If you’ve been injured in an accident in Virginia, you might be facing a wave of medical bills, missed work, and physical pain. It’s no surprise that many injury victims delay reaching out to a lawyer, not because they don’t need help, but because they’re afraid of the cost. At The Johnson Injury Firm, we often hear this concern: “Can I even afford a personal injury attorney in Richmond?”
The answer is yes, you absolutely can. Our injury law firm in Richmond, VA, works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. You don’t pay anything up front and owe us nothing unless we win. This model ensures everyone, regardless of income, has access to experienced legal representation when it matters most.
Here, we’ll explain how personal injury legal fees work, what you can expect throughout the process, and why this system benefits injured individuals across Virginia.
What Is a Contingency Fee and How Does It Work?
A contingency fee agreement means your lawyer’s payment is “contingent” on a successful outcome, usually a settlement or court award. Instead of charging hourly rates or requiring a large retainer, we receive a percentage of the amount we recover for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay attorney’s fees. It’s that simple.
This fee arrangement is typical in personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and falls, workplace injuries, or medical malpractice. It shifts the financial risk away from you and puts it on us, your Richmond injury lawyer.
For many people, the contingency fee model allows them to pursue justice they might otherwise never be able to afford.
Typical Contingency Fee Rates in Virginia
While every injury case is unique, the standard contingency fee in Virginia typically ranges from 33.3% (or one-third) to 40% of the total settlement or judgment.
The exact percentage can vary based on a few key factors:
- Stage of Resolution: If your case is resolved through a quick settlement, the fee may be closer to 33.3%. If it requires litigation or goes to trial, the percentage may increase to 40% due to the added time, resources, and risk involved.
- Complexity of the Case: Cases that involve multiple defendants, serious injuries, or disputed liability may require more work and thus warrant a higher fee percentage.
- Court Rules and Ethics Guidelines: All fees must be reasonable under the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct, which require written agreements and full disclosure.
At The Johnson Injury Firm, we are transparent about all fee structures from day one. Our goal is to ensure you understand your rights, what you’ll owe, and when you’ll owe it—before you ever sign a contract.
What Costs Are Not Included in the Contingency Fee?
It’s important to understand that while the contingency fee covers our legal services, it doesn’t always cover every cost associated with your case. There are often out-of-pocket expenses, which can include:
- Court filing fees
- Medical record retrieval
- Expert witness fees
- Accident reconstruction costs
- Postage, photocopies, and deposition transcripts
- Court reporter and videography services
The good news is that most of these costs can be advanced by our injury law firm in Richmond, VA. We cover them up front so you don’t have to come out of pocket during a difficult time. Once the case is resolved, these costs will be reimbursed from your settlement or verdict.
Before signing any agreement, ask your PI lawyer in Richmond who is responsible for these costs and when they are due.
Why the Contingency Fee System Benefits Victims
The contingency fee model has become the standard in personal injury law because it gives everyone a fair shot at justice. Here are the key advantages:
No Upfront Payment Required
You don’t need to come up with a retainer or pay hundreds of dollars an hour. This is especially important when you’re dealing with medical expenses and may be out of work due to your injuries.
Risk-Free Representation
If your case isn’t successful, you don’t owe us anything. We assume the risk so you don’t have to. That means we’re highly motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
We’re Invested in Your Outcome
Since we only get paid if you win, our interests align with yours. We’re incentivized to maximize your recovery, not to drag out your case or settle for less than you deserve.
Greater Access to Legal Help
Without contingency fee arrangements, many people would never be able to afford representation. This system levels the playing field between injury victims and powerful insurance companies.
Virginia’s Statute of Limitations on Injury Claims
Even with an affordable Richmond injury lawyer on your side, you must act quickly. Virginia imposes a strict time limit on filing personal injury lawsuits—generally two years from the date of the injury under Virginia Code § 8.01-243.
If you wait too long, you could lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. This is why we encourage victims to reach out as soon as possible after an accident. The sooner we can build your case, the stronger your chances of success.
