After a car accident on the 405, a motorcycle crash on Sunset Boulevard, or a slip and fall in a Los Angeles business, most injury victims are overwhelmed.

Medical bills start piling up, insurance adjusters start calling, and one of the first questions people ask is:

“How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles?”

Insurance companies want you to believe you can’t afford a lawyer. They push fast, lowball settlements because they know victims are scared of legal fees.

But here’s the truth: at The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus, it costs you nothing upfront to hire us.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win.

In this guide, we’ll explain how fees really work, why hiring an experienced Los Angeles accident lawyer actually puts more money in your pocket, and why choosing the right lawyer can make or break your case.

Understanding Contingency Fees in California

Personal injury law in Los Angeles operates on a contingency fee model, not hourly billing. That means:

• No upfront payment. You don’t pay us to start your case.

• No hourly charges. You won’t see a bill for phone calls, meetings, or trial prep.

• We advance case costs. That includes investigators, depositions, medical experts, and courtroom expenses.

• We only get paid if you win. If we don’t recover compensation, you owe us nothing.

This system makes justice possible for everyday people, even against billion-dollar insurance companies.

What Percentage Do Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers Charge?

In California, most personal injury lawyers—including our firm—charge between 33% and 40% of the total recovery.

• Cases settled before trial: Usually 33%.

• Cases that go to trial: Often 40% due to increased time, depositions, and litigation expenses.

At Gerald Marcus Law, we are upfront about fees. We explain percentages at the start, with no hidden charges.

Who Pays the Case Costs?

Every personal injury case has hard costs, such as:

• Medical record requests

• Expert testimony (e.g., accident reconstructionists, medical specialists)

• Court filing fees

• Depositions and transcripts

• Trial exhibits and technology

At our firm, we advance these costs for you. You never pay out of pocket during your case. They are only reimbursed from your settlement if we win.

Why Hiring a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer Pays for Itself

Many people fear that lawyers “take too much.” But studies show accident victims represented by attorneys recover significantly more—even after fees.

Here’s why:

• We know the true value of your claim. Insurance adjusters want you to accept pennies. We calculate full damages: medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts.

• We fight comparative negligence arguments. California’s pure comparative fault law means your award can be reduced if you’re even 1% at fault. We minimize that percentage to maximize your payout.

• We’re trial ready. Insurers in LA know which firms fold. Gerald Marcus has been trying—and winning—cases since 1987. That reputation forces higher settlements.

Common Misconceptions About Lawyer Costs in LA

Myth 1: “I can’t afford a lawyer.”

Reality: You pay nothing upfront at Gerald Marcus Law.

Myth 2: “Lawyers keep most of the money.”

Reality: Even after fees, clients typically net far more than unrepresented victims.

Myth 3: “All injury lawyers charge hidden fees.”

Reality: Our contingency agreement is transparent. You know exactly how fees and costs are handled before you sign.

Real Examples of Contingency Fees

Example 1:

• Settlement: $500,000

• Attorney Fee (33%): $165,000

• Case Costs: $15,000

• Client Net: $320,000

Example 2 (trial verdict):

• Jury Award: $2,000,000

• Attorney Fee (40%): $800,000

• Case Costs: $50,000

• Client Net: $1,150,000

Without a lawyer, these victims may have accepted $50,000–$100,000 offers. Hiring us made all the difference.

Why Hiring the Cheapest Lawyer Can Cost You More

Some Los Angeles firms advertise bargain rates, but here’s the risk:

• They push quick, cheap settlements.

• They lack resources to go to trial.

• They assign cases to paralegals instead of trial attorneys.

At The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus, we don’t compete on being cheap. We compete on being the most aggressive and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions in Los Angeles

“How much is the consultation?”
Always free.

“What if my case is lost?”
You pay nothing.

“Do all lawyers charge the same?”
Percentages are similar, but results vary greatly.

“Can I hire a lawyer if I have no money?”
Yes. That’s what contingency fees are for.

Why Choose Gerald Marcus in Los Angeles?

• Proven Results: Multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements across Southern California.

• Trial Strength: Insurance companies know our reputation.

• Local Advantage: We know LA courts, judges, and defense attorneys.

• Since 1987: Decades of success protecting accident victims.

Conclusion: The Real Cost of Not Hiring a Lawyer

The real danger isn’t how much it costs to hire a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. The real danger is how much it costs not to.

Insurance companies prey on unrepresented victims. They offer pennies and hope you’ll accept. Don’t let them win.

At The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus, you pay nothing unless we win. And when we win—we fight to get you the maximum compensation California law allows.

📞 Call us today for your free consultation at 818-784-8544. 
Big City. Big Cases. Big Results.