If we don't win,
you don't pay. Period.
No upfront costs. No hourly fees. No bill if we don't recover money for you.
The cost of hiring a lawyer should never be the reason an injured person doesn't get justice.
That's why I work on a contingency fee — which means in plain English: I only get paid when you do. If we don't recover compensation for your injuries, you owe me nothing. Not a dollar for my time, not a dollar for case costs, not a dollar for expert witnesses or investigations. Nothing.
"I advance every cost. You focus on healing. We settle the bill when justice is served."
This isn't just an industry standard I follow — it's something I believe in. An injured person in Nevada County shouldn't have to weigh whether they can afford to fight back against an insurance company with a team of lawyers. The playing field should be level from day one. This is how I level it.
How the contingency fee works
Three simple facts. No fine print.
You pay nothing to start
No retainer, no hourly fee, no upfront cost of any kind. I advance all expenses — investigations, expert witnesses, medical record retrieval, court filing fees — everything.
My fee comes from the settlement
When we win, my fee is a percentage of what we recover for you. That percentage is agreed upon in writing before we start — no surprises, no confusion.
If we don't win, you owe nothing
No recovery means no fee and no reimbursement for costs either. Unlike some firms, I absorb those expenses entirely if the case doesn't succeed.
Our fee is lower than most firms
On pre-suit settlements, we charge significantly less than the industry standard.
On a $100,000 pre-suit settlement, that difference means $4,000–$6,000 more goes to you, not to attorney fees. The exact fee structure for your case will be explained clearly at your free consultation and put in writing before we begin.
Common questions about fees
"What counts as case costs?"
Costs include things like expert witness fees, accident reconstruction, medical record retrieval, court filing fees, and deposition costs. I advance all of these on your behalf. If we win, they're deducted from the settlement. If we don't win, you owe nothing.
"What percentage do you take if the case goes to trial?"
The fee structure is tiered — pre-suit settlements are at the lowest rate, and the percentage increases slightly if the case requires filing a lawsuit or going to trial. Every tier is disclosed and agreed upon in writing at the start of representation. There are no surprises.
"Will I know how much I'll actually receive before I settle?"
Yes. Before any settlement is finalized, I walk you through the exact math — gross settlement, fees, costs, and your net recovery. You make the final call with full information. I advise, you decide.
"What if my case isn't worth pursuing?"
I'll tell you honestly at our free consultation. If the case isn't strong enough to justify the cost and effort of pursuing it, I'll say so directly — and explain why. No obligation, no pressure.
Find out if you have a case.
It costs you nothing to ask.
Free consultation. No obligation. Just an honest conversation about your situation and your options.
Call Michael: (530) 265-0186Prefer email? mp@phillipspersonalinjury.com | 305 Railroad Ave., Suite 5, Nevada City, CA