Most work comp attorneys in Pennsylvania are paid through contingency fee arrangements. This means your lawyer is typically paid from the benefits or settlement they recover for you, rather than upfront payments. You may also encounter additional costs, such as medical record fees, expert witness expenses, or other case-related charges, but those are typically reimbursed by the insurance company.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that private-sector businesses documented nearly 2.5 million non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses in 2024. If you’re injured at work, understanding these costs can help you make informed decisions before hiring legal representation.
The cost of workers’ compensation lawyers depends on a set percentage you agree upon with your lawyer when you sign with that lawyer. If other costs such as court fees, medical record charges, etc. arise during your case, your lawyer typically will cover those costs until your settlement where they will incorporate these payments into your final package.
In Pennsylvania, workers’ comp lawyers typically charge a contingency fee of 20%. That percentage is determined before representation begins and is paid from your outcome.
If no compensation is recovered, you owe no attorney fees. At Pearson Koutcher Law, our focused workers’ compensation experience provides informed legal guidance throughout every stage of your claim under a contingency fee arrangement.
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation cases include judicial oversight of attorney fees. A judge reviews and must approve the fee agreement before it becomes final. This review ensures:
Approval typically occurs during settlement or when your benefits are at risk in court. This process ensures the fee matches the work performed while protecting injured workers from excessive charges.
Attorney fees are separate from case-related expenses. Depending on your claim, additional costs can arise throughout the legal process. These may include:
As previously mentioned, many law firms advance these costs and recover them from the insurance company when a positive outcome is reached. Each firm may handle this differently, so confirm the arrangement before signing anything. Always ask how the firm deducts expenses and whether they apply them against your claim if it is unsuccessful.
Work Comp Attorneys Ready to Help With Your Claim
Knowing what work comp attorneys charge and what additional costs to expect can help you avoid surprises. The right legal team ensures every deduction is fair and that you have qualified representation throughout your claim process.
At Pearson Koutcher Law, we exist with one focus: representing injured workers in Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, and surrounding Pennsylvania counties. Our partners Eric Pearson and Jonathan Koutcher lead a team with more than 100 years of combined experience exclusively in workers’ compensation law.
When your employer and insurer have legal counsel fighting against you, we fight back, having secured some of the highest settlements in Pennsylvania history. Contact us today for a free consultation.