Ask for the written terms
A contingency fee is tied to a recovery, but the percentage and other terms are not universal. Read the proposed agreement rather than relying on a general description.
Separate the fee from case expenses
Ask which costs may arise, who advances them, when they are deducted, and whether you could owe expenses if there is no recovery.
Ask for a sample accounting
Request a plain-language example showing how a hypothetical recovery would be divided among attorney fees, case expenses, any other obligations, and the client. The example is for understanding terms, not predicting a result.
Clarify changes during the matter
Ask whether the fee changes if a lawsuit is filed or an appeal is needed, and how the agreement addresses a change of lawyer.
Keep a copy
Take the agreement and written answers for your records. Ask about any term that remains unclear before signing.