Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney?

Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident, you might be thinking that you deserve compensation. Wrongful death claims are complex. You really need an attorney to help you make sure that you get everything you are entitled to under the law, if you are entitled to anything. Most people don’t have a lot of money to go out and hire an attorney. You might be wondering how to get an attorney when you don’t have funds. What does it cost to hire a wrongful death attorney?

What Is a Contingency Fee Basis?

Personal injury attorneys usually work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay unless your attorney recovers damages in your case. The attorney’s fee comes out of the settlement you receive from the insurance company. If you don’t win a settlement, your attorney doesn’t get paid.

The fee that your attorney charges depend on many factors. Usually, the attorney will take a percentage of your settlement as the fee for their services. However, you may also have to pay for court costs, expert’s fees and other expenses involved in your case. Usually, these fees come out of your settlement, but you should check your contract to know what you are responsible for.

What Goes Into a Wrongful Death Claim?

The attorney takes on the financial burden of your case, which means that your attorney should be convinced that your case will be successful. A wrongful death claim takes a lot of time and energy. Your attorney may need to spend considerable time investigating and researching your claim to prepare to argue your claim before the insurance company and/or court.

Your attorney will probably have to line up expert witnesses to show that the defendant was negligent and had a duty to the decedent. Financial experts will be required to determine the extent of the damages to you and your family. Medical experts may be called to demonstrate how the injury caused the death of your loved one.

What Happens When the Case Is Settled?

Although no amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one, financial compensation can help your family from the financial losses you have experienced. If you do receive a settlement, the insurance company will probably send a check made out to you and your attorney. You will have to sign the check and let the attorney deposit it into the firm’s trust account. Once the check clears the bank, the attorney will settle your account, paying any expenses and fees from the settlement, taking his or her portion and finally, sending you a check for your portion.

Contact a wrongful death lawyer in Miami, FL today to get answers about your case.

Thanks to Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. for their insight into personal injury claims and hiring a lawyer for your wrongful death case.