The average lawsuit in Texas can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. However, this cost is typically not of concern to someone pursuing compensation in a personal injury lawsuit because most personal injury lawyers work on contingency.
This means the law firm will cover any lawsuit costs and other expenses and will only take a percentage of their client’s final compensation to cover legal fees at the end of the case. The injury victim doesn’t generally have to cover any of the case costs directly, unless otherwise noted in the legal agreement.
If you or a loved one was injured due to someone else’s negligence and you’d like to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, a Houston personal injury lawyer from Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys can help.
Factors That Affect Legal and Lawsuit Costs in Texas
While the average Texas lawsuit cost is determined by the length and complexity of the case, there are a few specific factors to keep in mind.
Upfront Costs and Contingency Fees
In Texas, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. With contingency fees, you never pay anything upfront. Instead, your lawyer’s fees are set as a percentage of your final settlement or court award. This percentage is agreed upon at hiring, and both sides are legally bound by this contract.
Contingency fees generally range from 33-40 percent. In some cases, there may be a different percentage depending on whether your case is settled out of court or taken to trial. Your lawyer from Omega Law Group will clearly explain how contingency fees work before you sign your contract.
It’s also important to note that, with a contingency fee structure, you will not owe your lawyer anything if they are unable to recover compensation for you.
Additional Costs and Case Expenses
In some cases, additional costs will arise over the course of your case, and your lawyer will advance these costs. At the end of your case, these additional costs will be deducted from your settlement.
These costs may include things like ordering medical records or securing an expert witness for your case. Expert witnesses, such as an accident reconstructionist, may be needed when proving negligence is more complicated.
There are also usually court costs, such as filing and court fees. In Harris County, the fee schedule for family and civil cases is usually set at a $350 initial cost. Court reporters, videographers, and court transcripts may all have costs as well. Read your legal contract carefully to see which fees you may be responsible for at the end of your case.
Medical Liens
While this is not a direct cost of your lawsuit, it’s essential to understand that any outstanding medical liens may also be taken from your settlement. For example, if you were injured and had to have surgery, that medical cost may still need to be paid.
Medical liens may result in you receiving a smaller settlement than you initially assumed. Your attorney from Omega Law Group can try to negotiate with healthcare providers to lower lien amounts and ensure you understand what costs will come out of your settlement.
FAQs About Lawsuit Costs in Texas
Below are some common questions we hear about the cost of a personal injury lawsuit in Texas.
Is a Personal Injury Lawsuit Settlement Taxable in Texas?
No, you do not typically have to pay taxes on a personal injury lawsuit settlement. There are some exceptions to this, so talk to your lawyer about the potential tax penalties for your case.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
In Texas, personal injury settlements depend on the severity of injuries involved and their long-term impacts on a life.
For example, someone who is paralyzed after a car accident may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses as well as reduced earning capacity, the cost of modifying their home to accommodate their disability, and non-economic damages like loss of enjoyment of life.
Is It Okay to Shop Around When Choosing a Lawyer?
Absolutely. You can shop around when choosing a lawyer. Most personal injury lawyers, including those at Omega Law Group, offer free, no-obligation initial consultations. During this consultation, you can ask about potential costs and what contingency fee percentage your attorney uses.
(310) 526-8383Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston
How much does the average lawsuit cost in Texas? The cost of your lawsuit will depend on your lawyer’s contingency fee percentage, whether there are court costs or additional expenses, and whether you have any medical liens.
If you were injured, it’s never too early to get started on your case and pursue the compensation you deserve. Reach out to a Houston personal injury attorney at Omega Law Group today.
