Since 1997 | Your Pittsburgh Law Firm
Your Pittsburgh Law Firm
Flaherty | Fardo | Rogel | Amick

How much money will I keep at the end of my lawsuit?

One of the most common—and most important—questions we hear is:
“How much money will I actually receive at the end of my personal injury case?”

While every case is different, it’s critical to understand that the total settlement amount or jury verdict is not the same as the amount you take home. Several deductions are made before your portion is disbursed.

Here’s a breakdown of the main factors that determine how much you’ll actually keep after a personal injury settlement in Pennsylvania:

✅ 1. Most Personal Injury Settlements Are Tax-Free

Let’s start with some good news:
Most personal injury settlements are not taxable under federal or Pennsylvania law.

If your compensation is for:

  • Physical pain or suffering
  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement or permanent disability

…then it is usually excluded from taxable income. There are exceptions (such as punitive damages or post-settlement interest), but for most injury victims, your net recovery is not taxed.

✅ 2. Your Attorney Will Take a Contingency Fee

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, including our firm. That means:

  • You pay nothing upfront
  • The lawyer is only paid if they recover money for you

The typical fee is 33⅓% to 40%, depending on the complexity of the case. For example:

  • A medical malpractice or wrongful death case may carry a 40% contingency
  • A simpler accident case may be slightly less

💡 Example:

Settlement: $500,000
Attorney’s Fee (40%): –$200,000
Remaining: $300,000 (before costs and liens)

✅ 3. Case Costs and Litigation Expenses

In addition to the fee, the law firm will deduct any expenses advanced during your case, including:

  • Court filing fees
  • Expert witness fees
  • Medical record and report costs
  • Depositions and transcripts
  • Investigative or travel costs
  • Trial exhibits or software

These case costs are deducted from your share, not from the attorney’s fee.

A routine car accident may involve $2,000–$5,000 in costs. A complex medical malpractice case could involve $50,000+.

We encourage all clients to ask for cost updates throughout the case—you have the right to know what’s being spent.

✅ 4. Medical Liens and Subrogation

If your health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or workers’ comp paid for your accident-related care, they may file a medical lien to get reimbursed from your settlement. This is known as subrogation.

These must be resolved before you receive any funds—but experienced lawyers can often negotiate them down, especially when:

  • Fault was disputed
  • The client was undercompensated
  • There are future medical needs
  • There is limited insurance

Reducing liens is one of the most important—and overlooked—ways to maximize your final payout.

✅ 5. So, What Will I Actually Keep?

Here’s a general example from a serious personal injury settlement:

ItemAmountTotal Settlement$500,000Attorney's Fee (40%)–$200,000Case Costs–$25,000Medical Liens (negotiated)–$50,000Net to Client$225,000

This is only an illustration. Some clients keep much more, especially if costs are low and there are few liens. Others may receive less in high-cost or limited-insurance cases.

🛡️ Tips to Maximize What You Keep

  • Hire an experienced personal injury lawyer who fights to reduce liens and control costs
  • Ask for cost updates regularly—you’re entitled to transparency
  • Don’t settle too soon—make sure all damages and medical needs are fully known
  • Start with a strategy—some of the best financial outcomes happen when your lawyer is preparing your case for trial from day one

📞 Still Have Questions?

If you’ve been injured and want to know what your case is worth—or how much you might actually keep—we’d be happy to talk.

At Flaherty Fardo Rogel & Amick, we’ve handled thousands of personal injury and medical malpractice cases across Pennsylvania, recovering millions for our clients. Our goal isn’t just to win—it’s to maximize what you take home.

📞 Call 412.802.6666
📧 Email info@pghfirm.com
📱 Or text Managing Attorney Noah Fardo directly at 412.855.5511 for a free consultation.

Flaherty | Fardo | Rogel | Amick

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Flaherty | Fardo | Rogel | Amick

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Thank you,
Noah Paul Fardo
Managing Partner
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