Does It Cost Money to File a Lawsuit?

After a serious injury, the fear of high legal expenses and complex court costs can make the idea of a civil lawsuit feel impossible. You worry about the filing fee, attorney fees, and additional costs like expert witness fees. This financial stress, on top of your physical pain, can leave you feeling stuck, unsure how to afford legal representation or even where to start. But delaying legal action can hurt your chance for fair compensation.

At Matz Injury Law, we provide the legal advice and informed decisions you need. As your law firm, we handle the financial burden on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront costs to you, so you can seek justice without fear.

Understanding Civil Lawsuits

A civil lawsuit is a legal dispute between two or more parties seeking money or a specific action, not criminal punishment. If you are hurt in a car crash or a business breaches a contract with you, you file a civil case. The goal is to resolve the dispute and recover compensation for your losses. This type of lawsuit is different from a criminal case, where the state prosecutes someone for breaking a law.

Civil Action

A civil action starts when the injured person (the plaintiff) files a complaint against the person or company believed to be at fault (the defendant). The complaint explains the harm suffered, such as a personal injury or breach of contract. The goal is for the court to order the defendant to pay money to make up for the damages they caused.

Legal Responsibilities

In a civil lawsuit, each side has clear duties. The plaintiff must prove their case with strong evidence. The defendant can challenge that evidence and present their own. Both sides must follow strict court rules and deadlines for filings, evidence sharing, and hearings. Navigating these rules is complex, which is why having an experienced attorney is so important.

Dispute Resolution

Many civil cases settle before a trial. Settlement often happens through:

• Mediation: A neutral mediator helps both sides negotiate a fair agreement.
• Arbitration: A neutral arbitrator listens to both sides and makes a binding decision, which is like a private trial.

These options can save time, reduce legal costs, and provide a faster resolution.

How Much Does It Cost to File a Lawsuit in Michigan?

Filing a lawsuit in Michigan does not have a single fixed cost. The total expense depends on the court where the case is filed, the amount of money involved, and the type of case. The Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Office establishes court filing fees, which are subject to change over time. In most personal injury cases, these filing fees are paid upfront by your attorney and are only reimbursed from your recovery if your case is successful. This means there is typically no out-of-pocket cost to you at the beginning.

Understanding Attorney Fees in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

In Michigan, personal injury attorneys, including Matz Injury Law, almost always work on a contingency fee basis. This fee is agreed to in a written contract. While many firms charge 33⅓%, we charge a significantly lower rate of 22%. This “no win, no fee” structure removes your financial risk. You owe us no attorney fees unless we secure money for you.

Do You Have to Pay Upfront to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

No. In most Michigan personal injury cases, you pay nothing up front to file a lawsuit. Your law firm advances all court costs and case expenses. This allows injured people to pursue justice without any financial barriers after a serious accident.

How Contingency Fee Arrangements Work

Here is how a typical contingency fee agreement in Michigan works:

• You sign a written agreement outlining the fee percentage.
• Your law firm pays for all lawsuit costs (filing fees, experts, and records).
• If you win, attorney fees and case costs are deducted from your recovery.
• You receive the remaining settlement or award.

All terms are fully explained upfront, and you must approve any settlement before it is final.

When Filing Fees Are Paid (and Who Pays Them)

Your attorney pays the filing fee when your lawsuit is officially submitted to the court. As part of the contingency agreement, the law firm advances this cost. The firm receives reimbursement for this fee and other case costs from the recovery if your case is successful. If there is no recovery, you typically do not have to repay these advanced costs.

Filing Costs by Court Type in Michigan

Michigan personal injury lawsuits are filed based on the amount of damages claimed:

• District court: Handles claims of $25,000 or less.
• Circuit court: Handles claims over $25,000.

District Court Filing Fees

Filing fees in district court depend on your claim amount:

• Smaller claims: Approximately $35–$95
• Mid-range claims: Approximately $95–$135
• Higher-value claims: Approximately $135–$215

An additional electronic filing system fee also applies to most cases.

Circuit Court Filing Fees

For civil lawsuits in circuit court:

• Base filing fees start around $150.
• Required court assessments and funds are added.
• An electronic filing system fee applies.

Total initial costs commonly range from $300 to $400+, depending on the county.

Small Claims Court Filing Fees (Claims Up to $7,000)

Small claims court is for minor disputes like property damage. Personal injury cases involving bodily harm often exceed these amounts and may require filing in the district or circuit court. For eligible cases:

• Filing fees are generally $25–$65.
• Service of process fees may apply.
• Attorneys are not required.

