What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is a payment structure where an attorney only gets paid if they successfully resolve a case in favor of their client. For many individuals, paying an attorney’s hourly rate for case preparation or trial representation is not financially feasible. Instead of charging by the hour, attorneys working on a contingency basis receive a percentage of the final settlement or court award.
This arrangement levels the playing field, allowing individuals to seek justice against large corporations or government entities without worrying about upfront legal fees. Under a contingency fee agreement, you don’t owe any attorney’s fees unless the case is won through a settlement or verdict. The attorney covers all legal expenses and case-related costs upfront, making it possible for injured accident victims to pursue their rights without financial barriers.
Key Features of a Contingency Fee:
- No upfront payment required
- The attorney is only paid if the case is successful
- Fees are a percentage of the final settlement or court award
- Common in personal injury and other civil cases
Who Covers Litigation Costs?
Litigation can involve significant expenses, such as expert witness fees, court filing fees, and investigative costs. With a contingency fee arrangement, the attorney advances these costs and is reimbursed only if the case is won. However, not all attorneys have the financial resources to fund a case properly, so it’s crucial to choose one who can handle the costs associated with litigation and trial.
Common litigation costs include:
- Fees for obtaining medical records and bills
- Private investigator fees
- Court filing fees
- Service of process fees (delivering legal documents)
- Expert witness fees
- Deposition costs
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we cover these expenses upfront. If we take your case and do not win, you owe us nothing.

When Should You Hire an Attorney?
After a serious injury, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, making it difficult to take legal action right away. However, delaying can hurt your case. Hiring an attorney as soon as possible ensures that crucial evidence is preserved, and witnesses are available to testify. Additionally, every case is subject to a statute of limitations—if you don’t file before the deadline, you forfeit your right to compensation.
Don’t Be a Victim Twice – Call 1-800-VICTIM2
We know how devastating personal injuries can be, from mounting medical bills to lost wages and future earning potential. Our goal is to remove any financial obstacles standing between you and the justice you deserve.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, meaning you don’t pay unless we win. Our experienced accident attorneys serve Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Westchester, and Nassau County. We are dedicated to fighting for the maximum compensation for victims of negligence and recklessness.
If you or a loved one has suffered an accident, don’t wait – call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free, confidential consultation. You don’t pay us unless we win – that’s our Fee Guarantee: No Fee Unless Successful.