When you’ve suffered a serious injury—like a broken bone from a slip and fall on someone else’s property—your first worry is likely medical bills and lost wages. Many people assume they cannot afford a skilled attorney to fight large property owners or insurance companies. For many, the legal costs feel too high when you are already struggling.
Fortunately, the Arizona contingency fee system is a powerful solution that ensures justice is accessible to everyone. You don’t have to risk your financial future to hire quality legal representation in a personal injury lawsuit.
The “no win, no fee” promise
Instead of charging clients an hourly rate, Arizona personal injury law firms take cases on a contingency basis. A contingency fee is an agreement where your lawyer’s payment is reliant upon successfully recovering money for you. This payment can come either through a favorable settlement or a successful court verdict.
In Arizona, the fee must be a signed, written agreement, and it is a percentage of the total recovered amount—usually between 33% and 40% —agreed upon from the outset of your case. Crucially, if we take your premises liability case (such as a trip-and-fall at a Phoenix retail store) and do not secure any money for you, you owe us absolutely nothing in attorney’s fees.
Understanding fees vs. case expenses
It is essential to know that there are two separate financial categories in personal injury cases. Attorney’s fees are the percentage for the lawyer’s time and effort. Litigation expenses are the other necessary costs to build a strong case, which, depending on the complexity, can include:
- Court filing fees
- Deposition transcripts
- Expert witness fees
- Medical record retrieval
- Private investigation costs
We advance these expenses upfront. Once a settlement or verdict is reached, the firm’s litigation expenses and any third-party liens (such as medical or insurance claims) are reimbursed first. Then, the attorney’s percentage fee is calculated, and the remainder of the money goes directly to you.
It’s important to note that while attorney fees are contingent on winning the case, the written agreement governs whether clients are liable for any litigation expenses, regardless of the outcome. However, many firms voluntarily waive these costs.
Risk-free legal representation
The contingency fee eliminates the financial risk for you, the client, allowing you to focus solely on your physical recovery while your lawyer handles the full legal and economic burden.
This system is especially vital for complex claims against property owners, where extensive investigation and professional testimony are often needed to prove fault. Don’t let the fear of legal costs stop you from pursuing the justice you deserve.