How our 33% contingency attorney fee and case costs work
The Masjedian Law Firm charges a 33% contingency attorney fee for personal-injury representation. No attorney fee is owed unless money is recovered. The 33% fee is calculated on the gross recovery before case costs are deducted. Case costs are separate. If there is no recovery, clients owe no attorney fee and no case costs. The percentage alone does not tell you the amount you will take home.
What does a contingency attorney fee mean?
A contingency attorney fee depends on obtaining a recovery. The firm’s stated rate is 33%, not 33⅓%. Before representation begins, the written agreement should explain what the percentage applies to, what work it covers, and how expenses are handled.
For California contingency arrangements governed by Business and Professions Code section 6147, the contract must be in writing, specify the agreed rate, and explain how costs affect the fee and the client’s recovery. The statute also addresses whether compensation could be due for related matters outside the contract. The agreement must explain that fees are negotiable rather than set by law, except where special statutory limits apply.
Attorney fees and case costs are different
The attorney fee compensates the lawyer for legal work. Case costs are expenses incurred in handling the matter. Depending on what the case requires, these may include filing fees, medical-record charges, deposition expenses, service of documents, and expert fees. Not every claim involves every expense.
At The Masjedian Law Firm, clients owe no case costs if there is no recovery. When money is recovered, the 33% attorney fee is calculated before case costs are deducted. The written agreement explains which expenses may be incurred and how they are handled.
A hypothetical fee calculation
Suppose a case produces a $30,000 recovery. Under the firm’s fee calculation, the 33% attorney fee is calculated on that gross recovery before costs. The attorney fee would be $9,900. If reimbursable case costs were $1,000, the balance would be $19,100 before any medical bills, liens, reimbursement claims, or other applicable deductions.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hypothetical recovery | $30,000 |
| 33% attorney fee | −$9,900 |
| Hypothetical case costs | −$1,000 |
| Balance before medical obligations and other deductions | $19,100 |
This hypothetical illustrates the firm’s fee calculation. It is not an actual case result or a prediction of value. Actual expenses, medical obligations, and other applicable deductions depend on the matter. Review your written agreement and the proposed distribution for your case.
Medical bills are another part of the picture
Medical bills are not automatically included in the attorney fee or eliminated by a settlement. Depending on the circumstances, a provider, insurer, or benefit program may assert a payment or reimbursement claim. Whether a claim is valid, how much is owed, and whether a reduction is available depend on the facts and applicable rules.
Ask for an explanation of known medical obligations and any unresolved amounts before distribution. Do not assume the percentage left after attorney fees is the amount that will be paid to you.
Questions to ask before signing
- Is the fee calculated before or after case costs?
- Which expenses could arise, and who advances them?
- What happens to costs if there is no recovery?
- What work does the agreement cover, and what is outside its scope?
- How will medical bills or reimbursement claims be addressed?
- How will the final recovery, deductions, and payment to me be explained?
The State Bar’s fees and billing guidance recommends clarifying the percentage and whether it is calculated before or after other costs. Keep a signed copy of your agreement and ask about terms you do not understand.
Ask about your personal-injury matter
The Masjedian Law Firm represents people injured in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and slip-and-fall incidents, as well as other personal-injury matters. Initial case reviews are free. Contact the firm to discuss the facts and the proposed written terms.
General information, not legal advice. Deadlines and outcomes depend on the facts. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship or extend a deadline.