By Bethany Schneider, Founder and Trial Attorney
Updated October 28, 2026
When you are recovering from a serious injury, the last thing you should have to worry about is whether you can afford a lawyer. Many people assume that hiring an experienced trial attorney requires a large upfront payment or a hefty retainer. At Schneider Injury Law, that is not how we work. If you’re considering hiring a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta or elsewhere in Georgia, understanding attorney fees and case expenses can help you decide what questions to ask.
This article explains exactly what our firm charges, what clients pay at the start of a case, how litigation expenses are handled along the way, and what happens to fees and costs whether your case succeeds or does not.
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What Does Schneider Injury Law Charge?
Schneider Injury Law represents injured clients on a contingency fee basis. That means our legal fee comes entirely from a financial recovery — not from you upfront. If we do not recover a settlement or verdict for you, then you do not owe us a legal fee.
Our fee is a percentage of the recovery. The percentage depends on the type of case and whether a lawsuit or appeal is filed.
| Case Stage | Contingency Fee |
|---|---|
| Motor vehicle settlement before filing | 33.3% |
| Motor vehicle case after filing | 40% |
| Disputed liability or complex case — before filing | 40% |
| Disputed liability or complex case — after filing | 45% |
| Appeal | 50% |
These percentages are consistent with those charged by personal injury firms with experience and qualifications comparable to ours. Higher percentages reflect the greater financial risk and the additional time and resources required to handle complex cases, litigation, and appeals.
“Disputed liability” means there is a disagreement about who caused the injury. A complex case may involve more complicated facts, evidence, or legal issues.
The percentage may change when a lawsuit is filed or an appeal is necessary. Filing a lawsuit does not necessarily mean a case will go to trial; a case may still settle afterward. Your written agreement will explain which percentage applies to your case.
Under Rule 1.5 of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct, every contingency fee arrangement must be set out in a clear, written agreement that you review and sign before representation begins. That agreement will specify the percentage that applies to your case and explain how the fee and case expenses are calculated.
What Do Clients Pay Upfront?
Nothing.
When you hire Schneider Injury Law, you pay zero dollars out of pocket to get started:
- No retainer fee to open your file
- No hourly billing for attorney time, phone calls, or legal research
- No upfront costs for investigation, records retrieval, or filing fees
Your initial consultation is also completely free and confidential. We will review the facts of your situation, evaluate your legal options, and answer your questions — with no obligation to hire our firm.
What Case Expenses Might Arise, and Why?
There is an important distinction between attorney fees and case expenses. Attorney fees compensate our legal team for their time, skill, and advocacy. Case expenses are the actual out-of-pocket costs paid to third parties to investigate, document, and prove your claim.
Case expenses are separate from our attorney fees because they cover payments to outside providers for services needed to pursue your claim, rather than compensation for our legal work. These costs are generally billed separately under hourly fee arrangements as well. Our contingency fee arrangement follows the same distinction, but we advance these expenses so you do not have to pay them while your case is ongoing.
Building a personal injury case often requires gathering evidence to show what happened and how the injury has affected your life. Below are some expenses that may arise during that process.
Medical Records and Evidence Retrieval
Early investigation phase
We may request medical records, imaging, and billing statements from the providers involved in your care. Healthcare facilities and records retrieval services may charge fees to produce these documents.
Court Filing Fees and Service of Process
When a lawsuit is filed
If the case cannot be resolved through settlement negotiations, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. Filing a lawsuit involves court filing fees and may also involve costs associated with delivering the lawsuit documents to the defendants.
Depositions, Court Reporters, and Videographers
Discovery phase
During litigation, attorneys may take sworn, out-of-court testimony from parties and witnesses. Court reporters prepare transcripts of that testimony, and some depositions may also be recorded on video. These services create case expenses.
Specialized Expert Witnesses
Litigation and trial phase
In serious injury cases, expert testimony is often the backbone of proving both liability and the full extent of your damages:
- Accident Reconstructionists analyze evidence such as vehicle damage, roadway conditions, and electronic data to help explain how a collision occurred.
- Independent Medical Specialists provide formal opinions on causation, permanent impairment, and future surgical or treatment needs.
- Life Care Planners and Forensic Economists calculate the lifetime financial cost of ongoing care, home modifications, and lost future earning capacity.
Expert retainers and testimony fees are often the largest single expense in serious litigation, sometimes totaling tens of thousands of dollars.
Who Pays Those Expenses While the Case Is Ongoing?
Schneider Injury Law advances 100% of case expenses on your behalf.
You will not receive invoices for expert fees, deposition transcripts, or court filing costs while your case is active. Our firm fronts these costs directly so that you can focus on your recovery.
We also keep you informed throughout the process. When significant case developments require substantial investment — such as retaining multiple specialized experts in preparation for trial — our team discusses those steps with you, so you understand how and why those resources are being deployed on your behalf.
What Happens to Fees and Expenses If There Is No Recovery?
This is one of the most important questions to ask before signing any fee agreement.
At Schneider Injury Law, the answer is straightforward: if there is no financial recovery, you owe us nothing.
- $0 in attorney fees
- $0 for the case expenses our firm advanced
We absorb those costs. We take on the financial risk of your case because we only accept cases we genuinely believe in, and we stand fully behind our work. You will never receive an out-of-pocket bill from our firm if your case does not result in a recovery.
What Happens If the Case Is Successful?
If we recover money for you, the attorney’s fee and reimbursement of expenses advanced by the firm are paid from the recovery according to your fee agreement. Other amounts, such as valid medical liens, may also affect the amount you receive.
At the end of your case, we provide a written closing statement explaining the recovery, the attorney’s fee, case expenses, and the amount you receive. Our team can walk you through the statement and answer your questions before your final disbursement.
Want to learn more about what happens after a settlement? Read our guide, How Personal Injury Settlement Money Is Distributed in Georgia, for more information about fees, expenses, medical liens, and the final payment to the client.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a set contingency fee percentage in Georgia?
No. Georgia law does not impose a fixed percentage for personal injury contingency fees. The fee is governed by the written agreement between you and your attorney, subject to the reasonableness standards of Rule 1.5 of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct. Workers’ compensation cases are different — under Georgia law, fees in those matters are capped and must be approved by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
Does the fee percentage change depending on when my case resolves?
Yes. The percentage may change if a lawsuit is filed or an appeal is necessary. For example, a motor vehicle case may have one percentage if it settles before filing and another if it resolves after filing. Your written fee agreement will explain which percentage applies.
Is the fee calculated before or after expenses are deducted?
Schneider Injury Law calculates its contingency fee as a percentage of the gross recovery, before your case expenses are deducted. Your written fee agreement will explain the percentage that applies to your case and how expenses are handled.
Can I ask questions about the closing statement before funds are distributed?
Absolutely. Reviewing the closing statement carefully is your right. Our team will walk you through every line item — fees, expenses, and lien payments — and answer any questions before disbursement is finalized.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. Every personal injury case involves unique facts, evidence, and financial considerations. Reading this article or contacting the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only after a formal, written agreement is executed by both the client and Schneider Injury Law. Contact a licensed Georgia attorney to discuss the specific facts and deadlines of your claim.