Some personal injury law firms, such as GTW, do not charge for an initial consultation whether by email, phone, in-person or both. After the initial consultation, the next step is often an investigation of the claim and, most firms do not charge to investigate a possible claim. After a personal injury law firm has decided to bring your claim, the firm will most often work on a contingency basis. This means that there is only a fee due the law firm if the claim is successful in obtaining compensation. If there is no recovery of compensation, there is no fee. The fee is typically a percentage of the amount of the compensation obtained. The percentage can vary by the type of claim. In addition to fees, prosecution of personal injury claims requires a law firm to spend money for investigation, court fees, transcripts and obtaining records. Most often the law firm pays these costs to be repaid by the client when the claim is resolved whether by a settlement or jury verdict. Wisconsin requires that the fee and repayment of out-of-pocket expenses be agreed upon in a written fee agreement signed both by the client and law firm.