A serious accident can change your life in seconds — but you don’t have to face it alone. When you're dealing with injuries, medical bills, and lost wages, the last thing you should worry about is how to afford a lawyer. At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no attorney fees unless we win your case.
Affording Expert Legal Help After an Accident in Texas
While you're juggling medical appointments, lost paychecks, and the emotional trauma of it all, adding a lawyer's bill to the pile can feel overwhelming. Many Texas families wrongly assume they can't afford an experienced attorney to take on the big insurance companies. This is where the contingency fee system provides a path to justice.
This system levels the playing field, giving you access to the same high-quality legal representation that corporations and insurance carriers have. It ensures that your right to seek justice doesn't depend on your financial situation.
You Pay Nothing Upfront to Get Started
Think of it as our firm investing in your case because we believe in it. We front all the costs of building your claim—from investigating the accident scene to hiring the right experts—so you can put all your energy into your recovery.
The promise of a contingency fee agreement is simple but powerful:
- No Out-of-Pocket Costs: You will never have to write us a check to start your case or keep it moving forward.
- Shared Risk: Our payment is tied directly to our ability to win for you. If you don’t get a settlement or a favorable verdict, you owe us nothing for our time and effort.
- Aligned Goals: We are driven to secure the maximum compensation possible for you because our fee is a percentage of that recovery. When you win, we win.
For example, after a Houston freeway crash, you might be facing tens of thousands in hospital bills. With a contingency fee agreement, you can hire a dedicated Houston car accident attorney immediately, without adding more financial stress. We handle the insurance adjusters and legal deadlines while you focus on healing.
How Contingency Fee Agreements Work in Texas
Let's pull back the curtain on how hiring a Texas personal injury lawyer works financially. The heart of our payment system is the contingency fee agreement, a straightforward concept designed to give you peace of mind.
It’s a partnership. We bring the legal expertise, resources, and upfront investment to build your case. Our payment is a share of the successful outcome we achieve for you.
This model removes the financial risk from your shoulders and ensures our goals are perfectly aligned with yours: securing the maximum compensation for your injuries.
The “No Win, No Fee” Promise in Action
The most important part of this agreement is our “no win, no fee” promise. It's simple: if we don't secure a settlement for you or win your case in court, you owe us absolutely nothing in attorney fees. Zero.
This promise is your shield. It allows you to pursue the justice you deserve without worrying about hourly bills or paying a hefty retainer you can't afford.
Our fee is a pre-determined percentage of the total amount we recover for you. The standard contingency fee in Texas is typically between 33% and 40%. You'll often see a fee of 33.3% (one-third) for cases that settle without going to court. That percentage may increase to 40% if a lawsuit is filed and we have to fight in court, reflecting the significant increase in work, time, and resources required.
A Real-World Example in Houston
To see how this works, let's imagine you were badly hurt in a serious car accident on I-45 in Houston. After tough negotiations, we secure a $90,000 settlement for you before filing a lawsuit.
Here’s how the math breaks down:
- Total Settlement Amount: $90,000
- Standard Contingency Fee (33.3%): $30,000
- Your Share (Before Other Costs): $60,000
Our firm's $30,000 fee is deducted directly from the settlement check, so you never pay anything out of your own pocket.
Sample Contingency Fee Calculation
This table shows how an attorney's fee is calculated from a hypothetical $100,000 settlement at different stages of a personal injury case.
| Case Stage | Typical Fee % | Settlement Amount | Attorney's Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Litigation (Settled before lawsuit) | 33.3% | $100,000 | $33,300 |
| Litigation (Settled after lawsuit is filed) | 40% | $100,000 | $40,000 |
As you can see, the fee percentage reflects the work required, but the principle remains the same: the fee is always a percentage of the recovery, never an out-of-pocket expense for you.
The contingency fee system is designed to empower you. It ensures your ability to stand up to a powerful insurance company doesn't depend on your bank account, but on the strength of your case.
This structure allows our team to take on complex claims—from devastating truck crashes to tragic wrongful death cases—knowing our interests are tied directly to yours. During your free consultation, we will review our fee agreement with you line by line, answering every question so you feel completely confident and informed.
