Understanding Contingency Fees in Baltimore Personal Injury Cases

If you’ve been injured in a Baltimore car accident, pursuing a personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Most car accident lawyers in Maryland use a contingency fee arrangement, which allows you to hire legal representation without upfront costs. This blog explains what contingency fees are, how they work in Baltimore, their benefits, and the litigation expenses you should be aware of.

What Is a Contingency Fee?

A contingency fee is a payment structure where your attorney is only paid if they secure a settlement or trial judgment in your favor. Unlike hourly billing common in criminal or family law, personal injury lawyers in Maryland enter into a written agreement with clients, as required by state law, specifying that their fee is a percentage of the recovery. If your case is unsuccessful, you owe no attorney fees, making this a low-risk option. This arrangement aligns your lawyer’s incentives with your goal of maximizing compensation.

How Are Contingency Fees Calculated?

In Baltimore, the standard contingency fee is typically 33 1/3% of the recovery amount, whether obtained through a settlement or court judgment. For example, if your case settles for $100,000, and the agreed-upon fee is 33 1/3%, your lawyer would receive approximately $33,333, leaving you with the remainder. 

Benefits of Contingency Fees

Contingency fees offer significant advantages for personal injury clients. First, they eliminate the need for upfront payments, making legal representation accessible even if you’re facing financial strain from medical expenses or lost income. Your lawyer’s compensation depends on winning your case, motivating them to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies or present a strong case in court. Since attorneys assume the financial risk, they carefully evaluate cases to ensure they have merit, giving you confidence in their commitment to your claim.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

While the contingency fee covers your lawyer’s services, you may be responsible for litigation-related expenses, which the attorney typically advances and is reimbursed for upon settlement. These costs vary depending on case complexity and injury severity. Common expenses in Baltimore include:

• Court Filing Fees: $46 for District Court (claims up to $30,000) or $185 for Circuit Court (claims over $30,000).
• Deposition Fees: Approximately $1,000 for transcripts and court reporter services.
• Service of Process Fees: Around $50 – $90 per defendant.
• Miscellaneous Costs: About $100 for items like medical records  and police reports, 
• Expert Witness Fees: These can significantly increase costs in complex cases requiring expert testimony.

Expenses can range from $200 for straightforward cases to much more for severe injury claims. Discuss these costs with your attorney early to understand your obligations.

Why Choose a Contingency Fee Lawyer?

A contingency fee arrangement lets you focus on recovery while your lawyer handles the legal complexities. For a free consultation about your Baltimore car accident case, contact John Leppler at Leppler Injury Law at (443) 955-1989. We’ll assess your claim, outline your options, and fight relentlessly to secure the compensation you deserve.