Read the actual agreement
A contingency arrangement commonly connects a lawyer fee to a recovery, but percentages, stages, expenses, and obligations vary. Ask the firm to explain its proposed written terms; do not assume an online example applies.
Separate the fee from expenses
Ask how filing fees, records, experts, depositions, and other expenses are handled. Clarify whether expenses are deducted before or after the lawyer fee is calculated and whether any costs could be owed without a recovery.
Ask for a calculation example
A hypothetical example can reveal how the stated percentage and expenses interact. Also ask how medical liens or other obligations would be addressed in the final accounting.
Keep the closing statement
Ask what written statement will show the outcome, remittance, fees, and expenses at the end of the matter. Rules governing fee agreements come from the applicable jurisdiction.