Understanding Case Costs and Expenses
Beyond the attorney’s fee, every personal injury case involves operational costs. It's crucial that we have a transparent conversation about these expenses from the start, so there are no surprises.
Think of these as necessary investments we make to build a strong, convincing case designed to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Our commitment is simple: we advance these costs on your behalf. This means you still pay nothing out-of-pocket. We cover everything needed to build a powerful claim, reinforcing our role as your partner, fully invested in your success.
What Are Common Case Expenses?
Building a winning case—whether for a catastrophic injury from a truck wreck or a wrongful death claim—requires hard evidence and expert analysis. You can learn more about how case expenses are handled on hornwright.com.
These costs are reimbursed from the final settlement after the attorney's fee is calculated.
Common expenses we advance for our clients include:
- Court Filing Fees: Official costs required by Texas courts to file a lawsuit and other legal documents.
- Expert Witness Fees: To prove negligence, we often hire specialists like accident reconstructionists, medical experts to explain your injuries, or economists to calculate future lost wages.
- Deposition and Transcript Costs: The expense for a court reporter to formally record witness testimony before a trial.
- Medical Record Retrieval: We gather all necessary medical records and bills from your doctors and hospitals to document the full extent of your injuries.
- Investigation Costs: Fees for private investigators, obtaining official police reports, and gathering photographic or video evidence.
How Expenses Impact Your Final Recovery
It’s important to see how these costs fit into the final picture. Let's walk through an example. If you receive a $100,000 settlement, the attorney's fee might be $33,333 (one-third). Case expenses could add another $5,000 to $10,000. These amounts are deducted from the total settlement, which would leave you with a net recovery of approximately $56,667 to $61,667.
Our promise to you is complete transparency. We track every expense and will provide a detailed, itemized breakdown when your case concludes. You will know exactly where every dollar of your settlement is going.
This approach ensures you have the full resources of an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer behind you without any upfront financial burden. You can focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of building—and funding—your case.
A Step-by-Step Settlement Distribution Example
Seeing a large settlement offer is one thing, but understanding what lands in your pocket is what truly matters. Let's walk through a real-world example of how a $100,000 settlement from a serious Texas accident gets distributed.
Imagine you were injured in a wreck with a commercial truck on a Dallas freeway. After months of negotiations, your attorney secures a $100,000 settlement. Here’s a clear look at where the money goes.
Step 1: The Attorney’s Fee Is Calculated First
The first thing that comes out of the settlement is the attorney's contingency fee. Assuming your case settled without a lawsuit, the standard fee is 33.3%.
- Gross Settlement: $100,000
- Attorney’s Fee (33.3%): -$33,333
- Remaining Balance: $66,667
This fee comes directly from the total recovery, so you pay nothing out of pocket.
Step 2: Case Expenses Are Reimbursed
Next, our firm is reimbursed for the case expenses we paid upfront. These are the costs we invested in your case, like hiring an accident reconstruction expert or covering court filing fees.
Let’s say the total expenses were $7,500.
- Balance After Attorney's Fee: $66,667
- Reimbursement of Case Expenses: -$7,500
- New Balance: $59,167
This process ensures your case is fully funded from start to finish without you ever having to worry about upfront costs.
Step 3: Medical Liens and Bills Are Paid
Finally, we settle any outstanding medical bills or liens. A medical lien is a legal claim a hospital, doctor, or insurer has on your settlement to be repaid for your treatment.
A key part of our job is negotiating these medical bills down, which puts more money back in your pocket. For this example, let's say we negotiated your medical bills down to a total of $15,000.
- Balance After Expenses: $59,167
- Payment of Medical Liens: -$15,000
- Your Final Net Recovery: $44,167
That final amount—$44,167—is your take-home recovery, and in most cases, it's tax-free. You can learn more about how personal injury funds are awarded in Texas in our detailed guide. This transparent breakdown ensures there are no surprises.
Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Attorney
Choosing a personal injury lawyer is a major decision. You’re choosing a partner for your recovery, and asking the right questions about fees is a huge part of finding someone you can trust.
