The "standard" attorney's fee in a personal injury case is one third (33 1/3%) of the total recovery. Note that this is a contingency fee. If nothing is recovered for the client, the attorney's fee is nothing as well. In reality, attorney's actually lose money in this scenario. It costs money to pursue a lawsuit (depositions, medical records, witness fees, etc.). All the costs are only reimbursed to the law firm if we win the case (or obtain a successful settlement.)
Why do we have contingency fees?
I believe the main reason is access to the courts. Most people can't afford to pay an attorney by the hour. They help level the playing field vs. the rich and big businesses.
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