Think You Can’t Afford A Personal Injury Lawyer In Missouri? Think Again!

Sansone & Lauber | January 21, 2025 | Personal Injury Blog

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you might be wondering: How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney in Missouri?

The good news is that hiring a personal injury lawyer is more affordable than you might think, and in most cases, you pay nothing upfront.

Contingency Fee Structure: No Win, No Fee

Most personal injury attorneys in Missouri work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything unless your attorney successfully recovers compensation for you.

If you win your case, your lawyer will take a percentage of the settlement or court award as their fee. This percentage typically ranges from 33% to 40%, depending on the complexity of your case and whether it goes to trial.

With a contingency fee arrangement, you get access to top legal representation without worrying about upfront costs. Your attorney covers all case-related expenses, such as filing fees, expert witnesses, and investigation costs, and only gets paid if you do.

What Costs Are Involved in a Personal Injury Case?

While you won’t need to pay legal fees upfront, there are costs associated with pursuing a personal injury claim. Some common expenses include:

Court Filing Fees: Costs to file your lawsuit in court.
Medical Records Fees: Charges for obtaining your medical records to support your case.
Expert Witness Fees: Payments for medical, accident reconstruction, or economic experts.
Investigation Costs: Expenses related to gathering evidence, police reports, and witness statements.

These costs are typically advanced by your attorney and reimbursed from your settlement or verdict.

Factors That Can Affect Your Legal Fees

Several factors can influence the percentage your attorney charges, including:

Case Complexity: More complex cases involving severe injuries or disputes with insurance companies may require more resources and time.
Settlement vs. Trial: If your case settles quickly, fees may be lower. However, if it goes to trial, the percentage may increase due to the additional work involved.
Experience of the Attorney: Highly experienced lawyers may charge a higher percentage, but they often have a track record of securing larger settlements.

Why Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Is Worth It

Some accident victims hesitate to hire a lawyer due to concerns about costs, but the reality is that an experienced attorney can significantly increase the amount of compensation you receive.

Insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements, and without legal representation, you might not get what you truly deserve.

A skilled lawyer knows how to negotiate aggressively and take your case to court if necessary. They handle all the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.

Take Action Today

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t let concerns about cost stop you from seeking justice. With a contingency fee arrangement, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.