For injury-related cases, you must file in the district or circuit court.

Note: Fees are approximate and subject to change by court order or statute.

Other Common Costs Associated With Michigan Lawsuits

Beyond attorney fees, lawsuits involve other expenses. In a contingency fee case, your law firm advances these costs and is reimbursed only if you win.

Court Fees (Motions, Service of Process, Jury Fees)

During a lawsuit, other court fees may arise:

• Motion fees: About $20 per motion filed.
• Jury demand fees: $50 (district court) or $85 (circuit court).
• Service of Process: $20–$100 to officially deliver court papers.
• Appeal fees: Vary by court.

Note: Fees are approximate and subject to change by court order or statute.

Costs of Gathering Evidence, Medical Records, and Expert Witness Fees

Building a strong case often requires:

• Medical records: Providers charge copying fees.
• Expert witnesses: Doctors, engineers, or economists charge for reports and testimony.
• Deposition costs: Court reporter and transcript fees.
• Investigation: Accident reconstruction or scene photos.

Your attorney advances these litigation costs.

Total Cost Range for a Typical Michigan Injury Lawsuit

Total costs depend on your case’s complexity and other factors:

• Early settlement: Lowest costs, mostly filing fees.
• District court litigation: Moderate costs for discovery and evidence.
• Complex circuit court trial: Highest costs due to experts, depositions, and trial preparation.

Remember, your firm advances these costs and recoups them from your recovery first.

Who Pays for the Lawsuit If You Win or Lose?

Michigan follows the “American Rule,” where each side generally pays its own attorney fees. However, courts can award “taxable costs” to the winning party. In personal injury cases, your law firm fronts all expenses.

Does the Losing Party Pay Court Costs?

In some cases, the winning party can ask the court to order the loser to pay certain taxable costs, which may include:

• Filing and motion fees
• Service of process fees
• Certain witness fees

Attorney fees are not typically included in these costs.

What Lawsuit Expenses Can Be Recovered in Michigan?

If you win, you may recover some of your lawsuit costs from the other side, such as:

• Taxable court costs (filing, service, witness fees)
• Case evaluation sanctions if the other side unreasonably rejects a settlement award
• Expert witness fees are rarely awarded and are at the court’s discretion
• Attorney fees are only recoverable if a specific law or contract allows it

What Happens to Costs If the Case Settles Before Trial?

When a case settles, the agreement covers everything. The settlement money is used to:

• Reimburse your law firm for all advanced case costs
• Pay the agreed-upon attorney contingency fee
• Provide you with the remaining net recovery

With Matz Injury Law, if there is no recovery, you owe nothing for costs or fees.

Cost of Filing a Michigan Car Accident Lawsuit

Michigan car accident cases involve both a no-fault insurance claim and potentially a third-party lawsuit. Attorneys front all costs for the liability lawsuit on contingency.

No-Fault Claims vs. Third-Party Lawsuit Costs

• No-fault (PIP) claim: This is an administrative claim for medical bills and lost wages with your insurer. There are no court filing fees.
• Third-party lawsuit: This type of action is a civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering (if your injury is serious). This involves standard court filing fees and costs, which your lawyer advances.

Common Expenses Unique to Car Accident Cases

Car accident cases often involve expenses that do not arise in other types of legal claims. Typically, these costs are associated with investigating the crash, documenting injuries, and proving fault and damages. These include:

• Accident reconstruction expert reports
• Vehicle “black box” data retrieval
• Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs)
• Police crash reports and 911 call recordings

Can PIP Insurance Cover Any Legal Costs?

No. Michigan No-Fault (PIP) insurance only covers medical expenses, attendant care, and lost wages. It does not pay for attorney fees, court costs, or any expenses related to your lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

How to Reduce the Cost of Filing a Lawsuit in Michigan

Filing a lawsuit in Michigan can involve several costs, but there are ways to minimize these expenses.

Hiring a Lawyer Who Advances Case Costs

This is the standard for Michigan personal injury firms. Choose a firm that:

• Works on a contingency fee (no win, no fee)
• Clearly explains in writing that they advance all costs
• Offers a lower fee percentage to maximize your final recovery

Filing in the Correct Court

Filing in the wrong court can waste time and money. An experienced attorney will file your case in the proper court (based on damages and defendant location) from the beginning, avoiding costly delays or transfers.

Settlement Strategies That Lower Expenses

A good lawyer works to resolve your case efficiently by:

• Using strong demand letters to encourage early settlement
• Engaging in mediation at the right time
• Avoiding unnecessary legal battles that run up costs without benefit

When Should You Talk to a Lawyer About Filing Costs?

