After a serious accident in Oregon, many people hesitate to contact an attorney because they fear the cost of legal services. They worry that they cannot afford to pay hourly rates or large retainers while they are already dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and other financial stress. At Dawson Law Group, we believe that financial concerns should never prevent injured people from seeking justice. That is why our firm handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This payment structure gives accident victims access to experienced legal representation without any upfront costs.
Understanding Contingency Fees
A contingency fee means your attorney only gets paid if your case is successful. Instead of billing by the hour, your lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict recovered on your behalf. If your case does not result in compensation, you do not owe attorney fees. This approach aligns your lawyer’s interests with your own, since their payment depends on achieving the best possible outcome for you. According to the American Bar Association, contingency fees are a common arrangement in personal injury cases because they give clients access to justice without upfront financial risk.
Why Contingency Fees Matter for Oregon Accident Victims
Contingency fees make it possible for everyday people to pursue claims against powerful insurance companies and corporations. Without this system, many accident victims would simply be unable to afford a lawyer. The key benefits include:
- No upfront costs: You do not have to pay a retainer or monthly invoices while your case is pending.
- Reduced financial risk: If you do not win your case, you do not owe attorney fees.
- Aligned interests: Your lawyer is motivated to maximize your recovery because their compensation depends on it.
- Access to justice: Even if you are facing financial hardship, you can still secure high-quality representation.
This system ensures that your financial situation does not prevent you from pursuing accountability and fair compensation.
How Much Do Lawyers Charge in Contingency Fees?
In most Oregon personal injury cases, contingency fees typically range from 33 to 40 percent of the recovery. The exact percentage depends on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. For example, cases that settle early in negotiations may involve a lower fee percentage than those that require extensive litigation and a jury trial. At Dawson Law Group, we are transparent about our fees and explain the agreement in writing before moving forward with representation. That way, you know exactly what to expect.
What Other Costs Might Be Involved?
While attorney fees are contingent on success, personal injury cases often involve additional costs. These can include filing fees, deposition costs, medical record retrieval, expert witness fees, and investigation expenses. At Dawson Law Group, we typically advance these costs for our clients during the case. Once a settlement or verdict is reached, these expenses are reimbursed from the recovery. We make sure you understand all potential costs at the beginning of your case so there are no surprises later.
Examples of How Contingency Fees Work
Here are a few simplified scenarios to illustrate how contingency fees operate:
- Case Settles Before Trial: Suppose your case settles for $100,000. If your contingency fee agreement is 33 percent, your lawyer would receive $33,000 in attorney fees. Case-related costs advanced by the firm would also be deducted, and you would receive the remainder.
- Case Proceeds to Trial: If your case goes all the way to trial and results in a $200,000 verdict, a 40 percent contingency fee would mean $80,000 goes to attorney fees. You would still not pay anything out of pocket, as the fees come directly from the recovery.
These examples show how contingency fees shift the financial burden away from accident victims while still ensuring they receive the majority of their recovery.
Types of Cases Covered by Contingency Fees
At Dawson Law Group, most of our personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Wrongful death cases
- Premises liability, including slip and fall accidents
No matter the type of case, our goal is the same: to make sure clients have access to strong representation without worrying about paying attorney fees upfront.
Contingency Fees vs. Hourly Billing
Traditional hourly billing requires clients to pay for every hour an attorney spends working on their case. This can quickly become overwhelming, especially in complex litigation. For example, if a lawyer charges $300 per hour and spends 100 hours preparing a case, the client would owe $30,000 regardless of the outcome. By contrast, contingency fees remove the uncertainty and risk of mounting hourly bills. You only pay if you win, and your lawyer has a direct incentive to resolve your case successfully and efficiently.
How Contingency Fees Encourage Fair Settlements
Insurance companies know that individuals without lawyers often accept lowball offers because they lack the resources to fight back. When you hire Dawson Law Group on a contingency fee basis, insurers recognize that you have experienced trial lawyers ready to take your case to court if necessary. This levels the playing field and often leads to higher settlement offers. In many cases, simply having a lawyer on contingency signals to insurers that you are serious and will not settle for less than your claim is worth.
Why Dawson Law Group Practices on Contingency
Our firm is committed to helping injured Oregonians secure the compensation they need to recover and rebuild their lives. By working on contingency, we remove financial barriers and ensure that justice is available to everyone, not just those who can afford upfront retainers. We believe this approach reflects our values and our dedication to client-centered representation. Our success is measured not only by verdicts and settlements, but by the peace of mind and financial security we help restore for our clients.
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Contingency Fee Agreement
Before you hire an attorney on a contingency fee basis, you should ask:
- What percentage will you charge if the case settles before trial? What about if it goes to trial?
- Who is responsible for case-related costs, and when are those reimbursed?
- How will I be updated about the status of my case and any settlement offers?
At Dawson Law Group, we welcome these questions and provide clear, straightforward answers. Transparency is essential to building trust and ensuring you feel confident in your representation.
Conclusion: Risk-Free Representation for Oregon Accident Victims
Contingency fees give accident victims in Oregon a powerful way to seek justice without financial risk. You do not pay upfront fees, and you only owe attorney fees if your case is successful. This system ensures that injured people can stand up to insurance companies and corporations, no matter their financial situation. At Dawson Law Group, we are proud to represent clients on a contingency fee basis, fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation they deserve.
About Dawson Law Group
Dawson Law Group is a trusted Portland personal injury law firm known for its client-focused approach and strong trial record. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys handle cases on a contingency fee basis, giving accident victims access to justice without financial risk.