Morgan & Morgan is a personal injury law firm, not a government program
Morgan & Morgan is a private law firm that handles personal injury cases on a contingency basis, meaning they collect a fee only if they win your case or reach a settlement. They do not distribute government money, process claims through a public agency, or determine whether you have a valid injury. They are one option among many law firms you can contact if you have been injured and believe someone else is responsible.
The firm operates in multiple states and handles cases involving car accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and other personal injury matters. Because they work on contingency, you do not pay upfront legal fees — the firm's payment comes from a percentage of what you recover. This structure means the firm decides whether to take your case based on whether they believe they can win money for you.
Understanding how a contingency law firm operates is different from understanding how to file a claim with an insurance company or a government program. A law firm investigates liability, negotiates with insurers, and represents you in court if needed. A claims adjuster working for an insurance company follows a different process entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Morgan & Morgan charges no upfront fees because they are paid from a percentage of your settlement or court award, typically 25 to 40 percent depending on the case stage.
- The firm decides whether to take your case based on their assessment of liability and the likelihood of recovery, not on your income or injury severity alone.
- You can contact the firm directly, but you should also understand your insurance claim options and important date before hiring any attorney.
- Contingency agreements are legally binding contracts that specify the firm's fee percentage, what costs they cover, and what happens if you reject a settlement offer.
How contingency fees work and what percentage you actually receive
When you hire Morgan & Morgan or any contingency firm, you sign an agreement that states what percentage of your recovery the firm keeps. The percentage typically ranges from 25 to 40 percent, depending on whether the case settles before trial or goes to court. Cases that settle early often have a lower percentage (closer to 25 percent) because less work is required. Cases that proceed to trial usually have a higher percentage (closer to 33 to 40 percent) because the firm invests more time and resources.
The contingency fee comes from the gross settlement or award — the total money you receive — not from what remains after medical bills and other costs are paid. This matters because it affects your actual take-home amount. If you settle for $100,000 and the firm's fee is 33 percent, the firm receives $33,000. You then pay medical liens, outstanding medical bills, and case costs (such as informed witness fees or court filing fees) from the remaining $67,000. The order in which these are deducted varies by state and by the specific agreement you signed.
Before you sign, ask the firm in writing what costs they cover and what costs you are responsible for. Some firms advance costs and deduct them from your recovery. Others require you to pay costs upfront. This distinction significantly affects your net recovery.
What happens when you first contact the firm
When you contact Morgan & Morgan, you will typically speak with an intake representative, not an attorney. This person will ask basic questions about your injury, when it occurred, and who you believe is responsible. They will also ask whether you have already filed an insurance claim or contacted another attorney. This conversation is not confidential in the same way an attorney-client conversation is — the firm is gathering information to decide whether to pursue your case.
Based on your answers, the firm will either schedule a consultation with an attorney or decline to take your case. If they decline, they will usually tell you why — for example, the statute of limitations has passed, liability is unclear, or damages are too small to justify the firm's resources. If they move forward, you will meet with an attorney who will review your medical records, police reports, and insurance information.
Do not assume that because one firm declines your case, you have no claim. Different firms have different case selection criteria. A firm might decline because they are at capacity, not because your case lacks merit. You can contact other personal injury attorneys in your area for a second opinion.
The difference between hiring an attorney and filing an insurance claim
Filing a claim with your own insurance company or the at-fault party's insurance company is separate from hiring an attorney. You can do both, but the timing and strategy matter. If you file a claim directly with an insurance company, an adjuster will investigate the accident, review medical records, and make an offer based on their assessment of liability and damages. This process typically takes weeks to months.
When you hire an attorney, the firm usually sends a demand letter to the insurance company on your behalf, which formally notifies them that you are represented. From that point forward, the insurance company must communicate with your attorney, not directly with you. The attorney negotiates from a position of leverage — the insurer knows the firm can file a lawsuit if negotiations stall.
The risk of hiring an attorney early is that you may accept a lower settlement than you would have negotiated alone, because the attorney's fee reduces your net recovery. The benefit is that an attorney knows the value of your case better than you do and can often negotiate a higher gross settlement that more than offsets their fee. There is no universal answer — it depends on the complexity of your case and your comfort with negotiation.
Statute of limitations and why timing matters
Every state has a statute of limitations — a important date by which you must file a lawsuit or lose the right to sue. For personal injury cases, this important date is typically two to three years from the date of injury, but it varies by state and by the type of injury. If you miss this important date, no attorney can help you recover, regardless of how strong your case is.
This is why contacting an attorney sooner rather than later is important, even if you are still in negotiations with an insurance company. An attorney can file a lawsuit before the important date expires, which keeps your claim alive while settlement negotiations continue. Filing a lawsuit does not mean you cannot settle — most cases settle after a lawsuit is filed.
If you are unsure of your state's important date, contact a personal injury attorney in your state. They can tell you the exact important date for your type of injury and advise you on whether you should act now or whether you have time to gather more information.
Questions to ask before you sign a contingency agreement
Before you sign any contingency agreement with Morgan & Morgan or another firm, you should have clear answers to these questions in writing:
- What percentage fee does the firm charge, and does it change if the case settles versus goes to trial?
- What costs does the firm cover (informed witnesses, court filing fees, medical record requests) and what costs do you pay?
- If you reject a settlement offer the firm recommends, can the firm withdraw from your case?
- How often will the firm update you on the status of your case?
- If the firm recovers money for you, how and when will you receive your portion?
- What happens if the firm loses your case — do you owe them anything?
A reputable firm will provide these answers in writing as part of the contingency agreement. If a firm is vague or refuses to put terms in writing, that is a signal to contact a different firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I contact Morgan & Morgan if I already filed an insurance claim?
Yes. You can file a claim with an insurance company and contact an attorney at the same time. In fact, many people do. If you hire the firm, they will take over communication with the insurance company and may reopen negotiations. Be honest with the firm about any settlement offers you have already received, because that information affects their strategy.
What if Morgan & Morgan takes my case but then wants to settle for less than I think it is worth?
You have the right to reject any settlement offer. However, your contingency agreement may allow the firm to withdraw if you reject a settlement they recommend. Before you sign, ask what happens in this scenario. Some agreements require the firm to stay on the case even if you reject their recommendation. Others allow the firm to withdraw, leaving you to find new representation or proceed alone.
How long does a personal injury case typically take?
Cases that settle usually resolve within six months to two years. Cases that go to trial can take two to five years or longer, depending on the court's schedule and the complexity of the case. Morgan & Morgan will give you a timeline estimate based on your specific case during your consultation.
Do I have to use Morgan & Morgan, or can I hire a different personal injury attorney?
You can hire any licensed personal injury attorney in your state. Morgan & Morgan is one option, but there are many others. You may want to contact two or three firms, compare their experience with cases like yours, and ask about their fee structures before deciding.
What if the at-fault party does not have insurance?
If the person who injured you has no insurance, you may still have a claim against them personally, but collecting money is harder. Some people have uninsured motorist coverage on their own auto insurance, which can cover injuries caused by uninsured drivers. An attorney can review your insurance policy and advise you on your options.