How much does a workers’ comp lawyer cost?
How much does a workers’ comp lawyer cost?
10% – 30% contingency fee
$1,000 – $12,000 average total cost
Average workers’ comp lawyer cost
A workers’ comp lawyer costs 10% to 30% of the settlement amount if you win your case. This means that after winning the average amount of $10,000 to $40,000, the cost of a workers’ comp lawyer would be $1,000 to $12,000 for successfully negotiating a settlement.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Contingency fee | 10% – 30% |
| Average total cost | $1,000 – $12,000 |
Workers’ compensation is a system that pays employees injured on the job. This allows them to take time off to recover without worrying about expenses.
Some lawyers specialize in helping injured workers negotiate a settlement and get the highest amount of money possible.
Contingency fee
Most workers’ comp lawyers work on contingency, which means they’re paid a part of your settlement only after they’re successful. Most contingency fees are 10% to 30% of the settlement amount. You might be able to negotiate a lower percentage if your case is strong or you have severe injuries.
This fee covers the time they spend working on your case as well as the following upfront costs they pay while working:
Filing fees
Postage
Copying
Recording depositions
Travel expenses
Medical record fees
When to hire a workers’ comp lawyer
Some employees can resolve simple compensation claims without a lawyer. However, a lawyer can help make sure you’re fully compensated. You should consider hiring a workers’ comp lawyer if any of the following apply to your case:
Your employer or their insurer is disputing your claim.
Your injuries are serious, permanent, or life-altering.
You got a settlement offer but aren’t sure if it’s fair.
The medical evidence doesn’t strongly support your claim.
You need to appeal because your claim was denied.
Workers’ comp lawyer cost factors
The following factors affect the cost to hire a workers’ comp lawyer:
Location: Lawyers in urban cities typically have higher rates than those in rural areas. Washington, D.C. has the highest average rates for lawyers in the US.
Experience level: Senior members of a firm typically charge higher rates because they work faster or have a higher rate of success.
Injury severity: Most cases settle for two-thirds of your wages while you weren’t able to work. If you have high wages and are unable to work for an extended period of time, you’ll win more. Injuries to the head, shoulder, or spine typically need more recovery time.
Other expenses: Your lawyer may charge extra or have a higher contingency fee percentage if the case involves private investigation, hiring paralegal assistance, or contacting expert witnesses.
Pro bono: Most attorneys take on a certain amount of cases for free every year. If you’re in need of pro bono representation, contact a legal aid society like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Take the lawyer’s reputation into account when choosing representation. Lower rates may indicate a lower success rate.
Other lawyer costs by type
If your case involves other factors or you need help with another case, you may need additional help from a different type of lawyer. Most lawyers cost $150 to $400 per hour. The following table shows the average rates for lawyers who specialize in different fields:
| Lawyer type | Average hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Family lawyer cost | $200 – $500 |
| Divorce attorney cost | $100 – $400 |
| Tax attorney cost | $200 – $400 |
| Wills attorney cost | $150 – $400 |
| Domestic violence lawyer cost | $250 – $450 |
| Immigration lawyer cost | $150 – $300 |
| DUI lawyer cost | $200 – $500 |
| Patent attorney cost | $300 – $1,200 |
Workers’ comp lawyer FAQs
What does a workers’ comp lawyer do?
A workers’ comp lawyer gives legal advice, completes legal paperwork, and advocates on their client's behalf to make sure they get the maximum settlement possible. These services save clients time and often result in higher monetary settlements.
Will workers’ comp offer a settlement without a lawyer?
You may be able to get a workers’ comp settlement without a lawyer, particularly if you have a simple case. Handling the case yourself will save you money in contingency fees, but you may not get as high of a settlement.
Workers’ compensation lawyers have the expertise necessary to negotiate the settlement amount. They can also help you decide when to settle a claim and when to go to a hearing.
What percentage does a workers’ comp lawyer get?
Workers’ comp lawyers typically charge a 10% to 30% contingency fee, depending on your case’s complexity. This means that if you win your case or get a settlement from your employer, the lawyer will take a percentage of it.
How long does it take to settle a workers’ comp case?
Extremely simple workers’ comp claims can take as little as 45 to 60 days. However, most claims are more complex and take about 4 to 6 months to fully settle. Some cases take 12 to 18 months to fully settle.
Getting estimates from workers’ comp lawyers
When looking for workers’ comp lawyers near you, follow these steps:
Compare reviews and rates from lawyers on Lawful and Google.
Verify their credentials and ask if they've passed the bar exam.
Choose a lawyer who makes you feel at ease.
Choose a conveniently located firm if possible.
Get a contract in writing before any casework begins.
Don’t make any payments upfront.
Questions to ask workers’ comp lawyers
When looking for representation, ask the following questions:
How long have you been practicing law?
When did you pass the bar?
What’s your success rate for cases like mine?
What is your contingency percentage?
Do you give free consultations?
Can you take on my case at this time?
How long do you expect this will take to resolve?
Will you give me a contract in writing?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.