Our Fees & Costs

Updated May 2026

When you retain a law firm, you should feel comfortable asking any questions that you have about fees and costs.  At our firm, we first describe our fees and costs in a retainer agreement. Unless otherwise described in this retainer agreement, when we represent clients we typically do so on a contingency fee basis.  This means that clients do not owe us any fees unless and until we recover for them.  Our fees are deducted from the settlement or jury award that is obtained and is typically based upon a percentage of the settlement or jury award.

In almost all litigation, costs are incurred.  In some cases, these costs can be significant.  Costs that are commonly occurred include fees for expert witnesses and consultants, court reporters for depositions, trial exhibits, medical record procurement, copying costs, and obtaining and/or preserving evidence.  These are only some examples of costs; the costs that may be incurred in your case may include other costs not mentioned above.

Unless otherwise set forth in a retainer agreement, typically our firm will advance these costs on behalf of our clients.  In this case, our costs are deducted from the settlement or jury award obtained.

Contingency Fee FAQs

What Is a Contingency Fee in a Personal Injury Case?

In most car accidents and other personal injury matters, Olsman MacKenzie Peacock represents clients on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee means the firm is paid only if a recovery is obtained on behalf of the client. Rather than charging an hourly rate or requiring payment at the start of the case, the firm receives a percentage of the settlement or jury award. If no recovery is obtained, the client does not owe attorney fees under the retainer agreement. This is the model the firm has used for decades to make legal representation accessible to individuals and families across Michigan who are dealing with the aftermath of a serious injury or loss.

How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Typically Charge on a Contingency Fee Basis?

Contingency fees in Michigan personal injury and wrongful death cases are governed by the Michigan Court Rules, which place a cap on the maximum percentage a law firm may charge at one-third of the amount recovered. Any amount exceeding this amount is deemed to be a “clearly excessive fee.”[1]

At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, the contingency fee percentage that applies to a particular case is set forth in writing in the retainer agreement. We make a point of walking each prospective client through the agreement before any signatures are required, ensuring that each client fully understands the fees associated with our representation from the outset. We are also happy to answer any questions about how the fee is calculated, how it relates to advanced costs, and how the final recovery is distributed during the consultation.

Does a Client Pay Anything Upfront to Hire Olsman MacKenzie Peacock?

In most personal injury matters, a client does not pay anything upfront to retain Olsman MacKenzie Peacock. Attorney fees are contingent on a recovery, and in most cases the firm also advances the litigation costs needed to build the case.

Litigation costs may include fees for consultants, court reporters, deposition transcripts, trial exhibits, medical record procurement, and preserving evidence. The advanced costs are then deducted from the recovery if one is obtained. Each retainer agreement spells out the specific fee and cost arrangement that applies to the matter, and the firm encourages every prospective client to read it carefully and ask questions before signing.

Why Does Olsman MacKenzie Peacock Use Contingency Fee Arrangements?

Olsman MacKenzie Peacock uses contingency fee arrangements because we believe injury victims and grieving families should be able to pursue accountability without the additional burden of hourly attorney fees.

Many of the firm’s clients are coping with the aftermath of a catastrophic injury, semi-truck accident, medical negligence, nursing home neglect, or the loss of a loved one, and paying an attorney by the hour is not a realistic option during what is often a long process. The contingency fee model aligns the financial interests of the firm and the client, because the firm is paid only when a recovery is obtained. It is also part of how Olsman MacKenzie Peacock makes its representation available to Michigan families through the firm’s Berkley, Battle Creek, and Lapeer offices.

To speak with a member of the Olsman MacKenzie Peacock team about a potential case, call 1.800.366.8653 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

[1] Michigan Court Rule 8.121