How Much Does It Cost to Sue Someone?
Cost is one of the biggest reasons people hesitate to even ask about a lawsuit — but the reality is often less intimidating than expected, especially for the most common case types.
Contingency fees: the most common arrangement for injury and employment cases
Many personal injury and employment attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay no upfront attorney fees at all. Instead, the attorney takes an agreed percentage (commonly around a third) of whatever settlement or judgment you recover. If you don't win, you typically owe no attorney fee. Case costs (filing fees, expert witnesses) are usually advanced by the attorney and deducted from any recovery.
Hourly and flat-fee arrangements
More complex civil disputes, business litigation, or matters without a clear monetary recovery often use hourly billing, which requires a retainer upfront and ongoing payments regardless of outcome. Simple, well-defined matters sometimes use a flat fee agreed in advance.
Other potential costs to ask about
Court filing fees, deposition and expert witness costs, and administrative expenses can add up separately from attorney fees — ask any attorney to explain exactly what's included before you sign an agreement.
Key takeaway
For personal injury and many employment cases, contingency fees mean you typically pay nothing upfront and nothing if you don't win. Always ask about the exact fee structure during your free consultation.