You did not budget for a car crash. You did not set aside savings for a sudden inability to work or a stack of hospital invoices that rivals your mortgage. When an accident upends your financial stability, the idea of hiring a high-powered attorney feels like a luxury reserved for someone else.
You might assume that quality legal help comes with a retainer fee you simply cannot pay. Can I hire a lawyer if I can’t afford one? The answer is not just yes. It is the foundation of our entire practice.
The civil justice system includes a specific mechanism designed to ensure that your bank balance never dictates your ability to fight for what is right.
Personal injury law differs significantly from corporate law and criminal defense. We do not bill you by the hour for every phone call or email. Parker & McConkie absorbs the financial risk of your case completely.
We front the costs, we do the work, and we only get paid when the insurance company writes the check. We remove the financial barrier so you can focus on the only thing that matters: getting your life back.
Key financial concepts
- No Upfront Fees: You pay absolutely nothing to start your case; all attorney fees come from the final settlement, not your pocket.
- Risk-Free Representation: If we do not win your case, you owe us zero dollars for our legal services.
- Cost Advancement: We pay for all necessary case expenses, such as filing fees and expert witnesses, and only get reimbursed if we win.
What Is a Contingency Fee Agreement?
A contingency fee is the key that unlocks the courthouse doors for everyone. A contingency fee agreement means that the lawyer agrees to accept a fixed percentage of the recovery, which is the amount finally paid to the client.
If you win the case, the lawyer’s fee comes out of the money awarded to you. If you lose, the lawyer gets nothing. This structure aligns our interests perfectly with yours.
- Shared Goal: We only get paid if you get paid, so we are motivated to maximize your settlement.
- Access to Justice: This model allows you to hire an experienced legal team without having thousands of dollars in savings.
- Peace of Mind: You never have to worry about receiving a monthly bill for legal hours while you are trying to recover.
We explain the percentage clearly in a written agreement before we start. We ensure you understand exactly how the fee works so there are no surprises.
How Do Costs and Expenses Work?
Legal cases involve costs separate from attorney fees. Filing a lawsuit requires court fees. Proving your injuries requires medical records, which hospitals charge to copy.
Building a strong case often requires hiring accident reconstruction experts. These expenses can add up to thousands of dollars quickly. We advance all these costs on your behalf.
- Zero Out-of-Pocket: You do not have to write a check for filing fees, deposition transcripts, or expert reports.
- Reimbursement at End: We deduct these costs from the final settlement check only after we have secured your recovery.
- Risk Absorption: If the case does not result in a recovery, we generally absorb these costs as part of our business risk (depending on the specific agreement).
We carry the financial weight of the litigation. You focus on your physical recovery while we fund the fight.
Can I Afford a Personal Injury Attorney for a Small Case?
Many people believe their case is too small for a lawyer or that a lawyer will take too much of a small settlement. However, insurance companies often offer unrepresented victims significantly less than they offer lawyers.
Even after paying attorney fees, clients with legal representation often end up with more money in their pockets than those who go it alone. We add value that justifies the fee, even in smaller cases.
- Negotiation Leverage: Insurers increase offers when they know a lawyer is involved because they want to avoid litigation costs.
- Lien Reduction: We negotiate with your health insurers to reduce the amount you have to pay back, which increases your net recovery.
- Hidden Damages: We identify damages you might overlook, such as future medical needs or loss of household services.
We review your case for free to determine if hiring us makes financial sense for you. If we don’t think we can add value, we will tell you honestly.
What If I Don’t Have Money for Medical Bills?
One of the biggest fears after an accident is how to pay for medical treatment when you don’t have health insurance or cash on hand. A personal injury lawyer can help you access medical care even if you are broke.
We use legal tools to ensure you get the treatment you need now and pay for it later. We connect you with solutions for your immediate medical needs.
- PIP Coverage: We ensure you exhaust your Personal Injury Protection benefits first, which pays up to $3,000 (or more) regardless of fault.
- Lien-Based Treatment: We work with doctors and specialists who agree to treat you on a “lien” basis, meaning they wait to get paid from your settlement.
- Health Insurance Coordination: If you have health insurance, we handle the coordination of benefits to minimize your co-pays and deductibles.
