Morgan and Morgan is a personal injury firm with offices in Georgia
Morgan and Morgan is a law firm that handles personal injury cases, with multiple Georgia locations. The firm operates on a contingency fee model, meaning you pay nothing upfront and the firm takes a percentage of any settlement or judgment you receive. If you lose the case, you owe no attorney fees.
The firm handles car accidents, truck accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, wrongful death, and other personal injury claims. They also handle some workers' compensation and Social Security disability cases. Like any law firm, whether they are the right fit depends on your specific situation, the strength of your claim, and how comfortable you are with their approach.
Key Takeaways
- Morgan and Morgan operates on contingency, so you pay attorney fees only if you win or settle your case.
- The firm has multiple Georgia offices and handles car accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, wrongful death, and other personal injury claims.
- You should compare this firm against other personal injury attorneys in your area before deciding, since contingency fees and case outcomes vary.
- Before hiring any attorney, confirm they are licensed in Georgia and ask what percentage they take from your settlement.
How contingency fees work with Morgan and Morgan
Under a contingency arrangement, Morgan and Morgan advances the costs of your case—filing fees, informed witnesses, medical records, investigation—and you repay those costs from your settlement or judgment. The firm's fee is typically a percentage of what you recover, often 33% for cases settled before trial and higher if the case goes to trial.
This structure means the firm only makes money if you do. It also means they choose cases they believe they can win, so they may decline cases they see as weak. Ask the firm directly what percentage they charge and whether that percentage changes if the case goes to trial, since many firms charge more for litigation than for settlement.
What to ask before hiring
Before you sign a representation agreement with Morgan and Morgan or any firm, ask these specific questions: How many cases like yours have they handled? What was the outcome in similar cases? Who will actually handle your case—a named attorney or a paralegal? How often will you hear updates, and how do you contact them? What is their fee percentage, and does it change if the case goes to trial?
Also ask whether they will cover the cost of medical records, court filing fees, and informed witnesses, or whether you pay those upfront. Some firms cover these costs; others require the client to pay. Get the fee agreement in writing before you sign anything. Georgia law requires attorneys to provide a written fee agreement, so if a firm resists putting terms in writing, that is a red flag.
Evaluating whether this firm is right for you
Morgan and Morgan is a large firm with significant advertising and many cases. That scale can be an advantage—they have resources and experience—but it can also mean your case is one of hundreds and you may not get direct access to a named attorney. Smaller firms may give you more personal attention but may have fewer resources to investigate and litigate your claim.
The right choice depends on your priorities. If you want a firm with established track record and resources, a large firm like Morgan and Morgan may fit. If you prefer direct contact with the attorney handling your case, a smaller local firm might be better. There is no universal answer; it depends on what matters most to you and what you learn about how each firm operates.
How to verify the firm's credentials
You can verify that Morgan and Morgan attorneys are licensed to practice in Georgia through the Georgia Bar's lawyer search tool, available on the State Bar of Georgia website. Search by attorney name to confirm they are in good standing and to see any disciplinary history.
You can also check the firm's website for information about the attorneys' experience, education, and any board certifications. The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABTA) and the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) certify trial attorneys who meet specific experience and education standards. If an attorney lists these certifications, you can verify them through those organizations' websites.
Comparing Morgan and Morgan to other Georgia personal injury firms
Before deciding on any firm, research at least two or three others in your area. Look at their websites, read reviews on Google and Avvo (a legal directory), and call to ask the same questions you would ask Morgan and Morgan. Pay attention to how they treat you during the initial conversation—are they listening, or are they rushing to sign you up?
Some firms specialize in specific types of injury (car accidents, medical malpractice, construction injuries), while others handle a broad range. Some focus on large settlements; others take smaller cases. Some have trial experience; others primarily settle. None of these differences is inherently better or worse, but they matter for your case. A firm that wins big settlements in truck accident cases may not be the best fit if you have a slip-and-fall claim.
What happens after you hire an attorney
Once you sign a representation agreement, the firm will request your medical records, police reports, insurance information, and any other documents related to your injury. They will investigate the claim, which may include hiring experts, reviewing surveillance footage, or interviewing witnesses. This process typically takes weeks to months depending on the complexity of your case.
The firm will then contact the at-fault party's insurance company and attempt to negotiate a settlement. If settlement talks stall, the case may proceed to litigation, which means filing a lawsuit and preparing for trial. Throughout this process, you should receive updates from the firm, though the frequency and detail vary by firm. If you are not hearing from them regularly, ask why and request a schedule for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay Morgan and Morgan upfront?
No. Morgan and Morgan works on contingency, so you pay no attorney fees unless you win or settle. The firm covers case costs upfront and recoups them from your settlement. You should still ask whether you are responsible for costs if the case is lost, as some firms require clients to repay costs even in unsuccessful cases.
What percentage does Morgan and Morgan take?
The percentage varies depending on the firm's agreement with you and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Typical contingency fees range from 25% to 40% of your recovery. Call the firm directly to ask what they charge, and get the exact percentage in writing before you sign.
Can I switch attorneys if I am unhappy with Morgan and Morgan?
Yes, you can fire your attorney and hire another one. However, you may owe the first firm a portion of any recovery if they did significant work on your case. Georgia law allows attorneys to claim a "quantum meruit" fee for work performed. Discuss this with a new attorney before making the switch.
How long does a personal injury case take?
straightforward cases that settle quickly may resolve in a few months. Complex cases or those that go to trial can take one to three years or longer. Morgan and Morgan should give you a realistic timeline based on the specifics of your claim. Ask them directly how long they expect your case to take.
What if the insurance company denies my claim?
If the at-fault party's insurance company denies your claim or offers too little, your attorney can file a lawsuit. This moves the case into litigation, which is more time-consuming and expensive but may result in a larger recovery. Your attorney should explain the risks and benefits of litigation versus accepting a settlement offer.