A transparent attorney will welcome these questions. Going into the conversation prepared will empower you to make the right choice for your family's future. Before you sign anything, you need a rock-solid understanding of the financial side.
Your Checklist for Financial Clarity
Think of this as your personal checklist for that free consultation. These questions are designed to cut through the legalese and make sure there are no surprises down the road. Any trustworthy Texas personal injury lawyer should answer every single one—and then show you where those answers are in their written fee agreement.
Here are the essential questions to ask:
- What is your exact contingency fee percentage? Is it the standard 33.3%?
- Does that percentage increase if my case goes to trial? Many firms raise their fee to 40% if a lawsuit is filed. Know exactly what triggers a higher percentage.
- Who pays for case expenses if we lose? This is critical. Our firm’s promise is simple: you owe nothing—for fees or expenses—if we don’t win. You must confirm this is the policy everywhere you go.
- Can you show me where this is written in your fee agreement? Never rely on a verbal promise. A true professional will gladly walk you through their contract, line by line, to ensure you’re comfortable and informed.
Asking these direct questions is a key part of your decision-making. For more advice, check out our guide on how to choose a personal injury attorney who fits your needs.
Your legal representative should be an open book. Your peace of mind is paramount, and that starts with total transparency about how much a personal injury attorney will charge.
Asking these questions makes you a smart, informed client. This process builds a foundation of trust and ensures you're partnering with a firm that respects your right to understand every part of your case.
Get a Clear and Honest Case Evaluation Today
Dealing with a serious injury is overwhelming. Figuring out how to secure justice shouldn't add to that burden. A contingency fee agreement means you can afford a dedicated Texas personal injury lawyer to fight for you. Expert legal help is within reach for everyone, not just those who can pay large fees out of pocket.
You Have Nothing to Lose and Everything to Gain
The "no win, no fee" promise isn't just a slogan; it's our commitment to you. It takes all financial risk off your shoulders, freeing you to focus on what truly matters: your health, your family, and your recovery. You will never see a bill from us unless we win your case.
If you've been hurt in an accident or are navigating the heartbreak of a wrongful death claim, the time to act is now. In Texas, you generally have only two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit under the statute of limitations. It is vital to understand your options. Learn more by reading when to hire a personal injury lawyer in our detailed guide.
Your recovery is our priority. We are here to provide the answers and support you need to move forward with confidence and hope.
Contact The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC for a free, completely confidential case evaluation. There is no cost and zero obligation. You'll get clear, honest answers about your rights and your next steps. Let us help you start rebuilding your future, knowing that recovery is possible and help is available.
Still Have Questions About Attorney Fees? Let's Clear Things Up.
Navigating the aftermath of an accident is confusing. We believe in being completely upfront, so here are straight answers to the questions we hear most often from families across Texas.
Is the First Consultation Really Free?
Yes, absolutely. Your first meeting with our team at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC is 100% free. More importantly, there's no pressure and no obligation to hire us.
This is your time to tell your story, ask questions about Texas personal injury law, and get an honest, no-nonsense opinion on your case. We believe every accident victim deserves to understand their rights without opening their wallet.
What Happens if We Lose? Do I Owe Money for Case Expenses?
This is a critical question. At our firm, our "no win, no fee" promise means exactly what it says—and it includes case costs.
We front the money for everything needed to build a powerful claim, from hiring experts to paying court filing fees. If your case is not successful and you don’t get a settlement or jury award, you owe us nothing for those advanced costs. That risk is on us, not you. Not all firms operate this way, so it’s a vital policy to confirm upfront.
Can I Negotiate the Contingency Fee Percentage?
Contingency fees are generally standard across the legal industry because they reflect the immense risk, time, and resources a law firm invests in a case that could take years to resolve with no guaranteed payment.
While the percentage itself isn't typically negotiable, transparency is paramount. During your free consultation, we will walk through our fee agreement line by line. We want you to understand exactly how we get paid. Our focus is on maximizing the money that goes into your pocket and proving the value we bring to your fight for justice.
A serious injury is stressful enough without adding financial worries. At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, our contingency fee structure is designed to give you access to expert legal help with zero upfront costs. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today and let us give you the clear answers and compassionate support you deserve.
