Contingency Fees in Pennsylvania: How Injury Attorneys Get Paid
Most Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers work on contingency — you pay nothing unless you win. But the percentage is often negotiable, and the details around case costs matter.
Short answer: A contingency fee means your Pennsylvania attorney is paid only if you recover, usually 33% to 40% of the recovery. The percentage is frequently negotiable, and the fee agreement must be in writing under Pennsylvania's Rules of Professional Conduct.
How does a contingency fee work?
The attorney represents you with no money upfront. If your claim settles or wins at trial, the attorney takes an agreed percentage. If you don't recover, you owe no attorney fee.
What does the fee cover — and what about case costs?
The percentage covers the attorney's time, staff, and strategy. Separate case costs (filing fees, expert witnesses, medical records) are handled differently from firm to firm:
- Some firms advance costs and deduct them from your recovery
- Others may ask you to cover costs regardless of outcome
- Always confirm this in writing before you sign
Is the contingency percentage negotiable in Pennsylvania?
Often, yes. For claims with clear liability and significant damages, attorneys may agree to a lower percentage — especially when they can see your claim is well organized. Comparing offers is the best way to negotiate; ask the right questions first and build a claim summary attorneys compete over.
Why does this model exist?
It lets injured people access quality representation without financial barriers, and it aligns incentives — your attorney only gets paid if you do.
This is general information about Pennsylvania law, not legal advice for your specific claim.
Frequently asked questions
What is a typical contingency fee for a Pennsylvania personal injury case?
Commonly 33% to 40% of the recovery, though the exact percentage is often negotiable and must be set out in a written fee agreement.
Do I owe anything if I lose my case?
You owe no attorney fee if you don't recover, but you may still owe case costs depending on your written fee agreement, so confirm how costs are handled before signing.