
If you’ve heard the phrase, “You don’t pay unless we win,” you’re already familiar with the idea behind a contingency fee.
To hear it explained directly by attorney Erik Heninger, watch this quick video.
A contingency fee means your attorney only gets paid if your case is successful. Instead of charging hourly rates or upfront retainers, the lawyer earns a percentage of the recovery—whether that comes from a settlement or a court award.
How Do Contingency Fees Work?
Here’s how a contingency fee arrangement typically works:
1. No upfront costs
You don’t pay anything to hire our firm.
2. We take on the risk
We handle the legal work, investigation, negotiations, and litigation—fronting the time and resources needed to pursue your case.
3. We only get paid if you win
If we recover money for you, our fee is a percentage of that recovery.
4. No recovery = no attorney fees
If your case is not successful, you don’t owe attorney fees.
Why Contingency Fees Benefit You
This structure is designed to put clients first:
- Access to justice – You can hire a lawyer without worrying about upfront costs
- Aligned incentives – We’re motivated to maximize your recovery
- Peace of mind – You’re not paying out of pocket during an already stressful time
Contingency fees are commonly used in cases like personal injury, wrongful death, and other claims involving financial recovery.
How Contingency Fees Work at Our Law Firm
At our firm, we keep things simple and transparent:
- Free consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront fees to get started
- Clear, written agreement explaining our fee before we begin
- We only get paid if we win your case
We’ll also explain how case-related expenses (like filing fees or expert witnesses) are handled—so you always know what to expect.
Example: How a Contingency Fee Works
Let’s say your case settles for $100,000, and the contingency fee is 40%:
- You receive: $60,000
- Attorney fee: $40,000
If there’s no recovery, you don’t owe attorney fees.
Still Have Questions? Watch Erik’s Explanation
If you want a straightforward, real-world explanation, Erik Heninger breaks it down clearly in this video:
👉 https://youtu.be/eGeJ81xdwRI
Watch the video above to hear exactly how contingency fees work and what to expect.
Talk to Us About Your Case
Every case is different, and we’re happy to walk you through your options.
Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how a contingency fee arrangement can work for you.

