When you or a loved one experiences harm due to medical negligence, hiring a medical malpractice attorney can be an essential step in pursuing justice and compensation. However, the financial aspect of hiring an attorney can be intimidating. We will help break down the costs associated with medical malpractice representation, answer common questions, and offer tips to help you make informed decisions.
How do we charge?
Unlike some legal services that charge hourly rates or flat fees, the attorneys at Snyder & Wenner use a contingency fee agreement. This means we only get paid if we win your case – either by settlement or a trial verdict. You will not pay any upfront fees or pay anything out of pocket to us. The amount we get paid is a percentage of the amount we recover for your claim. Our firm will provide you with a written fee agreement to ensure you understand our fee arrangement.
The contingency model offers important benefits for injured patients, including access to justice no matter your income and no stress about paying every time you make a call or email to your attorney.
What are case expenses?
Medical malpractice lawsuits almost always require significant investment in things like:
- Medical records
- Expert witnesses
- Investigation costs
- Filing and court fees
- Depositions and testimony
These case costs are advanced by the law firm. When there is a recovery, the contingency fee agreement provides that the case costs are reimbursed to the law firm, in addition to the attorneys’ fee. Medical malpractice lawsuits often require significant time and resources to investigate, negotiate, and litigate, so depending on the complexity of the case, the amount of expenses can vary. The projected cost of fees will be discussed with you in detail in your initial meeting with an attorney.
Why are medical malpractice cases so expensive?
Medical malpractice is among the most challenging branches of civil litigation. Here’s why:
- Burden of proof: we must prove not just that harm occurred, but that the medical provider deviated from the standard of care and caused harm.
- Expert testimony: every medical malpractice case requires one or more medical experts to explain what went wrong and why.
- Aggressive defense: hospitals and insurance companies invest heavily in their legal teams, often hiring multiple experts and lawyers.
- Lengthy and technical: cases can take years to resolve and often involve thousands of pages of medical records and reports
Conclusion
The cost of hiring a medical malpractice attorney may seem daunting, but we provide a clear understanding of fees and expenses so you can pursue justice without risking your financial wellbeing. If you or a loved one may have a claim, don’t let fear of costs stop you. Reach out to a member of the Snyder and Wenner team for a confidential, no-obligation consultation today.
