After a serious construction site accident, you’re facing a mountain of challenges:
- Medical bills are piling up
- You can’t work
- The future feels uncertain
The thought of adding legal fees to this burden can be overwhelming. Many injured workers hesitate to seek the legal help they deserve because they believe they can’t afford it.
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The good news is that you can.
This guide will break down the actual Houston construction accident lawyer cost, explain the standard payment structure, and show you how you can get expert legal representation without paying a single dollar upfront. At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we believe that justice shouldn’t have a price tag. Since 1993, we’ve helped injured workers across Texas get the compensation they need, and we’re here to explain how it works.
The Biggest Barrier: Why People Fear Legal Fees
When most people think of hiring a lawyer, they imagine high hourly rates and retainers that cost thousands of dollars. For many legal fields, that’s true. But personal injury law, which includes construction accidents, operates on a completely different model designed to help victims, not add to their financial stress.
You don’t need to have money in the bank to hire an experienced and effective lawyer. The system is built so that your ability to pay is never a barrier to pursuing the compensation you are owed.
Understanding Contingency Fees: How Most Construction Accident Lawyers Get Paid
The vast majority of reputable personal injury law firms work on a contingency fee basis. This is the key to making legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
What is a Contingency Fee Agreement?
A contingency fee agreement is a simple promise: You don’t pay any attorney’s fees unless we win your case.
Instead of an hourly rate, your lawyer’s fee is a pre-agreed-upon percentage of the final settlement or court award they secure for you. If your lawyer doesn’t recover any money for you, you owe them nothing in fees. This model ensures your lawyer is just as invested in the success of your case as you are. When looking for a contingency fee construction lawyer in Houston, this is the standard you should expect.
What is the Typical Percentage?
Nationally, construction accident lawyer fees on a contingency basis typically range from 33.3% to 40% of the total recovery. The exact percentage can depend on the complexity of the case and at what stage it is resolved. For example, a case that settles before a lawsuit is filed may have a lower percentage than a case that proceeds through a lengthy trial.
This will all be clearly outlined in a written agreement before you hire the firm, so there are no surprises.
What Other Costs Are Involved in a Construction Accident Case?
Beyond attorney’s fees, every legal case involves expenses. These are the out-of-pocket costs required to build and prove your claim.
Common case expenses include:
- Court filing fees
- Fees for obtaining medical records and police reports
- Deposition and transcription costs
- Hiring expert witnesses (e.g., medical experts, accident reconstructionists, structural engineers)
- Investigation and discovery costs
A reputable law firm with a nationwide reputation for results, like Joel A. Gordon & Associates, will have the financial resources to front all of these costs for you. These expenses are then reimbursed from the final settlement amount, after the attorney’s fee is calculated. You never have to pay for them out of your own pocket while the case is ongoing.
How a Contingency Fee Impacts Your Final Settlement
A common question is, “If a lawyer takes a percentage, will I end up with less money?” The answer is almost always no. While it’s impossible to predict exact figures, how much construction accident settlements are worth varies widely based on the severity of injuries, lost wages, and other factors. However, studies have consistently shown that personal injury victims who have legal representation receive significantly higher settlements—often several times higher—than those who represent themselves.
An experienced Houston construction accident lawyer knows how to properly value your claim, gather the necessary evidence, negotiate with powerful insurance companies, and fight for the maximum compensation possible. The net amount you receive is typically far greater than what you could have secured on your own, even after the attorney’s fee.
Get a Free, No-Obligation Case Evaluation Today
The most significant cost of a construction accident isn’t the legal fee—it’s the cost of inaction. Don’t let fear of affordability stop you from exploring your legal options.
At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we have been serving Texas since 1993, helping families navigate the aftermath of devastating accidents. Your initial consultation is always 100% free and confidential. We’ll listen to your story, review the details of your case, and explain your rights and options with complete transparency.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. With our 24/7 phone service, help is always just a call away. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.