Read guide
Guide
How Contingency Fees Work in Personal Injury Cases
What 33% vs 40% actually means, which costs come out of your share, and what to get in writing before you sign.
Read Guide →Guides & resources
Helpful guides and information to help you understand your rights and make informed decisions.
Read guide
Video
What to Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer
Trial capacity, who actually handles the file, and the red flags in national TV advertising.
Read Guide →
Read guide
Guide
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Law Firm
Fee step-ups, co-counsel, case costs, and how to confirm the lawyer on the ad is the lawyer at trial.
Read Guide →
Read article
Blog
Why Average Settlement Size Can Mislead You
A $1.2M average often means the firm declines smaller files. How to read ranking numbers in context.
Read Article →
Read guide
Video
How the ClaimIndex Score Is Calculated
A short walkthrough of the six pillars, from case outcomes to licensing and compliance.
Read Guide →
Read article
Blog
Statutes of Limitations: Don’t Wait on the Ad
Deadlines vary by state and claim type. Why “free consultation” is not the same as stopping the clock.
Read Article →Frequently Asked Questions
Is ClaimIndex a law firm or a referral service?
Neither. ClaimIndex does not match you with a firm, does not take a referral fee, and does not receive payment for rank. If you hire anyone listed here, that relationship is solely between you and that firm.
Do you get paid by the law firms you rank?
No. Placement is not for sale. Advertising spend, Super Lawyers badges, and TV volume do not move a score.
What is a typical U.S. contingency fee?
One-third (33%) before a lawsuit is common; 40% after filing is also common. Costs may come out of your share. Always get the fee agreement in writing.
Do higher average settlements mean a better firm for me?
Not by itself. A high average often means the firm declines smaller files. Use filters, licensed states, and response time — not the headline number alone.
Is this legal advice?
No. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this site. If you have a statute-of-limitations issue, speak with a licensed attorney in the state where the injury occurred.
Should I still interview more than one firm?
Yes. Use the table to build a shortlist of three, then ask the questions in the hiring guide. A rank is a starting point, not a hiring decision.
Can a firm pay to appear in Resources?
No. Guides here are editorial. Sponsored explainers are not part of this product.
Ready to compare firms?
Fees, response time, and licensed states — in one table.