Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, many people who were exposed to asbestos were not informed of the risks and were not given protective equipment. As a result, they developed mesothelioma and are now seeking compensation for their suffering. Mesothelioma attorneys specialize in handling these cases and can help victims get the compensation they deserve. However, there are certain fees that are associated with hiring a mesothelioma attorney. In this article, we will discuss some of the common fees that you can expect when hiring a mesothelioma attorney.
Contingency Fees
The most common fee arrangement for mesothelioma attorneys is a contingency fee. This means that the attorney only gets paid if they win your case. In other words, they take a percentage of the compensation that you receive. This percentage can vary depending on the attorney and the complexity of the case, but it typically ranges from 25% to 40%. If the attorney does not win your case, they do not get paid. This fee arrangement is beneficial for clients because it does not require any upfront costs and ensures that the attorney will work hard to win your case.
Hourly Fees
While contingency fees are the most common fee arrangement for mesothelioma attorneys, some attorneys may charge hourly fees instead. Hourly fees are a set rate that the attorney charges for each hour of work they perform on your case. This fee arrangement is less common because it can be expensive for clients, and it does not provide the same incentive for the attorney to win your case as a contingency fee would. Hourly fees can range from $200 to $500 per hour, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.
Retainer Fees
Some mesothelioma attorneys may require a retainer fee before they begin working on your case. A retainer fee is an upfront payment that the client makes to the attorney to secure their services. This fee can vary depending on the attorney and the complexity of the case, but it can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. The retainer fee is typically applied towards the final fee that the attorney charges, but it is important to clarify this with the attorney before signing any agreements.
Expenses
In addition to attorney fees, there are also expenses associated with filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. These expenses can include things like court fees, expert witness fees, and travel expenses. In most cases, the attorney will cover these expenses upfront and then deduct them from the final settlement or verdict. However, it is important to discuss these expenses with the attorney before signing any agreements to ensure that you understand how they will be handled.
Conclusion
Hiring a mesothelioma attorney can be a costly endeavor, but it is necessary for victims to receive the compensation they deserve. The most common fee arrangement for mesothelioma attorneys is a contingency fee, which means that the attorney only gets paid if they win your case. Hourly fees and retainer fees are less common fee arrangements, but they may be used by some attorneys. Additionally, there are expenses associated with filing a mesothelioma lawsuit, which the attorney will cover upfront and then deduct from the final settlement or verdict. It is important to discuss all fees and expenses with your attorney before signing any agreements to ensure that you understand how they will be handled.
