In This Article
The phrase no fee unless you win is reassuring, but injured people deserve to understand exactly how the money flows when a case settles. Contingency fees, case costs, and medical liens all come out of the gross recovery — and knowing the order helps you avoid surprises.
How the Percentage Works
Most Nevada injury attorneys charge a contingency fee — commonly around one-third — of the gross settlement, sometimes rising if the case proceeds to litigation or trial. Because the fee is a percentage, the lawyer only earns more when you recover more, which aligns their incentives with yours.
Case Costs Are Separate
Beyond the fee, a case incurs costs: court filing fees, deposition transcripts, accident reconstruction, and medical-expert reports. These are typically advanced by the firm and reimbursed from your share at the end. Ask whether you owe costs if the case does not succeed; many firms absorb them, but the agreement controls.
Medical Liens and Subrogation
If your health insurer or a medical provider paid for treatment, they may assert a lien or subrogation claim against your settlement. A skilled attorney negotiates these down, which can put thousands of additional dollars in your pocket — one of the underappreciated values of representation.
The Bottom Line
What you net depends on the fee, the costs, and the liens — and a good lawyer works all three in your favor. A free review will walk you through the likely structure for your specific Nevada claim before you commit to anything.