If one of your loved ones was killed as a result of someone else’s actions, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against that individual. Typically, this legal option is available when someone is killed by negligence or medical malpractice. However, if you are like many people, you may be worried about the cost. Even if you are able to recover a large amount of money for the death of your loved one, how will you pay your attorney initially? This is a common concern, but there are options available to help you out.
Paying Your Attorney
In your wrongful death case, you will be the plaintiff. It is very common for the attorney representing the plaintiff to accept no payment at the beginning of the case. Because the plaintiff is suing for compensation, the attorney can collect a portion of the amount that is won. The attorney usually takes a percentage of the compensation, rather than a flat fee, usually about 30 percent.
This may seem like a large amount, but you have to remember how much risk your attorney is taking. If you lose the case, he or she will receive nothing. On top of that, that attorney often pays court costs themselves.
Legal Aid
If you cannot find an attorney willing to take your case for no upfront cost, there are usually several legal aid resources available in most cities, including:
- Legal clinic – There are some legal clinics that work similarly to medical clinics. You can receive legal advice and simple services for free. This recourse may point you in the direction of an attorney, but usually legal representation is not among the services offered for free.
- Pro bono attorney – The American Bar Association recommends that every attorney provide 50 hours of free legal services each year. This means that it is often possible to find an attorney willing to take your case for free.
- Legal aid law firm – There are some law firms that provide legal representation for free. These law firms are funded by the state and private donors.
If you have to pay your attorney upfront, you should expect it to cost at least a few hundred dollars. The cost usually varies between this and several thousand. There are many factors that affect the cost, including your location and the complexity of your case. It is never a good idea to represent yourself, so always take the time to hire an attorney, like a Wrongful Death Lawyer, in Lakewood FL from David & Philpot, P.L.