Determining the Cost of Your Wrongful Death Attorney
The tragedy of losing a loved one can be an overwhelming burden to bear. It can be especially difficult to cope with when the death came because of someone else’s negligence or deliberate actions. While you can’t bring back this individual, you can find some solace by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. The results could be a cash award to help cover the medical and funeral costs of your family member as well as the pain and suffering you have endured. Before you start this process, it is helpful to understand how much a lawyer, like a wrongful death lawyer from Patterson Bray, will cost.
Per Hour Fees
Some lawyers will bill clients for their services on a per-hour basis. The attorneys will charge the person for any and all work that went into your case. This will include writing court briefs, conducting research, interviewing witnesses, the time spent in court, among other work. Attorneys fees can vary significantly based on the lawyers’ experience and the nature of the case. You could expect to pay anywhere between $100 an hour and $400 an hour for legal services.
Contingency Fees
More and more wrongful death lawyers do not require any upfront payments and will not charge any money during the case. Instead, these lawyers will operate on what is known as a “contingency basis.” This means that the client will agree to pay the attorney a certain percentage of the final settlement amount at the end of the case. This figure is usually between 30% and 40%. So, if you win your wrongful death suit and are awarded a settlement of $100,000, you would pay your lawyer between $30,000 and $40,000 for his or her work.
Other Considerations
When choosing a lawyer, you should take note of the factors that could increase the costs of your case. These may include the complexity of it and how long it lasts. Some wrongful death lawsuits can drag on for months, especially if the defendant vigorously opposes your claims. Lawyers may also charge more in higher-profile cases. Also, keep in mind that a lawyer in a larger city and from a larger law firm will likely cost more than someone from a rural area and a smaller office.
Keep these factors in mind as you start to build your wrongful death lawsuit. It’s helpful to prepare financially so it is not an unpleasant surprise when your legal fees are due.