Understanding attorney success rates is crucial for choosing the right legal representation. Learn what statistics matter and how to evaluate them effectively.
The best personal injury lawyers typically win 85-95% of their cases, with most resolving through settlement. However, raw percentages don't tell the whole story - case selection, complexity, and client circumstances all affect success rates.
| Success Metric | Good Rate | What It Means | Why It's Important |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Win Rate | 85-95% | Cases that recover compensation | Shows general effectiveness |
| Settlement Rate | 90-95% | Cases resolved without trial | Faster resolution, lower costs |
| Trial Win Rate | 60-80% | Verdicts won at trial | Credibility in negotiations |
| Average Settlement | Case-specific | Typical compensation amounts | Indicates negotiation skill |
| Case Closure Time | 6-18 months | Time to resolve cases | Affects your financial recovery timeline |
Don't accept vague claims like "we win most cases." Request:
Success rates vary significantly by case type:
While specific case details are confidential, you can:
A lawyer who wins 85% of carefully selected cases may be better than one who wins 95% by only taking easy cases or settling for low amounts.
Lawyers who regularly take cases to trial often achieve higher settlements because insurance companies know they're serious about fighting for full compensation.
A slightly lower win rate with excellent communication and client care may be preferable to high success rates with poor service.
While success rates provide valuable insight into attorney performance, every case has unique circumstances that affect outcomes. The best attorney for you combines:
Don't just look at win percentages - evaluate the complete picture of attorney performance, experience, and commitment to your case type.
