In This Article
Many injured people hesitate to call a lawyer because they assume they cannot afford one. In Nevada personal injury cases, that assumption is usually wrong. Nearly all injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fee unless they recover money for you.
What 'Contingency' Actually Means
Under a contingency arrangement, the attorney's fee is a percentage of the recovery, collected only if the case succeeds. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fee. This aligns your lawyer's interests with yours — they are paid more when you are paid more, and nothing if you receive nothing.
Fees Versus Case Costs
It is worth understanding the difference between the attorney's fee and case costs like filing fees, records charges, and expert witnesses. Most Nevada firms advance these costs and recover them from the settlement. A clear written agreement should spell out exactly how fees and costs are handled.
Why This Levels the Playing Field
Insurance companies have vast resources and salaried lawyers. The contingency model gives ordinary people access to the same caliber of representation without paying out of pocket, ensuring that the strength of your case — not the size of your bank account — determines whether you can pursue it.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
Ask about the fee percentage, whether it changes if the case goes to trial, how costs are handled if you do not win, and who will actually work on your file. A reputable attorney will answer plainly. A free review is a good opportunity to get these questions answered with no obligation.