Most personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The typical percentage that personal injury lawyers take as their fee ranges from 25% to 40% of the settlement or award amount.

Here’s a breakdown of the common percentages:

• 25%: This is often the fee structure for cases that settle quickly, typically before a lawsuit is filed.
• 33%: This is a common percentage if the case is settled after filing a lawsuit but before going to trial.
• 40%: This higher percentage is usually applied if the case goes to trial and the lawyer has to invest more time and resources into the case.

For example, if your personal injury case results in a settlement of $100,000:

• At a 25% fee, the lawyer would take $25,000.
• At a 33% fee, the lawyer would take $33,000.
• At a 40% fee, the lawyer would take $40,000.

It’s important to note that the exact percentage can vary based on several factors, including:

• The complexity of the case
• The experience and reputation of the lawyer
• The jurisdiction in which the case is filed

Additionally, some lawyers may offer a sliding scale based on the amount recovered, which means the percentage decreases as the settlement amount increases. For instance, a lawyer might charge:

• 30% for settlements up to $1 million
• 25% for settlements over $1 million

Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, it's crucial to discuss and understand their fee structure clearly. Many lawyers will provide a written agreement outlining their fees and any additional costs you might incur during the legal process.

For further reference, you may check resources such as the Nolo website, which provides comprehensive information on contingency fees and personal injury law.