How Do I Pay for a Personal Injury Lawyer?

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Lafayette and are considering legal help, you may be wondering: How do I pay for a personal injury lawyer? Whether you have been in a car accident, a slip and fall accident, or received another injury due to someone’s negligence, you need the best personal injury lawyers to help you get the maximum compensation you deserve. There is a common misconception that hiring a personal injury attorney to help with your case is expensive up front. But, the good news is—in most cases, you don’t pay anything unless you win.

What Does a Contingency Fee Mean?

A contingency fee is a percentage of the final settlement or court award. In Louisiana, the typical range is 30% to 40%, depending on the case. While some firms increase this percentage if a lawsuit is filed, our fee remains consistent, so your best interest always comes first.

Who Pays For Expenses During The Case?

While there are expenses involved in any legal case—like filing fees, expert reports, or records retrieval—you don’t pay these costs upfront. They are advanced on your behalf and deducted from the final recovery. After your case is resolved, your lawyer should provide a detailed settlement statement that explains all costs and how your money is distributed. At Beal & Hebert, we pride ourselves on being fully transparent and upfront about all potential expenses so you’re never caught off guard.

Who Pays for a Personal Injury Attorney?

If you’ve been injured in an accident and are considering legal action, you may be wondering: Who actually pays the personal injury attorney? The answer depends on which side of the case you're on—and whether insurance coverage applies.

If You’re the Injured Party (Plaintiff)

Most personal injury lawyers represent injured clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. The law firm’s fees come directly from the settlement or verdict they recover for you. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing. This ensures you can access quality legal representation regardless of your financial situation.

So, who pays your personal injury attorney?

The at-fault party’s insurance company does. When a settlement is reached or a win in court, the compensation awarded to you covers your damages—and the fee is a percentage of that amount, not an additional charge.

If You’re the At-Fault Party (Defendant)

If you’re being sued for causing someone else’s injury, your liability insurance policy—such as auto or homeowner’s insurance—typically steps in. The insurance company will:

• Hire and pay for your legal defense

• Cover any settlement or judgment, up to the policy limits.

If no insurance coverage applies, then you would be responsible for hiring and paying your attorney out of pocket.

Can One Side Be Ordered to Pay the Other’s Attorney’s Fees?

In Louisiana personal injury cases, it's uncommon—but not impossible—for the losing side to be ordered to pay the prevailing party's legal fees. This generally depends on specific statutes, the facts of the case, and how far the litigation progresses. While rare, it’s something your attorney will evaluate as your case develops.

Is It Worth It to Hire a Lawyer?

Yes. Studies consistently show that injured individuals who hire a lawyer receive 3x more compensation than those who handle their claim alone—even after legal fees are deducted!

Plus, you gain peace of mind knowing a skilled legal team is fighting for you while you focus on healing.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t let cost stop you from getting the help you deserve. At Beal & Hebert, we do the right thing, we keep it transparent, and we get the justice you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Acadiana’s Hometown Lawyers!