November 28, 2025 | Personal Injury
When an injured person finally reaches a settlement, it often marks the end of a long period of medical treatment, negotiations, and uncertainty. A common question at that stage is, “How much of my settlement will I actually keep?” Several deductions—such as attorney fees, case expenses, medical liens, and insurance reimbursements—can affect the final amount. Understanding these factors is essential to setting realistic expectations and avoiding costly mistakes.
The Path to a Personal Injury Settlement in Kentucky
Personal injury settlements in Kentucky result from a structured process that includes investigating the accident, gathering evidence, reviewing medical records, and negotiating with the insurance company. Because Kentucky applies a pure comparative fault rule, your compensation can be reduced based on your share of responsibility—something insurers often use to minimize payouts. Your attorney’s job is to counter those efforts and present a clear, well-supported claim. When a settlement is reached, the insurance company sends the check to your attorney. This ensures that all fees, expenses, and medical liens are handled correctly before the remaining funds are released to you.
Understanding Contingency Fees: How Your Lawyer Gets Paid
Most personal injury cases in Lexington are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and your lawyer only gets paid if they secure compensation for you. This fee is a percentage of your final settlement or verdict. In Kentucky, contingency fees vary based on the complexity of the case and whether litigation is involved. Your fee agreement will clearly explain the percentage your attorney receives. Contingency fees make quality legal representation accessible to everyone – not just those who can afford to pay an attorney out of pocket. They also align your lawyer’s interests with yours. The more you recover, the more they recover.
Case Costs and Expenses: What Else Gets Deducted?
In addition to your attorney’s fees, personal injury settlements often involve case expenses. These are costs paid by the law firm during the course of your case. These expenses help build and strengthen your claim. They may include:
- Filing fees
- Court costs
- Expert witness fees
- Medical record retrieval fees
- Deposition costs
- Postage and document preparation
- Investigation and accident reconstruction fees
Some cases require substantial expert involvement, which can increase expenses. Reputable law firms cover these costs upfront, so you don’t have to. These expenses are reimbursed to the firm only after the settlement is finalized.
Medical Liens and Reimbursements
Another important dedication from your settlement involves medical liens or subrogation claims. These are claims from healthcare providers, insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, or ERISA health plans seeking reimbursement for medical expenses paid on your behalf. These liens must be satisfied before you receive your portion of the settlement. Failure to do so can result in legal penalties, additional financial responsibility, or even future collection actions.
How Much Will You Keep?
Your net settlement is calculated by subtracting all required deductions from the total amount recovered. Here’s how to calculate it:
- Start with the total settlement amount
- Subtract the attorney’s fee
- Subtract case costs and expenses
- Subtract medical liens and insurance reimbursements
- What remains is your net settlement
A lawyer’s goal is not simply to win your case, but to maximize what you keep in your pocket.
A Personal Injury Lawyer in Lexington Can Help
Understanding how much of your personal injury settlement you will ultimately keep is just as important as securing the settlement itself. Attorney fees, case expenses, and medical liens all play a role in determining your final payout, but a knowledgeable Lexington personal injury lawyer can help you navigate these deductions and protect your recovery.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Lexington or Bowling Green, please contact our car accident lawyers at Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC for a free case evaluation.
Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC – Lexington, KY Office 325 W Main St #210, Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 550-2900
Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC -Bowling Green, KY Office 814 State St. suite 100, Bowling Green, KY, 42101 (270) 517-2014
Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC – Nashville Office 49 Music Square W #504, Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 676-7060
