Paying for Your Wrongful Death Lawsuit
As someone who just buried a loved one, the last thing you want to do is think about money and how you’re going to pay for it all. The good news is that a wrongful death lawsuit could compensate you for many, if not all of the damages you’re going to see during your difficult ordeal. Of course, you’ll have to pay the attorney, so how does that work? Keep reading to find out.
Contingency Fees
Most wrongful death attorneys work on what is called a “contingency fee basis.” This means their payment is contingent upon the case being won. If your case is lost, you won’t owe the attorney anything. If your case is won, the attorney fees will come directly out of your settlement before you have a chance to see that money yourself.
Though it’s rare, it’s possible your attorney will work on an hourly or case basis. You should understand the exact hourly rate — or case rate if that’s how your attorney bills — as it may not be worth it in the end.
How Contingency Fees Are Calculated
Every lawyer comes up with his or her own contingency fee. It generally ranges anywhere from 10%-50%, with about 33% being a pretty average fee for many wrongful death cases. Be sure you understand the details of your contract because oftentimes there are different fee scales for different types of cases. For example, if your case doesn’t go to court, you may only owe 12% of your settlement. If your case goes to trial, and even endures an appeal, your lawyer may require 40%.
Other Costs Associated with a Case
There are other costs you could be responsible for, even if your attorney fees are contingent. Some other costs could include:
- Travel costs for a lawyer who works from an out-of-town office.
- Investigative fees related to making your case.
- Filing and serving fees.
- Costs for additional professionals who help with the case.
- Other office-related fees and costs.
Receiving the Help You Need
If you are concerned about the cost of hiring a lawyer for your wrongful death lawsuit, consider how much a lawyer does. He or she takes care of all the investigative work, builds your case, strives to keep the case from going to trial, and is someone you can count on to be by your side through the whole ordeal. You typically couldn’t do it without a legal professional helping you out. To learn more about wrongful death lawsuit costs and fees, or to get started with your case, contact a wrongful death lawyer, like a wrongful death lawyer in Washington, DC, today.
Thanks to The Lawfirm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. for their insight into how to pay an attorney for a wrongful death case.
