The percentage that most Atlanta personal injury lawyers charge is often set by the contingency fee agreement. Generally, this percentage ranges from thirty to forty percent of the settlement, although the amount can vary greatly. Typically, the percentage is staggered. If a case goes to trial, the lawyer gets a higher percentage because it takes more time and work to win a case. That percentage is typically between thirty and forty percent, depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney's experience. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only bill if they win or settle the case. However, this does not cover expenses incurred during the course of a case. The client must cover medical bills, records, and court filings, as well as expert fees, court reporter fees, and other costs. While the lawyer will not bill expenses if they do not win the case, this may not be the best option for you. Ask your lawyer about his or her expense policy. If you have any doubts about whether he or she will charge you for these expenses, you should hire someone else.