If you’ve been injured in an accident in Alberta and are looking for a lawyer, you’ve probably heard phrases like “no upfront fees” or “you don’t pay unless we win.” But there’s an important question many people don’t know to ask:
“What about disbursements?”
The answer can have a significant impact on your finances while your claim is ongoing. At Litco Law, we believe legal help should be accessible when people need it most. That’s why we cover the cost of disbursements for our clients throughout their claim. Many people are surprised to learn that not every law firm handles these expenses the same way.
Here’s a breakdown of what disbursements are, why they matter, and what questions you should ask before hiring a personal injury lawyer.
Key Takeaways
- Disbursements are case-related expenses that help move a personal injury claim forward, such as costs of obtaining medical records, gathering expert reports, court filing fees, and investigation costs.
- Disbursements are separate from legal fees. Even if a lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, you may still be responsible for certain case expenses depending on the firm.
- These costs can add up quickly, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars over the course of a claim.
- Not all personal injury law firms handle disbursements the same way. Some firms may require clients to offset the costs, while others advance them on the client’s behalf.
- At Litco Law, we cover the cost of disbursements throughout your claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery rather than worrying about unexpected legal expenses.
- Before hiring a lawyer, ask how disbursements are handled so you understand any potential costs and avoid surprises later.
What Are Disbursements?
Disbursements are the out-of-pocket expenses required to investigate and advance your personal injury claim. Think of them as the costs associated with gathering the evidence needed to support your case.
Common disbursements can include:
- Medical records and reports
- Hospital records
- Diagnostic imaging records (such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs)
- Expert medical opinions
- Independent medical assessments
- Economist reports (past and future loss of income calculations)
- Accident reports
- Court filing fees
- Investigation expenses
- Vocational assessments
- Future care cost assessments
Depending on the complexity of a case, these costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. In more serious injury claims, disbursements can sometimes exceed $10,000 or more.
Why Do Disbursements Matter?
After an accident, many people are already dealing with:
- Lost income
- Medical appointments
- Rehabilitation costs
- Vehicle replacement expenses
- Increased day-to-day financial stress
The last thing most injured people expect is to receive a bill from their lawyer asking them to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for records, reports, or expert opinions while their claim is still ongoing. This is why it’s important to understand not only how a lawyer gets paid, but also how disbursements are handled.
Aren’t Personal Injury Lawyers Supposed to Work on Contingency Fees?
Most personal injury lawyers in Alberta work on a contingency fee basis. That means legal fees are paid as a percentage of your settlement at the end of your claim, meaning you won’t have to worry about legal bills while your claim is ongoing. However, contingency fees and disbursements are two different things.
Some law firms may require the client to pay for disbursements and other charges while the file is ongoing. At Litco Law, we will never ask you to pay these costs during your claim. If you’re unsure whether a lawyer is charging disbursements, ask before signing a retainer agreement. A clear explanation upfront can help you make a more informed decision and avoid unexpected costs later.
What Happens to Disbursements at the End of a Claim?
In many successful personal injury claims, disbursements are recoverable as part of the settlement or legal process. In simple terms, these costs are often paid by the at-fault party or their insurer as part of resolving the case. Because of this, many personal injury firms choose to advance these costs on behalf of their clients throughout the claim. However, not every firm handles it the same way.
How Litco Law Handles Disbursements
At Litco Law, we understand that most people don’t have extra money to spend after an accident. That’s why we cover the cost of disbursements throughout your claim.
Rather than asking you to pay for medical records, expert reports, or other case expenses as they arise, our firm advances those costs for you and makes these payments directly. This approach allows clients to focus on their recovery instead of worrying about how they’ll afford the expenses needed to move their case forward.
It’s part of our commitment to making legal support more accessible and helping balance the power between injured Albertans and large insurance companies.
Questions to Ask A Personal Injury Lawyer in Alberta
Before hiring a lawyer, consider asking:
“Do I have to pay disbursements during my claim?”
Some firms advance these costs. Others may have another arrangement.
“What types of expenses count as disbursements?”
Understanding what may be charged helps prevent surprises later.
“Could I receive invoices while my claim is ongoing?”
This is an important question, especially if you’re already facing financial pressures because of your injury.
“How are disbursements handled when my claim settles?”
Ask for a clear explanation so you understand exactly what to expect.
Why Many People Never Think to Ask About Disbursements
Most people have never hired a personal injury lawyer before. They understandably focus on questions like:
- Do I have a case?
- How much compensation could I receive?
- How long will my claim take?
Those are important questions. But understanding how legal fees and disbursements work can be just as important, especially if you’re already facing financial challenges because of your injuries. A lawyer should be transparent about costs and explain everything in plain language before you make any decisions.
Understanding Disbursements Before You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Disbursements are the costs associated with gathering evidence and advancing a personal injury claim. While they may seem like a small detail, not every law firm handles disbursements the same way, and these bills can add up quickly if they aren’t covered during the course of your claim.
At Litco Law, we cover the cost of disbursements throughout your claim so you can focus on your recovery, not unexpected legal expenses. If you’ve been injured and have questions about your rights, our team is happy to explain how the claims process works, what costs may be involved, and whether we can help.
Get Free Legal Answers About Your Situation
Not sure whether you have a claim? Wondering how legal fees or disbursements work?
Contact us to talk to our team for free today. Consultations are always free and we never bill by the hour.
We’ll answer your questions, explain your options in plain language, and help you understand what comes next, with no upfront costs and no obligation.
