In Connecticut, personal injury lawsuits are commonly handled through contingency fee arrangements. This means that the lawyer’s fees depend upon the outcome of the case. The lawyer will receive a percentage of the recovery. If the lawyer doesn’t obtain damages or settle the case favorably, they do not receive any fees. This fee structure makes access to the legal system available to clients regardless of their level of financial resources.

Contingency fees are limited by Connecticut law according to a sliding scale. A personal injury attorney can charge up to:

• 33% of the first $300,000 recovered

• 25% of the next $300,000

• 20% of the next $300,000

• 15% of the next $300,000

• 10% of any recovery over $1.2 million.

So, for example, if $900,000 in damages were recovered, the attorney would be entitled to $235,000. Note that personal injury attorneys may agree to accept lower fee percentages in appropriate cases.

In addition to the lawyer’s fees, you will be responsible for expenses incurred during the legal process. Common costs include court filing fees, which are required to initiate a lawsuit and to file motions or applications. These fees can vary depending on the type of case and document filed.

A major expense in a personal injury case can be the cost of obtaining medical records. Claims rely heavily on medical evidence, which means your lawyer will need to gather your medical records, bills and test results. These can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the type and number of records

Expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, are sometimes called upon to provide testimony. Their fees can be substantial, often ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per expert, depending on their qualifications and involvement in the case.

Deposition costs are another significant expense. Depositions are out-of-court testimonies taken under oath, typically from key witnesses, including the injured party, medical professionals, and experts. Attorneys often need to pay for court reporters to transcribe these depositions, which can cost several hundred dollars per day. If video depositions are needed, the cost can increase further.

Other potential costs may include the hiring of private investigators to gather evidence, the costs associated with sending demand letters or negotiating settlements, and administrative expenses such as copying and mailing documents. These are all typical expenses that the lawyer may advance but that the client will ultimately be responsible for paying out of any settlement or award.

At Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C., with offices in Hamden and East Haven, we provide clear communication about fees and expenses, ensuring clients understand what to expect throughout the legal process. We stand ready to assist injured victims in all types of accident cases. Please call us at 203-745-0942 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.