Personal Injury Legal Fees in France

Personal Injury Legal Fees

The firm’s fees for personal injury claims are discussed transparently from the first consultation . They are determined in light of the circumstances, the nature of the claim, the seriousness of the injuries, the work required and the complexity of the assistance.

Every case is different. The fees may depend on the difficulty of the matter, any urgency, the volume of documents to be reviewed, whether a medical examination is required and whether the claim is likely to be resolved through negotiation or court proceedings.

Before the firm undertakes ongoing work, the terms are set out in a written fee agreement.

Can You Obtain an Initial Estimate After an Accident?

After a personal injury accident, it is entirely reasonable to want to understand the possible cost of legal assistance before making a decision.

An initial indication of the possible terms of engagement can be discussed once the first elements have been reviewed: the type of accident, the injuries, the medical documents, any planned examination, any compensation offer already received and the steps already taken.

The first consultation therefore makes it possible to understand the current position, identify the initial documents and explain the possible fee arrangements for the particular claim.

Why Do Legal Fees Depend on the Particular Claim?

Legal fees cannot be assessed in the abstract. Two personal injury claims may initially appear similar while requiring very different amounts and types of work.

The following factors may be relevant:

• the type of accident;
• the seriousness of the injuries;
• whether an insurer-led or court-ordered medical examination is required;
• the volume of medical and administrative documents to be reviewed;
• whether a compensation offer has already been received;
• the extent of the correspondence with the insurer or responsible party;
• whether negotiations or legal proceedings may be required;
• the financial, professional and personal importance of the claim.

The terms are therefore considered individually after an initial review of the relevant information.

Additional Success Fees in Personal Injury Claims

In some personal injury claims, the written fee agreement may provide for a fixed fee or another form of payment for the work undertaken, together with an additional success fee.

French law does not allow a lawyer’s entire remuneration to depend solely on the outcome of the case. A written fee agreement may, however, provide for an additional fee linked to the result obtained or the service provided, in addition to remuneration for the work carried out.

The calculation method and the circumstances in which the additional fee becomes payable must be explained clearly in the fee agreement before the firm undertakes the relevant work.

Can Legal Expenses Insurance Cover Part of the Fees?

Some clients have legal expenses insurance included in an insurance policy. Depending on the wording of the policy, it may contribute towards some of the costs of legal assistance, subject to the applicable limits and conditions.

It may therefore be useful to check household, motor, bank card or other insurance policies for legal expenses cover.

The policy may contain limits, exclusions, reporting requirements or a schedule setting out the insurer’s maximum contribution. These terms must be checked in each case. The existence of legal expenses cover does not, in itself, remove the insured person’s freedom to choose their lawyer.

Does the First Consultation Require You to Instruct the Firm?

No. The first consultation is used to understand your circumstances, identify the initial steps and discuss the possible terms of assistance.

It does not require you to instruct the firm immediately or to commence legal proceedings.

Where ongoing assistance is agreed, its scope and the applicable fees are recorded in a written fee agreement so that the terms are clear before work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Fees

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?

The cost depends on the circumstances: the seriousness of the injuries, the documents to be reviewed, the medical examination, any compensation offer, the negotiations required and whether proceedings may be necessary. An initial indication can be discussed after the first elements have been considered.

Can I request an initial estimate?

Yes. You can tell the firm about your circumstances so that the initial work required and the possible terms of engagement can be discussed.

Can part of the legal fees depend on the outcome?

A fee agreement may provide for an additional success fee together with remuneration for the work undertaken. The entire fee cannot be based only on the result.

Can legal expenses insurance contribute towards the fees?

It may do so, depending on the policy. It is useful to check the scope of the cover, any limits and the procedure for notifying the insurer.

Should I wait for a compensation offer before contacting the firm?

No. A first consultation may be useful before any offer is made, particularly where a medical examination is planned, the insurer is requesting documents or you want to understand the next stages.

Request an Initial Estimate

Have you suffered personal injury, or are you supporting an injured family member? Do you have a medical examination scheduled, a compensation offer to review or questions about the cost of legal assistance?

The firm can review the initial information and discuss the possible terms of engagement for the particular claim.

Useful Resources

The following official French texts provide information about lawyers’ fees, written fee agreements, additional success fees and legal expenses insurance.

• French Law of 31 December 1971 — Article 10 (French-language resource)
• French Insurance Code — Article L. 127-3 (French-language resource)