We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. You only pay if we win your case, ensuring no financial risk to you.
Short answer: Most Florida personal injury lawyers, including Alpha Law Group, work on a contingency fee, so there is no upfront fee and the fee is a percentage of any recovery. Florida Bar Rule 4-1.5(f)(4)(B) sets standard limits, starting at 33⅓% of a recovery up to $1 million if the case resolves before an answer is filed in a lawsuit. Case costs are separate from the fee.
How Contingency Fees Work in Florida
With a contingency fee, the lawyer’s fee depends on a successful settlement or judgment. Florida requires the agreement to be in writing and signed by you and the lawyer. Before signing, you must receive and sign a Statement of Client’s Rights. You can cancel the contract in writing within 3 business days of signing without owing a fee for work done in that time, though the lawyer may be reimbursed for funds reasonably advanced on your behalf.
Florida Bar Fee Limits Under Rule 4-1.5(f)(4)(B)
Without prior court approval, a contingency fee above these standards is presumed clearly excessive. Each percentage applies only to that portion of the recovery.
Before an Answer Is Filed
- 33⅓% of any recovery up to $1 million
- 30% of the portion between $1 million and $2 million
- 20% of the portion over $2 million
After an Answer Is Filed, Through Judgment
- 40% of any recovery up to $1 million
- 30% of the portion between $1 million and $2 million
- 20% of the portion over $2 million
If All Defendants Admit Liability and Request a Trial Only on Damages
- 33⅓% of any recovery up to $1 million
- 20% of the portion between $1 million and $2 million
- 15% of the portion over $2 million
An additional 5% may apply if an appeal or post-judgment action is needed to recover on the judgment. The same timing points apply when arbitration is demanded instead of an answer being filed.
Costs vs. Fees
The fee pays the lawyer for legal work. Costs are the expenses of pursuing the claim, such as medical records, police reports, filing fees, deposition transcripts and witness fees. Your written agreement should explain how costs are paid, whether they are deducted before or after the fee is calculated, and what happens to them if there is no recovery. If there is a recovery, Rule 4-1.5(f)(5) requires a signed closing statement itemizing all costs and the fee.
Start With a Free Consultation
Consultations with Alpha Law Group are free. Call (941) 304-1500 to talk about your claim and ask how fees and costs would work in your case.
This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
