What Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Michigan?

At Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys, we believe everyone deserves access to justice, no matter their financial situation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay nothing upfront.
• We only get paid if we get you compensation.
• Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, agreed upon before we start.
• If there is no recovery, you don’t owe us attorney fees.

An Overview of Contingency Fee Arrangements

A contingency fee is a type of payment arrangement commonly used in personal injury and similar cases, where a percentage of the settlement or jury award goes to the lawyer, ensuring the attorney has the same goal as the client: maximizing recovery. Instead of charging clients upfront or by the hour, the attorney’s fee is “contingent” on the outcome of the case. Here’s the breakdown:

• No upfront costs: The client does not pay the lawyer at the beginning of the case. You will never have to pay hourly rates.
• Payment only if compensation is recovered: The attorney only gets paid if they obtain money for the client through a settlement, verdict, or judgement.
• Percentage-based: The fee is usually a percentage of the client’s recovery. In Michigan, contingency fees are regulated and are typically 33%, depending on case complexity.

In short, under a contingency fee agreement, the lawyer gets paid only when the client gets paid. Because the attorney’s payment depends on the client’s success, both parties share the same goal—maximizing the recovery.

Are There Other Costs?

Yes. While you won’t pay hourly rates, personal injury cases can involve other expenses, such as:

• Court filing fees
• Expert witness testimony
• Medical record requests
• Deposition and investigation costs

Giroux Pappas advances these costs for you, meaning you do not need to come out of pocket for them. These costs are reimbursed when your case is successful and are covered by the settlement.

Why Choose Giroux Pappas?

Not all personal injury law firms handle cases the same way. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Trial-Tested: We prepare every case as if it will go to court.
• Pure Law® Philosophy: Integrity, compassion, and relentless advocacy for our clients.
• Local Strength: Serving Michigan families for over three decades with proven results.
• Personalized, Not a Call Center: When you reach out to Giroux Pappas, your free consultation begins with an experienced paralegal who is knowledgeable  in Michigan personal injury law. Unlike large firms, we never route calls through generic call centers. From the very first call, we make sure you’re within the Michigan statute of limitations and you’re connected with the right attorney for your case. Additionally, every case (within our practice areas) is personally reviewed by a Giroux Pappas partner. If medical records or accident reports are available, we will review those as well.
• Free, Confidential Consultations: All consultations are free. If a personal visit is needed, say, if you are homebound or in the hospital, our attorneys will visit you on-site wherever it is convenient for you. And, if your case falls outside of what we handle, we won’t leave you stranded. We treat you like a friend or family member by offering a referral to a trusted attorney in our network or by directing you to the State Bar of Michigan’s lawyer referral hotline so you get the right help.

Get the Help You Deserve

At Giroux Pappas, our goal is simple: to make sure you’re heard, respected, and guided to the right place for help. Call Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys today at (248) 564-3618, or contact us online to get started with a free consultation.