Ty Robinson | May 23, 2025 | Personal Injury

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?

If you sustain a serious injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be concerned about the cost of a personal injury attorneys in Charleston, SC, particularly if your recovery requires time off work. However, these concerns may be unwarranted, especially if you have a strong claim supported by substantial evidence. 

This blog discusses factors that affect the cost of a lawyer as well as common types of fee arrangements. 

The Initial Consultation

In a personal injury case, your relationship with your lawyer starts with an initial consultation. You might consult with more than one lawyer before signing a fee agreement. In any case, an initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer is almost always free of charge. After all, the lawyer hasn’t even agreed to take your case yet. 

The Contingency Fee Arrangement

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means that if they lose your case, you pay nothing. If you win your case, you pay your lawyer a pre-agreed percentage of your winnings–typically 30% if you settle, 40% if you go to trial. “Winning” can mean obtaining either a settlement or a lawsuit verdict. Either way, your lawyer gets a percentage.

The contingency fee system democratizes the practice of law because it gives claimants from all economic backgrounds access to the legal system. Ultimately, it is the quality of your claim that determines whether a given personal injury lawyer is willing to represent you.

Case Expenses in a Contingency Fee Arrangement

Case expenses might include (among other items):

  • Investigation expenses, perhaps even the hiring of a private investigator,
  • Expert witness fees,
  • Deposition costs,
  • Travel expenses, and
  • Filing fees.

Most personal injury lawyers are willing to pay case expenses up front if you cannot afford to pay them yourself. 

If your lawyer wins your case, they will deduct case expenses from your compensation.  If they lose your case, most personal injury lawyers will “eat the loss.” Essentially, they are entrepreneurs who confront the risk of loss for the sake of possible gain.

Billable Hours

Under the billable hour arrangement, your lawyer charges you by the hour. The typical lawyer might charge you $200, $300, or even more per hour, and it adds up quickly. This is common in many areas of law. Nevertheless, most personal injury lawyers don’t operate under this type of arrangement.

The Flat Fee Arrangement

A lawyer might offer to handle your case for a flat fee if they think the amount of work is predictable. They might charge you $3,000 to settle your case, for example. This arrangement works for certain types of law, such as estate planning, but it is not a good idea for a personal injury case because it fails to incentivize your lawyer to do everything they can to maximize your compensation. 

Hybrid Arrangements

Your lawyer might seek to combine two or more payment calculation methods. They might, for example, offer you a flat fee to settle your case, but switch to the billable hour method if your case goes to trial. Again, it’s best to stick to the contingency fee method in most cases.

You Can Afford a South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer

A personal injury lawyer in Charleston, SC, is likely to offer a contingency fee arrangement or may decline to take your case entirely. This decision depends on two key factors: the potential value of your claim and the likelihood of a successful outcome. For help, reach out to a personal injury lawyer today to schedule a free consultation and get started on your case. 

Contact Our Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer At Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm Today

If you were injured in an accident in Charleston, South Carolina, and need legal help, contact our Charleston personal injury lawyer at Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.

Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm
28 Broad St Suite 204-2
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 278-2222