One of the biggest personal injury law firms in America, Morgan & Morgan, specializes in car accidents, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases, among others. A popular inquiry among clients is, “How much does Morgan and Morgan take from a settlement?” Before employing the services of an attorney, understanding the legal fees and settlement reductions is essential. This article aims to explain Morgan & Morgan’s additional charges and the affordable settlements, and contingencies they offer.
What is the Fee Structure at Morgan & Morgan?
To appeal to low-income clients, Morgan & Morgan operates on a contingency fee model where payment is required only upon winning the case. Clients are not burdened by preemptive legal fees which gives them the ability to seek legal representation without the fear of incurring costly hourly lawyer fees.
Standard Contingency Fee Percentage
The standard contingency fee in personal injury cases typically falls between 30% and 40% of the final settlement amount. However, the exact percentage varies based on several factors:
| Case Type | Standard Contingency Fee |
| Car Accidents | 33.3% – 40% |
| Medical Malpractice | 40% |
| Workers’ Compensation | 20% – 25% |
| Product Liability | 33.3% – 40% |
- For cases where a disagreement is reached before the lawsuit, the standard fee is approximately one-third of the settlement figure.
- If the case has to go to court to be tried, the fee can rise to as high as 40% due to the additional costs of court and litigation.
Other Expenses Of Legal Work
In addition to the contingency fee, other legal expenses which can be deducted from your settlement include:
- Filing Fees – Payment for legal documentation.
- Expert Fees – Compensation for professionals speaking in your favor.
- Investigatory Services – Hiring private detectives or researchers to collect evidentiary data.
- Medical Records and Deponents – Expenses related to obtaining medical files and deposition transcripts.
These expenses are not included in the attorney’s contingency fee and are typically deducted from the settlement first.
Example of a Settlement Breakdown
Let us say you have a settlement of $100,000. It may help you to comprehend how fees and costs are deducted from a settlement payout by considering the following example:
- Settlement Amount: $100,000
- Lawyer’s Fee (33.3%): -$33,300
- Legal Costs (court expenses, paid witness): -$5,000
- Net Payment to Client: $61,700
Morgan & Morgan handles every case differently where clients receive a detailed outline of adjustments or deductions made before settling the matter.
FAQs
How do I pay when I come to Morgan & Morgan?
Nothing upfront is required to use the services of Morgan & Morgan as they operate on a contingency fee system, meaning clients are only charged if they win the case.
Is there room for adjustment on the fee?
For the most part, the contingency fee is fixed and not open to negotiation, though specific case details may provide some leeway.
Do all cases fall under a 40 percent base contingency fee?
The percentage is not fixed and varies. Cases received are usually charged a lower fee (33.3%) as compared to those that go for trial which could demand up to 40%.
Does the attorney’s final settlement pay come with other expenses ticketed to it?
Yes, other than the lawyer’s portions, legal expenses like filing and paying a witness are factored in.
What happens if the court rules against you?
With a loss, there is a financial consequence of having paid nothing with Morgan & Morgan due to their payout-based model.
Conclusion
Morgan & Morgan will charge a settlement fee of thirty-three and one-third to forty percent, depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial. Other costs include filing fees, costs of expert witnesses, and other expenses that were incurred. Knowing these allowances ensures that you are equipped when seeking legal counsel. If you intend to engage in a contract with Morgan & Morgan, it is advisable to talk to them about fees and adjustments to the settlement in advance.