ways Georgia personal injury attorneys charge for their work, explains common percentages and expenses, and shows you how to protect your budget while still getting high-quality legal assistance.
The Contingency Fee System
Most personal injury lawyers in Georgia work on a contingency fee basis. Under this model, the attorney’s payment depends on the outcome of your case.
Here are the basics of a contingency fee arrangement:
- No win, no fee: If your lawyer does not recover money for you, you won’t owe any attorney’s fees.
- Percentage of recovery: If your lawyer secures a settlement or court award, their fee will be a percentage of your winnings.
- Written agreement: In Georgia, contingency fee agreements must be in writing.
A contingency fee lets injured people hire skilled counsel even if they cannot afford to pay up front. It shifts much of the financial risk from the client to the attorney and ensures the lawyer is motivated to maximize your recovery.
Typical Percentages in Georgia
While each firm sets its own rates, most Georgia personal injury lawyers charge between 33.3% and 40% of the total settlement or verdict.
- Pre-suit settlements: If the case settles before a lawsuit is filed, the fee is often at the lower end of the range, around one-third.
- Litigation or trial: Once a lawsuit is filed—or if a trial becomes necessary—the percentage may rise to 40% because the lawyer must invest extra time and resources.
- Appeals: If the case is appealed, an additional amount may be negotiated.
Knowing these ranges helps clients budget realistically for the eventual payout and ensures no last-minute surprises when the case concludes.
Fees vs. Case Costs
Attorney’s fees and case costs are not the same thing. Fees pay for your lawyer’s time, skill, and legal services. Costs cover out-of-pocket expenses such as medical-record requests, court filing fees, deposition transcripts, expert witnesses, postage, and travel.
Many firms front these costs for you and seek reimbursement once the case ends. Others may ask you to cover certain expenses as they arise. Reviewing the cost section of your agreement ensures both sides understand who pays what and when.
When Are Fees and Costs Paid?
Under a standard contingency agreement, fees and reimbursed costs are deducted from the settlement check before you receive your share. The lawyer usually places the full amount in a special trust account, pays any medical liens, reimburses costs, subtracts the agreed-upon fee, and then sends the remainder to you. This step-by-step process makes sure everyone receives what they are owed.
Why Contingency Fees Benefit Injured Clients
Contingency fees exist to level the playing field between accident victims and large insurance companies.
- Access to justice: You can hire a lawyer without worrying about affording their services.
- Aligned incentives: Your lawyer only gets paid when you do, so both of you aim for the highest possible recovery.
- Risk sharing: If you lose your case, you won’t owe any attorney’s fees, and, depending on the terms of your agreement, you may owe little to nothing for case costs.
Because of these advantages, contingency arrangements remain the most popular payment method for Georgia personal injury cases. This benefits clients by removing financial barriers and ending with a shared focus on success.
Contact the Brunswick Personal Injury Lawyers of Mayfield Law, LLC for Help Today
For more information, contact Mayfield Law, LLC to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys. We proudly serve clients in Brunswick, GA, Nahunta, GA, as well as Glynn County and Brantley County. We’re here to offer trusted, compassionate legal guidance. Let us help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Mayfield Law, LLC Brunswick
1611 Union St
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 457-8557
Mayfield Law, LLC Nahunta
13903 E Cleveland St
Nahunta, GA 31553
(912) 457-8557
