At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we know that after an accident — whether it’s a car wreck, a workplace injury, or another serious incident — your life can feel completely turned upside down. You may be dealing with medical bills, lost income, pain, and uncertainty about what comes next. And on top of all that, the idea of hiring a lawyer might feel overwhelming — especially if you’re worried about how much it might cost.
That’s why we want to explain, clearly and simply, how hiring a personal injury attorney works and what “contingency fees” really mean. Our goal is to help take the fear out of the process and give you the confidence to reach out and get the help you need.
James Snell – Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
While many people in the Midlands may know our office for criminal defense, our firm has also been a strong advocate for the injured for more than 20 years. James R. Snell, Jr. has represented individuals and families throughout Lexington, Columbia, and across South Carolina in personal injury, wrongful death, and workers’ compensation claims and litigation.
Over the years, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients — helping them move forward after devastating injuries and life-altering events. Whether it’s a wrongful death claim following a car accident, a significant injury from a tripping hazard at a local business, a dog bite, or a workplace injury, our firm has the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Free Consultations: Talk to a Lawyer with No Cost or Obligation
If you’ve been injured and are considering your legal options, the first step is simple — and it’s free. Our office offers free consultations on all injury law matters. This means you can schedule a time to speak with an experienced attorney, tell us what happened, and get a professional opinion about your case — all at no cost and with no obligation to hire us.
This is your opportunity to ask questions, learn what your rights are, and find out whether you have a case. It’s also a chance to get to know us and see whether we’re the right fit for you. We’ll listen. We’ll give you honest advice. And we’ll never pressure you.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
If you decide to hire us after your consultation, you still won’t need to pay anything upfront. That’s because we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis.
A contingency fee simply means that our fee is contingent on the outcome of your case. In other words, we only get paid if we recover money for you — through a settlement or a court judgment. If we don’t recover anything, you don’t owe us anything in attorney’s fees.
Here’s how it works:
You do not pay a retainer or hourly fees.
Our attorney’s fee is a percentage of the total recovery.
We get paid only after we’ve successfully recovered money on your behalf.
This structure allows you to pursue your claim without financial risk. You can focus on healing, and we focus on building your case and maximizing your recovery.
We Also Advance Case Expenses
Injury cases often involve expenses — things like:
Ordering and reviewing medical records
Hiring expert witnesses (such as doctors or accident reconstructionists)
Filing fees and court costs
These costs can add up quickly, but you won’t need to worry about paying them out of pocket. At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we advance these costs on your behalf as your case progresses. Once your case is resolved, those expenses are reimbursed out of the recovery.
It’s important to note that legal fees are calculated before expenses are subtracted. We’ll go over exactly how this works with you before we begin, so you’ll always know what to expect and how your recovery will be distributed.
Our Goal: Help You Recover More, Not Less
We understand that when someone is injured, they’re already dealing with enough stress. The idea of hiring a lawyer shouldn’t add to that. Our mission is to make the process easier — not harder.
We are here to help our clients recover more than they could on their own, and to help maximize every dollar available through insurance claims, settlements, or court awards. In many cases, clients who hire an attorney ultimately receive a larger net recovery — even after legal fees — than those who try to handle things alone.
We’ll also work with medical providers to reduce bills when possible, and ensure that liens and claims are handled properly, so that you walk away with the best possible outcome.
If You’re Hurt, Let’s Talk — It Costs Nothing to Ask for Help
You don’t have to go through this alone, and you don’t have to figure out everything on your own. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck, at work, or due to someone else’s negligence, reach out to the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC today.
We proudly serve injury clients in Lexington, Columbia, and throughout South Carolina. We’ll explain your rights, answer your questions, and help you understand exactly what hiring a lawyer on a contingency basis means — all for free.
Call (803) 359-3301 now to schedule your free consultation. We’re here when you need us.