Serious Injury & Wrongful Death Cases:

Accident, injury and death cases are handled by our firm on a contingency fee basis. If there is no settlement or recovery, no fee is charged. In other words, we work for a percentage of the settlement or recovery, and get paid only when we get results.

We do not charge for an initial consultation. If we take the case, we work on a percentage, plus litigation expenses. If we do not take the case, there is no charge.

The percentage fee varies depending upon the type of case, the complexity of the case and the anticipated expense needed to get it to trial. Fees charged by our firm in personal injury or wrongful death cases can range from 33 1/3% (one-third) to 50%. (For fees charged in workers' compensation cases, see below)

For example, in a complex medical malpractice case or products liability case involving numerous expert witness and depositions, it may be necessary to charge a percentage fee that is significantly higher than what might be charged in a simple automobile collision case. Fees are set on a case-by-case basis. Generally, the more complex, difficult and expensive cases will require a larger percentage fee.

If we take your case, we will obtain a signed representation contract from you, which will clearly state the applicable percentage fee to be charged against any settlement or recovery.

In addition to the attorney's fee, expenses of litigation are also charged against the client's portion of any settlement or recovery. Litigation expenses include what has to be paid to others, outside the law firm, to investigate, develop and present the case, as well as travel expense. For instance, doctors and hospitals charge a fee for copying and releasing medical records. The cost for medical records in a medical malpractice case can easily total several hundred dollars, or more. Filing and service fees must be paid when a lawsuit is filed with the court. Court reporters charge to take down and prepare deposition transcripts. Courtroom exhibits can be very expensive to prepare.

Expert witnesses are perhaps the most expensive cost associated with a lawsuit. Treating physicians typically charge a substantial fee to give a deposition concerning the nature and extent of injury, percentage impairment, work restrictions, and so forth. A simple medical deposition, for proof at trial, including the doctor's fee and the court reporter's fee, can easily cost $1000, or more. In a medical malpractice or products liability case experts must be hired to determine what happened and who was at fault, and to give testimony for court. Such experts can be very expensive, but are essential to the case.

We generally advance all the litigation costs as the case progresses, but we expect to be repaid from any settlement or recovery.

Prospective clients should feel free to ask questions about fees and expenses, so that both the client and the lawyer are comfortable with the arrangements, and will be committed to a successful outcome. The relationship between a trial lawyer and an injury victim, or his or her family, is much like a partnership. Mutual commitment, trust and understanding are essential.

No lawyer can guarantee results. There is risk inherent in any legal claim, and the client should clearly understand that and have realistic expectations for his or her case.

Workers' Compensation Cases:

Fees in workers' compensation cases are generally set by statute, rule or regulation.

For instance, in Georgia workers' compensation cases, the maximum fee which can be charged for representing an injured worker (the claimant) is 25% of the recovery, and all such fees are subject to approval by the State Board of Workers' Compensation.

In Tennessee , fees in workers' compensation cases are limited to 20%, subject to the approval of the Department of Labor or the court.

In other states different rules apply.

For more information on workers' compensation cases, see:
Injured on the job

Social Security Cases:

Social Security disability cases are handled on a contingency fee of 25% of all past due benefits.