Understanding Contingency Fees & What You’re Really Paying For
Hi, I’m Jonathan Perazzo, owner of The Perazzo Law Firm and a licensed attorney in Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
Let’s face it—after a car accident, most people aren’t just shaken up physically. They’re hit with a wave of questions: Do I need a lawyer? Can I even afford one? What’s this going to cost me?
Today, let’s break that down—without the legal jargon.
⚖️ Two Ways Lawyers Charge: Hourly vs. Contingency
When it comes to legal fees, there are typically two pricing models you’ll run into:
1. Hourly Fees
This is the old-school method. You pay by the hour, just like you would for an accountant or consultant.
- ✅ Pros: You’re paying for dedicated time and direct legal attention.
- ❌ Cons: It can get expensive—real fast. Rates range from $150 to over $1,000 per hour depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of your case.
This method might make sense in other areas of law, but when it comes to car accident claims, there’s usually a better route.
2. Contingency Fee Agreement (No Win, No Fee)
This is how most personal injury attorneys—including us at The Perazzo Law Firm—operate.
You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
The Miami car accident lawyers at the Perazzo Law Firm provide the usual breakdown in Florida:
- Up to 33% of the first $1 million in a settlement before a lawsuit is filed.
- Up to 40% once a lawsuit is filed and an answer is served.
- Up to 45% if the case goes to appeal.
Think of it like this: we’re invested in your outcome. We’re not here to rack up hours—we’re here to get you results. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
🚧 But Not Every Case Is the Same…
That payment structure makes legal help accessible—but it also affects which cases lawyers are willing to take.
🏛️ Government Cases in Florida
When suing the government, fees are capped at 25% with a $100,000 recovery limit.
Translation? The most a lawyer can make is $25,000–$50,000, no matter how much time they put in.
That’s why many law firms avoid these cases—not because they don’t care, but because the system is stacked against the victim.
💥 Low-Impact Cases
Sometimes, even in valid cases, the financial payout is too small to justify the time and effort—leading many lawyers to turn them down.
Unfortunately, this can leave injured people without representation. At The Perazzo Law Firm, we fight to change that. We believe no one should be ignored because of numbers on a spreadsheet.
🤝 Our Promise: Personal Attention, No Upfront Fees
We know that not every firm treats your case like it’s personal—but we do.
Contingency fees aren’t perfect, but they’re often the only way everyday people can access legal power without going broke. And while other firms may take a “volume” approach, we work hard to give your case the care it deserves.
📞 Need Help After a Car Accident?
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident in Florida, Georgia, or Texas, don’t wait. Call us at 888-PERAZZO or visit our website for more information.
No pressure. No obligation.
Just answers from a team that cares more about people than percentages.
The Perazzo Law Firm
No Win. No Fee. No Nonsense.