Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
Mesothelioma is a rare but serious and aggressive form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma victims and their families often face significant damages, both economically and non-economically. Fortunately, those with evidence that mesothelioma developed due to the negligence of another party or other parties can seek compensation and justice. If, for example, the victim was not informed of possible asbestos exposure or given appropriate protective equipment, they could be entitled to compensation from the negligent party.
Hiring a qualified mesothelioma attorney is vital for individuals seeking compensation and justice. Naturally, one of the concerns people have is how much it costs to hire a mesothelioma attorney to represent them. If you or a loved one has mesothelioma and you are considering taking legal action, you may be wondering, “How much does it cost to hire a mesothelioma attorney in 2024?” Most mesothelioma claims are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means that in most mesothelioma cases, attorney fees are dependent upon the attorney achieving a favorable outcome for the client. Read on for more on contingency fees.
Understanding Contingency Fees
Most mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the attorney only receives their legal fees if and after they recover compensation for a client. After an attorney recovers compensation for a client, they take a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount as payment. The contingency fee for mesothelioma personal injury and wrongful death claims range from 33% to 40% of the awarded amount. The fees generally range from 25% to 40% of the awarded amount for trust fund claims. Before hiring an attorney, it is vital to seek clarification on the specific percentage the attorney will take.
So, what if an attorney is unable to recover compensation for a client? If an attorney does not recover compensation for a client, the client typically does not owe the attorney anything. Because mesothelioma attorneys understand the risk of taking on cases on a contingency fee basis, attorneys refuse to take on a case in certain situations. For instance, an attorney may refuse to take on a case if there is insufficient evidence.
Costs vs. Attorney Fees
It is important to note that there is a difference between “costs” and “attorney fees” in a legal case. Attorney fees are meant to compensate the lawyer for their legal services. On the other hand, costs are the out-of-pocket expenses associated with moving the case along. Costs can include filing fees, charges for obtaining medical records, costs of serving documents on defendants, expert witness fees, and deposition transcript fees. Some attorneys and law firms may cover these costs upfront and deduct the money from the final settlement or judgment. On the other hand, some mesothelioma lawyers may require clients to pay these expenses as they arise. It is vital that clients clarify with an attorney how costs will be handled.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.