How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Pennsylvania?
A common and understandable concern for anyone considering a medical malpractice lawsuit is the cost of legal representation. Many people fear that they cannot afford to hire a skilled attorney, especially when facing mounting medical bills and lost wages. This is why the payment structure for these types of cases is so crucial.
Virtually all medical malpractice attorneys in Pennsylvania work on a contingency fee basis.
This arrangement is a cornerstone of our legal system, designed to ensure that everyone – regardless of their financial situation – has the ability to seek justice. Here is a more detailed explanation of what a contingency fee means for you as a potential client and why it is so important.
What Exactly is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is a “no win, no fee” payment structure. In this arrangement, your attorney’s legal fee is contingent upon a successful outcome in your case. This means that:
- You do not pay any legal fees upfront.
- You are not charged by the hour for your attorney’s time.
- If your case is lost and there is no recovery, you owe the attorney nothing for their legal services.
Instead, the attorney receives a pre-agreed-upon percentage of the final settlement or jury award. This percentage is decided at the very beginning of the attorney-client relationship and is clearly outlined in a written agreement.
Why a Contingency Fee is So Important for You
The contingency fee model offers several significant advantages for victims of medical malpractice:
- Access to Justice: It levels the playing field, giving everyday people the ability to take on powerful and well-funded hospital systems and insurance companies without risking financial ruin.
- No Financial Risk: You can pursue your claim without having to worry about costly hourly bills piling up. You are protected from the financial risk of a potential loss.
- Aligned Interests: A contingency fee arrangement ensures that your attorney’s financial success is directly tied to yours. The attorney is highly motivated to build the strongest possible case and secure the maximum compensation for you, as their fee increases with the amount of the recovery.
A Note on Costs and Expenses
It is important to understand the difference between an attorney’s fee and litigation costs or case expenses. The contingency fee covers the attorney’s time and legal expertise. However, a medical malpractice lawsuit requires a significant investment in case expenses, which may include:
- Fees for obtaining medical records and reports
- Court filing fees
- Expert witness fees for doctors and other medical professionals
- Depositions and transcript costs
At Lupetin & Unatin, we believe in shouldering the risk for our clients. We not only work on a contingency basis but also advance all of the litigation costs on your behalf. These costs are then reimbursed from the final settlement or verdict, and only if a recovery is made. If we don’t win your medical malpractice case, you are not responsible for these expenses. This is a commitment we make to our clients to ensure they can focus on their recovery while we focus on their case.
Before you sign any agreement, it is crucial to discuss the firm’s policy on both contingency fees and case expenses. At Lupetin & Unatin, we are committed to transparency and will ensure you have a clear understanding of our fee structure from your very first consultation. Contact us for a free medical malpractice case evaluation.