We ensure that a lack of funds does not prevent you from seeing a doctor. Your health is the priority, and we find a way to pay for it.
How Does a Free Consultation Work?
You might hesitate to call a lawyer because you fear a consultation fee. At Parker & McConkie, the initial consultation is always 100% free. This is a risk-free opportunity for you to ask questions, understand your rights under the Utah State Courts system, and decide if we are the right fit for you.
We use this meeting to provide immediate value.
- Case Evaluation: We listen to your story and give you an honest assessment of the strength of your claim.
- Legal Strategy: We explain the potential legal paths available to you and what the process will look like.
- No Obligation: You are under no pressure to hire us after the meeting; the choice is entirely yours.
We remove the fear of the initial call. We make it easy for you to get the answers you need without opening your wallet.
Why Are Contingency Fees Better Than Hourly Rates?
Corporate defense lawyers charge hundreds of dollars per hour, billing for every phone call and email. If personal injury victims had to pay hourly, almost no one could afford to sue a trucking company or a negligent hospital.
The contingency fee system is the great equalizer in civil justice.
- Performance Incentive: An hourly lawyer gets paid whether they win or lose; we only get paid if we deliver results.
- Resource Parity: This model allows us to match the resources of billion-dollar insurance companies without draining your savings.
- Client Control: You never have to worry that calling your lawyer to ask a question will cost you money.
We believe this is the only fair way to represent injury victims. It ensures that justice is based on the merits of your case, not the size of your wallet.
What Hidden Financial Risks Should I Avoid?
While reputable personal injury lawyers work on contingency, there are predatory practices in the industry you should avoid. Some firms might charge for investigation fees upfront or use settlement loans with exorbitant interest rates.
We protect you from financial traps.
- Clear Contracts: Our fee agreement is transparent, with no hidden administrative fees or upfront charges.
- Loan Warnings: We advise clients to be very cautious about “lawsuit lending” companies that charge predatory interest rates against future settlements.
- Honest Advice: We will not take a case if we believe the cost of litigation will outweigh the potential recovery for you.
We operate with integrity. We ensure you keep the maximum amount of your settlement possible.
How Can Legal Representation Reduce Your Stress?
Financial anxiety is a major barrier to healing. Worrying about court fees and attorney bills adds to the trauma of the accident. By removing the financial risk, we allow you to focus entirely on your physical and emotional recovery. We handle the calls, the paperwork, and the arguments so you can live your life.
We provide a support system that goes beyond just legal advice.
- Bill Management: We organize your medical bills and communicate with collectors to keep your credit safe while the case is pending.
- Provider Access: We help you find doctors who understand your situation and are willing to work with you financially.
- Emotional Relief: Knowing you have a dedicated team fighting for you provides a sense of security during a chaotic time.
We take on the burden so you can breathe easier. We ensure that your recovery is your only job.
To maximize your recovery and maximize your settlement, we encourage you to read our guide on when to hire a personal injury lawyer to ensure you don’t miss critical deadlines or settle for less than you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage does the lawyer take?
The standard contingency fee in personal injury cases is typically 33.3% (one-third) of the settlement if the case settles before filing a lawsuit. If the case requires filing a lawsuit or going to trial, the fee usually increases to 40% to account for the additional work and risk.
Who pays for the lawsuit if we lose?
If we do not recover money for you, you do not owe us any attorney fees. Regarding case costs (like filing fees), our agreement typically specifies that you are not responsible for reimbursing us if there is no recovery.
Can I fire my lawyer if I’m not happy?
Yes. You have the right to change lawyers at any time. However, your previous lawyer may have a lien on your eventual settlement for the work they already performed. We can explain how this works during a consultation.
Do I have to pay taxes on my settlement?
Generally, settlement money for physical injuries and medical expenses is non-taxable under federal and state law. However, portions of the settlement related to lost wages or punitive damages may be taxable.
How long will it take to get my money?
Every case is different. Simple cases may settle in a few months, while complex litigation can take years. We work efficiently to get you paid as soon as possible without sacrificing the value of your claim.
Get the Legal Help You Need Today
Don’t let financial fear stop you from seeking justice. Parker & McConkie serves accident victims in Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, and throughout Utah. We provide the strength, the strategy, and the dedication you need to win, with zero upfront cost.
