What Does No Upfront Costs or Fees Mean for an Injury Lawyer?

When a car accident leaves you injured, the last thing you should worry about is how to pay for legal representation. Many Chicago crash victims delay seeking help because they assume they cannot afford an attorney.

At Cooney & Conway, our Chicago personal injury attorneys are here to support you throughout the legal process. We have represented clients in a wide range of personal injury cases, including car crashes, slip-and-fall accidents, and dog bite incidents.

The good news is that most personal injury attorneys take cases “on contingency,” making it possible for most people to be able to hire a lawyer after being injured due to negligence. Below we explain more about what this means, answering the most-often asked questions we receive on this topic.

Not sure if you have a case? Our team offers a completely FREE consultation so that we can learn more about your situation, answer your questions, and explain what legal options may be available to you.

Need Legal Help? Call today for a zero-cost, no-risk consultation: (800) 322-5573.

Why Do Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers Say “No Fee Unless We Win”?

Chicago personal injury lawyers use the phrase “no fee unless we win” because it accurately describes how contingency fee arrangements work. It also addresses the financial concerns of most accident victims.

Most people cannot afford to pay hundreds of dollars per hour for legal representation. This is especially true for victims after a serious accident leaves them injured and facing an extensive recovery, mounting medical bills, and a loss of income.

Without the worry of paying a hefty retainer fee or other upfront costs, individuals with a valid case can work with an experienced attorney from day one. This means, regardless of their current financial situation, their legal rights are protected throughout the claims process. This fair access ensures that insurance companies cannot simply wait out victims who lack the finances to fight back.

Not charging victims up front also helps lawyers. Since they take on the risk of paying all the costs up front for their clients, they need to evaluate each case carefully. They must believe the case has strong merit and that there is a good chances of success before they invest their time and resources with no guaranteed outcome or payment.

How Much Does It Actually Cost to Hire Cooney & Conway?

The actual cost of hiring Cooney & Conway depends entirely on the outcome of your case. Every case is different, so if you do receive a settlement, it will vary depending on the various factors unique to your case, such as the extent of your injuries and whether you are expected to fully recover.

If we do not win your case, you pay zero attorney fees. This is what we mean when we say “no upfront costs or fees.” This straightforward arrangement eliminates financial uncertainty for clients who are already dealing with medical expenses and lost income.

If our attorneys win your case, a percentage will be deducted from your settlement. The exact percentage is always explained to our clients up front with complete transparency and is dependent on several factors. Typically, they take between 33 percent and 40 percent of the compensation awarded to you. Upfront costs paid for by the attorney are also paid back from the awarded compensation. These amounts also vary, as they are based on case complexity, whether the case settles or goes to trial, and the amount of work required to achieve a successful outcome.

Before we decide to represent your case and you decide whether to work with us, we explain the financial terms. You will know exactly what percentage we charge, how expenses are handled, and what you can expect to receive from any settlement or court award.

What Expenses Might Come Up During My Chicago Injury Case?

During your Chicago injury case, several types of expenses may arise as your attorney builds a substantial possible claim. These case expenses may be excluded from your settlement if you win your case.

• Court Filing Fees: If your case proceeds to litigation, various court fees apply.
• Expert Witness Costs: Complex injury cases often require expert witnesses. Medical experts can explain the extent of your injuries, and an accident reconstruction specialist can show how crashes occur.
• Investigation Expenses: Your attorney may hire private investigators to locate witnesses, document the accident scene, or uncover additional evidence.
• Medical Record Copying Fees: Your attorney must obtain your medical records from every healthcare provider who treated your injuries. Hospitals, clinics, and doctors typically charge copying fees.
• Deposition Transcription Fees: Depositions allow attorneys to question witnesses and opposing parties under oath before trial. Court reporters charge fees for attending depositions and providing written transcripts

Can I Afford a Personal Injury Lawyer If I’m Already Struggling Financially?

Yes, you can absolutely afford a personal injury lawyer even if you are already struggling financially. The contingency fee system was specifically designed to help people in your exact situation access quality legal representation without adding to their financial burden.

Your current financial struggles may increase your case’s value. Lost wages, inability to pay bills, and financial hardship caused by the accident represent real damages that skilled attorneys can document and include in your compensation claim.

Personal injury lawyers understand that accident victims often face their worst financial challenges right when they need legal help most. Medical bills pile up, time off work reduces income, and daily expenses continue, even if you are faced with reduced earning capacity.

What Percentage Do Chicago Injury Lawyers Take From Settlements?

Chicago injury lawyers typically take between 33 percent and 40 percent of your settlement amount as their contingency fee. This percentage varies based on the following:

• Case Complexity: Minor rear-end collisions with clear liability may result in lower fees than complex medical malpractice or product liability that requires extensive expert testimony.
• Settlement Timing: Cases that settle within months may have lower fees than those requiring years of litigation and multiple court appearances.
• Recovery Amount: Some attorneys negotiate sliding scale fees where the percentage decreases as settlement amounts increase. This is rare in personal injury cases.
• Firm Experience: Highly experienced attorneys with proven track records may command higher percentages but often deliver proportionally better results.

Who Pays for Medical Records and Expert Witnesses in Cook County Cases?

In Cook County personal injury cases, your attorney typically advances the costs for medical records and expert witnesses upfront. These expenses are deducted from your settlement if you win.

What You Pay if We Do Not Win Your Personal Injury Case

If your personal injury lawyer does not win your case, you typically pay zero attorney fees. This includes:

• Representing you in court
• Preparing legal documents
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• All the hours spent investigating your claim

Your attorney absorbs the loss. This fundamental principle of contingency fee representation protects clients from the financial risk of unsuccessful litigation, ensuring access to quality legal representation regardless of their current financial situation. It is also important to point out that this is why your attorney’s goals align with yours. The liable insurance companies, however, must focus on protecting their bottom line. So their goal, ultimately, is to limit how much they pay out on any case.

How Contingency Fees Work When Cases Settle vs. Go to Trial in Illinois

Contingency fees in Illinois typically increase when cases proceed to trial rather than settling through negotiations. When your case settles without a trial, the insurance company agrees to the claim’s amount and does not need to proceed to court.

However, if your case is taken to trial, the tiered structure reflects the additional work and resources required for courtroom litigation. Trial preparation demands significantly more attorney time and resources.

Lawyers must:

• Develop litigation strategies
• Prepare witnesses
• Create courtroom presentations
• Invest weeks or months in trial preparation

The extended timeline means attorneys carry longer cases without compensation, and trials involve uncertain outcomes.

Cooney & Conway’s No-Risk Guarantee Protects Chicago Injury Victims

No upfront costs or fees remove the financial barriers that prevent injury victims from seeking justice. This arrangement ensures that experienced legal representation remains accessible.

At Cooney & Conway, we have helped Chicago injured victims navigate through legal steps without any upfront costs. Our experienced attorneys understand how to maximize settlements. During a free consultation, we will evaluate your claim, explain your legal options, and answer questions you have regarding your incident or the legal process.

Call Cooney & Conway today. (800) 322-5573