# What Is a Contingency Fee? Why You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
One of the biggest reasons injured people don't call an attorney is money. They assume a lawyer costs thousands of dollars upfront — money they don't have while they're out of work, dealing with medical bills, and recovering from an accident.
This assumption stops a lot of people from getting the compensation they deserve.
The truth: at Gonzalez Munoz Law, you pay nothing upfront. Ever. We work on a contingency fee — and if we don't win, you owe us nothing.
Here's exactly how it works.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where your attorney's fees are contingent on winning your case.
Instead of billing you by the hour or requiring a retainer, your attorney receives a percentage of your final settlement or court award. If your case doesn't result in a recovery, you don't pay attorney's fees.
It's that simple.
How Is the Percentage Calculated?
In Florida personal injury cases, contingency fees are typically:
- 33% if the case settles before a lawsuit is filed
- 40% if a lawsuit is filed (the case requires more work)
- Higher percentages in complex cases (class actions, appeals)
These percentages are regulated by the Florida Bar and must be disclosed in writing before you sign anything.
Example:
- Your settlement: $100,000
- Attorney fee (33%): $33,000
- Case expenses reimbursed: $2,500
- Your take-home: $64,500
Your attorney negotiates the settlement, handles every interaction with the insurer, and manages all the legal work — all without you paying a single dollar before you're compensated.
What About Case Expenses?
Attorney fees and case expenses are two different things.
Case expenses are the costs your attorney advances on your behalf during the case — things like:
- Filing fees
- Medical record retrieval fees
- Expert witness fees
- Deposition costs
- Investigation and accident reconstruction
- Court reporter fees
These costs are advanced by the firm and reimbursed from your settlement at the end. In most cases, you never pay out of pocket — costs are deducted from the recovery alongside the attorney's fee.
At Gonzalez Munoz Law, we advance all case expenses. You never receive a surprise invoice.
Why Contingency Fees Level the Playing Field
Before contingency fees became standard in personal injury law, only wealthy individuals could afford to sue large insurance companies. Everyone else had to settle for whatever the adjuster offered.
Contingency fees changed that.
They mean:
- A construction worker who can't afford a $500/hour attorney gets the same legal firepower as a corporation
- An immigrant family who doesn't know the system gets expert representation in their language
- An accident victim who is out of work and in medical debt can still hold a negligent driver accountable
The contingency model aligns your attorney's interests with yours. We only get paid when you get paid — and we get paid more when we recover more. That's the right incentive structure.
What to Watch Out For
Not all contingency arrangements are the same. Before signing a retainer agreement, make sure you understand:
1. When are expenses deducted?
Some firms deduct expenses before calculating the attorney fee, others after. Ask specifically.
2. What happens if you lose?
In a true contingency arrangement: no win, no attorney fee. But case expenses may still be owed. Ask whether the firm waives expenses if the case is lost.
3. Is the percentage negotiable?
Sometimes, especially on high-value cases. Ask.
4. What's the fee if the case settles on the courthouse steps?
Some agreements distinguish between pre-trial settlements and those made after trial begins. Read the fine print.
Our Promise to You
At Gonzalez Munoz Law:
- No upfront fees. Your first call is free. Your first meeting is free. We don't charge anything until you recover.
- No win, no fee. If we don't recover money for you, you owe us nothing in attorney's fees.
- Transparent agreements. Before you sign, we walk you through every term in plain language — in English, Spanish, Russian, or Haitian Creole.
- We advance all costs. We put our own resources behind your case because we believe in it.
You've already been through an accident. You shouldn't have to fight about money just to access the justice system.
Ready to Talk?
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident in Miami-Dade or Broward County, let's talk. Our consultation is completely free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Call 305-770-6666 anytime — we're available 24/7.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.