You’ve just settled your personal injury case but when you see how much your lawyer is taking, you’re caught off guard. Maybe the case wrapped up faster than expected. Maybe the final number feels a little low. Now you’re wondering: Can I actually negotiate lawyer fees after everything’s signed?
If you're working with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, or anywhere else, it’s natural to want clarity and possibly a little more in your pocket. While some attorneys are open to post-settlement conversations, others stick firmly to the signed agreement. So, what are your options?
How Contingency Fees Work in Personal Injury Cases
When you're dealing with a personal injury claim, it's common to hire a lawyer under a contingency fee agreement. That simply means your attorney only gets paid if you win or settle the case. No win, no legal fees.
Most personal injury lawyers take a set percentage of the final settlement amount, usually between 33% and 40%. This fee structure is meant to make legal help accessible without upfront costs, but the final number can still be surprising if you're not prepared.
The exact percentage and terms should be spelled out in your initial fee agreement. This document explains how much your lawyer will take, when those fees apply, and how they might change if your case goes to trial or takes longer than expected.
Knowing how attorney fees work helps you better understand what you're agreeing to and what you might be able to revisit later if something changes.
When Is It Reasonable to Ask for a Fee Reduction?
As a client, you have every right to ask questions about your fee agreement especially if the final numbers don’t feel fair. Sometimes the outcome doesn’t match the effort you saw from your lawyer, or the amount you’re taking home just isn’t what you expected.
These conversations are more common than you might think, particularly when clients believe their settlement amount doesn’t reflect the real value of their case. It's not always about challenging the work done, it's about whether the outcome justifies the cost.
Below are a few situations where asking for a lower attorney fee percentage might make sense:
The case settled quickly with minimal effort
If the lawyer resolved your case fast with little back-and-forth or negotiation, you may feel the standard fee doesn’t reflect the work actually performed.
You’re walking away with very little
When legal fees, expenses, and medical costs take up most of your injury settlement, and you’re left with a small portion say, only $8K from a $25K settlement, it’s understandable to ask if something can be adjusted.
Unexpected deductions or third-party costs
If you weren’t aware of additional charges, liens, or medical payments that cut into your share, you may feel blindsided and want to revisit the numbers.
The lawyer’s effort seems disproportionate to their take
Even if they technically followed the contract, some clients feel uncomfortable when their lawyer earns more than they do, especially in lower-value claims.
While no outcome is guaranteed, lawyers may be open to these conversations when the reasons are clearly explained and grounded in fairness.
How to Start the Fee Negotiation Conversation
If you’re thinking about asking your lawyer to lower their fees after settlement, how you approach that conversation matters just as much as what you say. Tone, preparation, and clarity go a long way especially when you're speaking to a professional who’s already completed your case.
Start by making sure you fully understand the original contingency fee agreement. Go back to the contract and see exactly what was outlined. You’ll be in a much better position to talk specifics if you know what both parties agreed to from the start.
Here are a few ways to bring it up without burning bridges:
Review the written contract first
Your legal fees are likely spelled out in clear terms. Reviewing those details can help you make your case based on facts, not assumptions.
Approach the topic respectfully, not confrontationally
This is a professional conversation not a dispute. Start by acknowledging the lawyer’s work, and then explain why you're asking for a reduction.
Provide reasonable justification backed by facts
If your settlement was lower than expected or the case was resolved quickly, lay out those reasons calmly and clearly. Facts carry weight.
Offer win-win alternatives (partial reductions, payment plans, etc.)
Not every negotiation has to be all or nothing. Some clients propose options like splitting certain deductions or capping fees at a set amount.
Lawyers may be more willing to negotiate if they see you're being thoughtful and transparent rather than demanding or emotional. In many cases, it’s about finding a balance between fairness and the value of the services provided.
What If the Lawyer Refuses to Adjust the Fee?
Not every lawyer is open to renegotiating fees once a settlement is finalized. If your request doesn’t lead to a change, it’s important to understand your options and the limits of what can be done after the case is closed.
Many engagement agreements are legally binding once both sides sign, which means the lawyer is under no obligation to reduce their fee unless they choose to. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re stuck but it does mean your next steps should be informed and realistic.
If you’re feeling unsure or believe something isn’t right, there are ways to move forward. Whether it’s seeking a second opinion or reviewing the matter through a professional channel, you don’t have to handle the situation alone.
Here are a few questions clients often ask when a fee negotiation doesn’t go anywhere:
1. Can you switch lawyers after settlement?
In most cases, switching lawyers after a settlement has already been finalized won’t change the outcome. The legal work is complete, and the legal services agreed to have already been delivered. Starting fresh with a new law firm at this point likely won’t impact your fee situation.
2. Is getting a second legal opinion worth it?
Some clients do feel more confident after speaking with another legal professional. While it won’t change your contract, a second opinion can help you understand whether the fee was standard, excessive, or worth questioning further.
3. Can you file a complaint with the bar association?
If you believe your attorney acted unfairly or unethically during the legal process, you can report your concerns to the state bar association. This step is serious and should be reserved for situations where you feel a clear rule was violated not just a disagreement over expectations.
Is It Ethical or Common to Renegotiate Fees?
It’s not unusual for clients to ask about adjusting legal fees, especially in smaller settlements. Some attorneys consider it part of client service to be flexible when the numbers don’t seem fair but it’s still up to the individual lawyer and the terms of your contract.
Attorney fee arrangements are typically set in advance through a contingent fee agreement, which explains what percentage your lawyer will take from any final amount recovered. These agreements are clear for a reason: they protect both the client and the lawyer.
That said, legal professionals have discretion. If a case ends quickly or with minimal effort, some are open to a reduced fee arrangement, especially when clients bring up concerns respectfully and with clear reasoning.
There’s nothing unethical about asking but whether the request is granted often depends on the tone of the conversation and the relationship between the client and the attorney.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Options, Respect the Agreement
As a client, it’s okay to ask questions about your fee structure, especially when you’re unsure if the outcome aligns with the agreement. But it’s just as important to understand what was agreed upon, why, and how it fits within the larger legal system.
A signed contingent fee arrangement is a contract, and most lawyers follow those terms closely. Still, that doesn’t mean conversations about fairness or adjustments are off the table, some lawyers are open to listening when concerns are brought up respectfully.
The key is to stay informed and realistic. Not every fee issue can be fixed, but asking for clarification or additional legal advice is always within your rights as a client.
When you have clear legal representation, these discussions become easier. A good lawyer will walk you through the agreement, your final numbers, and whether your concern has legal standing within the scope of your legal case.
Talk to a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Claim or Compensation
If you're an injury victim navigating a settlement, and you're not sure whether your compensation was fair or how much went to legal fees, speaking with a trusted Los Angeles law firm can help bring clarity.
Our personal injury lawyers serve clients across Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena, offering straightforward legal services and answers that make sense. We’re here to help you understand your rights and options under California law.
Whether your concern is about a claim, unpaid medical bills, or just getting your questions answered, we’re available to guide you through it. Every case is different, and a conversation can help you decide what’s next.
Contact us today for a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we win.
