When a loved one dies due to another person’s wrongful act, neglect, or misconduct, Washington State law allows survivors to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, wrongful death cases are often complex and require legal expertise. That’s why seeking help from an experienced personal injury lawyer can be crucial for families navigating this difficult time.
If you need immediate assistance from a wrongful death lawyer, contact us online or call (509) 866-4166 for a free consultation.
At Kapuza Lighty, our Washington State wrongful death attorneys frequently answer questions about wrongful death lawsuits, especially regarding attorney fees. Here’s what you need to know about how lawyer fees work in wrongful death cases.
How to Pay for a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Washington State
Contingency Fees:
Most wrongful death lawyers in Washington State, including those at Kapuza Lighty, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any attorney fees upfront. Instead, your personal injury lawyer will receive a percentage of any settlement or jury verdict you win.
If your lawyer does not win the case, they do not get paid. This arrangement ensures your attorney only takes on cases with merit and works diligently to secure the best possible compensation for you.
Typically, wrongful death attorneys take 33-40% of the settlement amount. For example, if you receive a $200,000 settlement, your attorney might take between $66,000 and $80,000, and you keep the remainder.
Our clients appreciate our contingency fee model because it allows them to access top-tier wrongful death lawyers without needing to pay upfront.
Additional Costs in Wrongful Death Lawsuits
In addition to attorney fees, clients may incur other costs during the course of a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. These expenses may include:
- Transcription fees
- Filing fees
- Medical record costs
- Process server fees
- Court reporter expenses
- Private investigator fees
- Expert witness fees
The total costs will vary depending on the specifics of your case. For instance, expert witnesses in a medical malpractice case can cost tens of thousands of dollars. This covers the cost of their analysis, expert report, and testimony. On the other hand, expenses like document copying or transcription will typically be much lower.
It’s essential to discuss all potential costs with your attorney during your initial consultation. Be sure to ask how these expenses will be handled. Some lawyers bill clients monthly, while others may deduct the costs from the final settlement.
Make sure to have a written contingency fee agreement that outlines all costs and fees so that you fully understand the financial aspects of your case.
Act Quickly—Consult a Washington State Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is an incredibly emotional and challenging time. While the last thing on your mind may be bringing a wrongful death lawsuit, Washington State law gives you only three years from the date of death to file. Delaying could result in losing your right to seek justice and compensation.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to wrongful death or personal injury, contact a Washington State personal injury lawyer at Kapuza Lighty today. Call (509) 866-4166 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Our team is ready to meet with you and discuss your options, including our fee agreement.
Let us help you navigate the complexities of a wrongful death lawsuit while you focus on healing and grieving.
