Understanding case costs prevents financial surprises and helps you make informed decisions about pursuing your personal injury claim. Ask for a detailed list of typical expenses in cases like yours, including filing fees, expert witness costs, deposition expenses, and medical record retrieval charges. Clarify whether the firm advances these costs or expects you to pay as incurred, and what happens if you lose the case. Understand the difference between attorney fees and case costs, as both typically come from your settlement but are calculated differently. Request estimates for total costs based on similar cases, recognizing these are approximations that might change as your case develops. Ask about expert witness fees specifically, as medical experts and accident reconstructionists can charge thousands of dollars for reports and testimony. Discuss whether costs are deducted before or after calculating contingency fees, as this affects your net recovery significantly. Understand policies about cost approval, asking whether you’ll be consulted before incurring major expenses. Some firms absorb certain costs like photocopying or local travel, while others bill every expense to the client. Ask about payment arrangements if you need to change lawyers mid-case or if the firm withdraws from representation. Get clarification on whether costs include potential appeals if you win at trial but the defendant challenges the verdict. Written fee agreements should clearly outline all cost responsibilities and payment terms to avoid misunderstandings later.