Contingency Fee Calculator
Calculate attorney fees, case cost deductions, medical liens, and net client payout from a settlement or verdict on a contingency fee basis.
Standard rates: 33.33% (pre-trial), 40% (post-filing), 45% (at trial)
"Fee on Gross" calculates the attorney fee on the full settlement. "Fee After Costs" deducts case expenses first, then applies the percentage.
Deductions
Filing fees, expert witnesses, depositions, medical records
Enter case details and click calculate.
What This Calculator Does
This contingency fee calculator estimates the net payout a client receives from a legal settlement or verdict after attorney fees, case costs, and medical liens are deducted. It supports both gross-fee and net-fee calculation methods and shows common contingency fee tiers based on case stage.
The Formula
The attorney fee is calculated as a percentage of the settlement amount (fee on gross) or the settlement minus case costs (fee after costs). Common contingency rates are 33.33% pre-litigation, 40% after filing suit, and 45% at trial. Case costs include filing fees, expert witnesses, depositions, and medical records.
Step-by-Step Example
Enter settlement amount
The case settled for $150,000.
Apply contingency fee
At 33.33% on gross: $150,000 x 0.3333 = $49,995 attorney fee.
Deduct costs and liens
Case costs: $5,000. Medical liens: $15,000. Other: $0. Total deductions: $69,995.
Calculate client net
Client receives: $150,000 - $69,995 = $80,005 (53.3% of settlement).
Real-World Use Cases
Pre-Settlement Planning
Estimate your take-home amount before accepting a settlement offer to ensure it meets your financial needs.
Fee Structure Comparison
Compare fee-on-gross versus fee-after-costs methods to understand how each affects your net payout.
Multiple Offer Evaluation
Compare net payouts from different settlement offers, factoring in how fees and costs change at different amounts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not clarifying whether the fee is calculated on the gross settlement or net after costs. This can mean thousands of dollars in difference.
Forgetting medical liens. Health insurers and Medicare/Medicaid have subrogation rights and must be repaid from settlement proceeds.
Not budgeting for case costs. Expert witnesses, depositions, and medical records can total $10,000 to $50,000 in complex cases.
Assuming the contingency percentage is fixed. Many agreements have sliding scales that increase if the case goes to trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accuracy and Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes. Actual settlement distributions depend on your specific fee agreement, applicable state laws, and lien obligations. Consult your attorney for an exact breakdown.
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