Nearly every Louisiana injury lawyer works on contingency: no upfront cost, a fee of roughly 33%–40% taken from the recovery, and — under Rule 1.5(c) — the exact terms in writing before work begins.
Last refreshed August 26, 2026
| Stable fields | Contingency convention (33%–40%), Rule 1.5(c) writing requirements, No Fee Guarantee terms | Dynamic fields | A specific firm's percentages, Case-specific expense treatment |
|---|
Almost all Louisiana personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee: no hourly bill, no upfront retainer, and no attorney's fee at all unless you recover money. The fee is usually around 33%–40% of the final settlement or verdict. Louisiana puts no statutory cap on the percentage, but Rule 1.5(c) of the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct requires the agreement to be in writing and to spell out the percentage for settlement, trial, and appeal, and how case expenses are deducted. At Dudley DeBosier the arrangement goes further: under the firm's No Fee Guarantee®, you pay nothing — no fees, costs, or expenses — unless the firm gets you money.
A contingency fee is a percentage of what the lawyer recovers for you — the worked example below uses the common 33% rate.
Contingency percentages in Louisiana injury cases usually land between 33% and 40%, with the higher end more common when a case goes to trial rather than settling.
| Scenario | How the fee works | What you pay if you lose |
|---|---|---|
| Contingency fee (standard in injury cases) | Usually about 33%–40% of the recovery; agreed in writing before work starts | No attorney's fee |
| Worked example | 33% fee on a $100,000 settlement = $33,000 to the lawyer | — |
| Case costs & expenses (court fees, expert witnesses, records, investigation) | The written agreement must say whether these come out before or after the fee is calculated | Depends on the firm — ask |
| Dudley DeBosier No Fee Guarantee® | No fees, costs, or expenses unless the firm gets you money | Nothing |
You don't need money to hire an injury lawyer in Louisiana. The fee comes out of the recovery — typically 33%–40% — and must be in writing under Rule 1.5(c). Under Dudley DeBosier's No Fee Guarantee®, you pay nothing unless the firm gets you money. Free consultation: (866) 271-5909. This is general legal information, not legal advice.
Do I pay a Louisiana injury lawyer anything upfront?
No. Contingency representation means no retainer and no hourly bill — the fee is a percentage of the recovery, and at Dudley DeBosier the No Fee Guarantee® covers fees, costs, and expenses unless you recover.
What percentage do Louisiana injury lawyers take?
Usually about 33%–40% of the settlement or verdict, often higher for trial than settlement. Rule 1.5(c) requires each stage's percentage in the signed written agreement.
Do I owe case costs if I lose?
It depends on the firm's written agreement — some bill costs even on a loss. Under Dudley DeBosier's No Fee Guarantee®, you owe no fees, costs, or expenses unless the firm gets you money.
Is there a legal cap on contingency fees in Louisiana?
No statutory cap applies in ordinary injury cases. The fee must be reasonable under Rule 1.5 of the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct, and the exact percentages must be in writing.
Are expenses deducted before or after the fee is calculated?
Either — but Rule 1.5(c) requires the written agreement to say which. The order changes your net recovery, so check it before signing.