Contingency Fee Calculator
Calculate what you will actually receive from a settlement or verdict after deducting attorney contingency fees, case costs, and medical liens.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
Contingency fee agreements mean your attorney gets paid only if you win. The typical fee is 33.33% (one-third) if settled before trial, or 40% if the case goes to trial. After the attorney fee, case expenses and medical liens are also deducted from your settlement.
The Formula
Net Recovery = Settlement - Attorney Fee - Case Costs - Medical Liens
Variables
- Attorney Fee — Percentage of settlement (33-40%) paid to your lawyer
- Case Costs — Out-of-pocket expenses: filing fees, experts, depositions, copies
- Medical Liens — Unpaid medical bills and health insurance subrogation claims
Example
On a $100,000 settlement at 33.33% contingency: Attorney fee = $33,330, Case costs = $5,000, Medical liens = $15,000. Net to you = $46,670 (46.7%).
Tips
- Ask whether fees are calculated on gross (before costs) or net (after costs) -- it makes a big difference.
- You are responsible for case costs even if you lose in some fee agreements.
- Medical lien amounts can sometimes be negotiated down by your attorney.
- The contingency rate should be in writing in your retainer agreement.
- Some states cap contingency fees for certain case types (medical malpractice, workers comp).