What Happens After You Hire a PI Lawyer in Richmond?
Once you sign a contingency agreement with our firm, we begin working immediately to investigate your claim. This includes:
- Gathering medical records and police reports
- Interviewing witnesses
- Preserving physical evidence
- Consulting with medical and financial experts
- Calculating your total damages
From there, we negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. If they refuse a fair settlement, we’ll file a lawsuit and prepare for trial.
All this happens with no payment from you up front, and no legal fees unless we win.
What If the Case Settles Quickly—Do I Still Owe the Full Fee?
This is a common question. Yes, the agreed-upon percentage is typically the same regardless of how quickly the case resolves. However, a good lawyer will evaluate what’s fair for each situation.
Remember that even a “quick” settlement may require hours of behind-the-scenes work, including document review, medical coordination, legal research, and strategy development. Our firm commits the same care and diligence to every case, regardless of how long it takes to resolve.
Case Example: How Contingency Fees Work in Real Life
Let’s say you were injured in a car accident and our Richmond injury lawyer recovered a $90,000 settlement on your behalf. Here’s a rough breakdown of how that could look:
- Contingency fee (33.3%): $29,970
- Reimbursed costs (filing fees, expert reports): $2,000
- Net to client: $58,030
You would pay nothing out of pocket to retain our services, and your attorney only gets paid after recovering money for you.
Are Personal Injury Fees Regulated in Virginia?
- Are in writing
- Clearly state the percentage charged
- Explain how expenses will be handled
- Are signed by the client
This helps protect consumers and ensures transparency. Reputable attorneys—like those at The Johnson Injury Firm—adhere strictly to these rules.
What to Ask Before Signing a Contingency Agreement
Not all lawyers operate the same way. Before hiring a personal injury attorney in Richmond, ask the following:
- What percentage do you charge, and when does it increase?
- Will I owe anything if the case is unsuccessful?
- Who pays the case-related costs, and how are they handled?
- How often will I receive updates about my case?
- Can I see a sample fee agreement?
Our firm welcomes these questions. We want every client to feel confident, informed, and supported from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Fees in Richmond, VA
Do I really owe nothing if I lose my case?
Correct. Under a contingency fee agreement, you do not owe any legal fees if we don’t recover your compensation. Some firms may still require reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs (like court filing fees), so always confirm those terms in writing. At our injury law firm in Richmond, VA, we typically advance these expenses and only recover them if your case is successful.
What if my case settles quickly—do I still pay the same fee?
The agreed-upon percentage applies whether your case settles fast or goes to trial. Even a quick settlement often requires significant work behind the scenes, including research, negotiations, and documentation.
How are contingency fees different from hourly billing?
With hourly billing, you pay for every hour your attorney spends on the case, regardless of the outcome. With a contingency fee, your PI lawyer in Richmond only gets paid if you win. This structure gives you access to legal services without upfront payments or ongoing bills.
Can I negotiate the contingency fee percentage?
In some cases, yes. While 33.3% is standard for many personal injury cases, you may be able to negotiate depending on the complexity of your case or whether it’s likely to settle early. We’re always open to a transparent conversation about fees.
How soon should I contact a Richmond injury lawyer after my accident?
Immediately. Virginia has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start preserving evidence, building your case, and protecting your rights.
Let us help you take the next step. Consultations are always free—and we don’t get paid unless you do.
We Don’t Win Unless You Do
At The Johnson Injury Firm, we’ve built our reputation on standing up for injured Virginians. We know the financial pressure that follows a serious accident, and we believe it shouldn’t stop you from getting the help you need.
Our goal is to remove as many barriers as possible, including cost. That’s why we handle every case on a contingency fee basis. You have enough to worry about—legal fees shouldn’t be one of them.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a PI lawyer in Richmond shouldn’t be a financial gamble. A contingency fee agreement allows you to pursue full and fair compensation without risking your financial future.
If you’ve been injured and are unsure of your legal options, contact our injury law firm in Richmond, VA, today. We’ll review your case for free, explain our fee structure in detail, and help you take the first step toward justice.
