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What If I Can’t Afford a Personal Injury Lawyer in Chicago Date: Nov 11, 2025

If you can’t afford a personal injury lawyer in Chicago, you are not alone. It’s a common concern that prevents many people from seeking justice after an injury. The good news is that the legal system for personal injury is designed to be accessible, and you can secure expert representation without paying upfront fees.

Are Personal Injury Lawyers Expensive?

For personal injury cases, you do not need upfront money in your pocket to hire an attorney, as many reputable firms work on a contingency fee basis.

This payment structure means you will not pay a retainer or upfront cost. The lawyer’s fee is contingent on successfully recovering money for you. In other words, the firm only gets paid if you get paid. This model ensures everyone has access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.

Examples of cases where this structure is particularly beneficial include:

  • Car and truck accidents
  • Nursing home neglect
  • Product liability
  • Medical malpractice
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Wrongful death

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

In a contingency fee agreement, the attorney’s fee is a set percentage of the financial recovery. This percentage is agreed upon in a transparent written agreement before any work begins.

In Illinois, this percentage varies based on the complexity of the case and when it’s resolved. For instance, a case that settles before a lawsuit is filed may have a lower percentage than a case that goes to trial.

It’s also important to distinguish between the attorney’s fees and case expenses.

  • Attorney’s fees: This payment covers the lawyer’s work, expertise, and time, including extensive legal strategy, investigation, negotiation with insurance companies and the skilled representation required to take a case to trial.
  • Case expenses: These are the out-of-pocket costs required to build a strong case, such as court filing charges, expert witness fees and medical record costs.

A dedicated law firm will advance these expenses on your behalf. If the case is successful, these advanced expenses are reimbursed to the firm from the settlement funds, in addition to the attorney’s fee.

If I Lose, Do I Owe Anything?

The “no fee unless we win” promise means that if your case is unsuccessful, you owe zero in attorney’s fees. Your fee agreement will also clearly specify what happens with the case expenses advanced.

You should review these details carefully so you fully understand the arrangement before signing.

Specific Cases and Other Options in Chicago

Certain cases in Illinois follow specific regulations. For workers’ compensation, attorney fees are capped at 20% of the recovery. The state establishes a sliding scale for fees incurred during a medical malpractice case, as these cases often involve higher costs due to expert medical testimony. A sliding fee scale means the attorney’s percentage changes based on the amount of compensation recovered.

If you have a legal issue unsuitable for a contingency fee arrangement, consider low-cost options like Legal Aid Chicago, various pro bono programs and local law school clinics.

Why Trust the Law Offices of Argionis & Associates, LLC?

Now that you understand how personal injury lawyer costs work, the most important decision is choosing the right legal partner. The Law Offices of Argionis & Associates, LLC specializes in personal injury cases, helping clients recover and regain their well-being. Our team combines extensive experience with a personalized approach, all without any upfront financial risk to you. With a track record of many successful personal injury verdicts, you can trust us to provide dedicated representation.

We advance all case costs, using our resources to build the strongest possible case, and we are only reimbursed if we secure compensation on your behalf. We’ll discuss a payment structure for case expenses before work begins.

You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys, not law clerks or legal assistants. We’re committed to conducting a thorough investigation and supporting you every step of the process to alleviate the stress of a serious injury.

Get the Help You Deserve Without Paying Upfront

Don’t let upfront costs prevent you from securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact our expert team today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

George Argionis has over 20 years of experience in handling cases involving auto collisions, premises injuries, medical malpractice, product liability, construction-related and work-related injuries. He has dedicated his career to helping restore lives both emotionally and economically.