You should speak with a Michigan personal injury lawyer right away after an injury, especially if insurance offers seem low or liability is disputed. Discuss all costs during your free initial consultation.

What to Ask During a Free Consultation

A free consultation is a valuable chance to understand the potential costs involved in your case before you move forward. Asking the right questions about filing fees, case expenses, and how costs are handled can help you avoid surprises and make informed decisions about pursuing your claim. Ask questions like:

• What is your contingency fee percentage?
• Do you advance all case costs and court fees?
• What are the estimated costs for a case like mine?
• How are costs deducted from my settlement?
• What happens to the costs if my case does not win?

Understanding Your Case Value vs. Cost

A qualified lawyer will evaluate your net recovery (the estimated total settlement minus attorney fees and case costs). They will advise if the potential recovery justifies the costs of a lawsuit, ensuring you make an informed decision.

How a Lawyer Helps Minimize Your Financial Risk

Generally, your attorney absorbs the financial risk by:

• Advancing 100% of the case costs, meaning you pay nothing upfront
• Using legal strategies to encourage settlement and shift potential costs to the other side
• Building a strong case to maximize your recovery, covering all expenses and fees

Why Clients Choose Matz Injury Law

Matz Injury Law has decades of experience helping Michigan personal injury victims navigate the legal process. We charge a 22% contingency fee, lower than most competitors, while providing strong legal representation and advancing all legal costs upfront.

Clients speak directly with Steven or Jared Matz, ensuring personalized attention throughout their civil case or personal injury claim. From initial consultation to trial, our law firm focuses on minimizing financial risk, handling court fees, attorney fees, and other legal expenses, and aggressively pursuing the best possible outcome of your case.

Testimonials

“5 star is not enough for the service we received from Steven Matz and team for my daughter. What a great crew at Matz Injury Law! they are very professionals and awesome individuals as well. Steven always answered our phone calls even on weekends. I had an amazing experience working with steven. His dedication and professionalism makes the process simple, fast and stress free. Highly Highly recommended!!!!” — Ajay G.

“Steve was communicative, clear, highly competent, efficient and friendly. I have not pursued anything like this before and felt that I was in good hands. I was satisfied with the settlement – and would highly recommend Matz Injury Law to those who are looking for this type of service.” — Jennifer B.

“For anyone looking for an attorney please look no further than Matz Injury Law!! Not only was Jared professional, he helped me beyond what I could have asked for. I’m so thankful for you all!!! To say I’m appreciative and grateful is an understatement. There’s no need to look for any other attorneys for you auto accidents!! They are so wonderful!!! Highly recommended 10/10!!!!!” — Tessa C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Worth It to Sue Someone?

In Michigan personal injury cases, a lawsuit is generally worthwhile when the injury meets the no-fault threshold for non-economic damages, and potential compensation outweighs the costs.

What Is the Lowest Amount of Money You Can Sue For?

In Michigan, there is no minimum dollar amount required to file a lawsuit. You can technically sue for any amount of money. However, which court your case is filed in depends on the amount in dispute. Small claims court handles cases up to $7,000 with low filing fees and simplified procedures, while higher amounts may be filed in district or circuit court.

What Are the Odds of Winning a Lawsuit?

Most Michigan personal injury cases settle out of court rather than going to trial, avoiding the uncertainty of verdicts. Outcomes depend heavily on case facts like injury severity, evidence strength, and liability clarity under the no-fault threshold.

Do I Have to Pay Court Costs If I Lose My Case?

In Michigan personal injury cases, standard contingency fee agreements typically require attorneys or firms to cover court costs and expenses in the event of no recovery. The written fee agreement outlines this arrangement, shielding clients from upfront or out-of-pocket losses on unsuccessful cases.

Are Lawsuit Costs Included in the Settlement?

Litigation costs like filing fees and expert expenses are deducted according to the written fee agreement. These are negotiated into the demand package, with insurers accounting for them in settlement offers. Firms provide transparent, itemized accounting before any acceptance for client review.

Stop Worrying About Legal Fees. Call Matz Injury Law for Trusted Guidance.

Legal fees should not prevent you from protecting your rights. At Matz Injury Law, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front. We cover the expenses required to pursue your claim and only receive payment if we secure compensation on your behalf.

Don’t wait to seek legal advice. Call Matz Injury Law today at 866-226-6833 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your personal injury case, understand potential costs, and explore how our experienced law firm can provide strong legal representation to help you receive the compensation you deserve.