Wrongful Death Attorney Fees

Attorney Fees in Wrongful Death Cases

When pursuing a wrongful death claim, financial concerns shouldn’t prevent you from seeking justice and holding negligent parties accountable. That’s why wrongful death attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t face any upfront costs for legal representation. This approach ensures that every family, regardless of their financial situation, has access to experienced legal counsel during this challenging time. We shoulder all the initial costs of investigating and building your case, allowing you to focus on what matters most – healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.

Our contingency fee arrangement provides peace of mind during an already stressful time because you only pay legal fees if we successfully recover compensation for your family. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything for our time and effort. This includes the resources we invest in investigating the accident, consulting with experts, gathering evidence, and building a strong case on your behalf. We take on all the financial risk because we believe in fighting for families who have lost loved ones due to others’ negligence. A contingency fee arrangement allows all people to hire a lawyer.

If your loved one was killed in a wrongful death accident and you need help with a claim, call our Houston wrongful death attorneys today for a free consultation





ATTORNEY FEES IN WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUITS

  • How much of a wrongful death settlement goes to the lawyer?

    When it comes to wrongful death cases in Texas, most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the fees collected by the attorney are typically a percentage of the overall award or settlement. In Texas, this percentage usually ranges between 33% to 45% of the total recovery, depending on the stages of litigation the lawsuit is resolved.

  • What is a fair amount to pay an attorney in a wrongful death lawsuit?

    A fair attorney fee in a wrongful death lawsuit typically varies depending on when and how the case is resolved. Most wrongful death attorneys charge between 33% to 45% of the total recovery, with the percentage often tied to the stage at which the case concludes.

    If the case settles before filing a lawsuit, the fee percentage is usually lower (around 33%) since less time and resources are required. However, when a lawsuit needs to be filed, the attorney’s workload increases substantially. They must prepare extensive legal documents, conduct thorough discovery, take depositions, and engage in complex negotiations. Due to this additional work and increased expenses, the fee percentage may rise to 40% for cases resolved after filing suit.

    Cases that proceed to trial require the most extensive preparation and resources. Attorneys must invest significant time preparing witnesses, developing trial exhibits, working with expert witnesses, and presenting the case to a jury. The risk of no recovery also increases significantly at trial, as the outcome becomes less predictable. For cases resolved through trial, the contingency fee percentage may reach 45% or higher to reflect this additional work and risk.

    This graduated fee structure fairly compensates attorneys for the increasing amount of work, expenses, and risk they take on as the case progresses through different stages of litigation, while ensuring families receive the majority of any recovery obtained on their behalf.

Why Attorneys Can Help Your Case

Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering

We have the resources and expertise to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of your loved one’s death. This is crucial for building a strong case.

For instance, in a case we handled involving a defective tire that caused a fatal semi-truck accident, our thorough investigation uncovered critical evidence of the tire manufacturer’s negligence. This evidence was instrumental in securing a substantial settlement for the victim’s family.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in wrongful death cases. Our experienced attorneys know how to navigate these negotiations to ensure you receive fair compensation.

In another case, we represented the family of a man killed when a truck driver left too little room for him to pass on a bridge. The trucking company’s insurance initially offered a low settlement, but our skilled negotiation tactics resulted in a much higher compensation that acknowledged the company’s wrongdoing and the family’s ongoing pain and suffering.

Handling Upfront Costs

Wrongful death cases often involve significant expenses such as expert witness fees, court filing fees, and costs for obtaining medical records. We cover these upfront costs, which are then reimbursed from the settlement if we win your case. This allows you to pursue your claim without financial strain.

Maximizing Your Compensation

Our experience allows us to accurately value your claim, including both economic and non-economic damages. We ensure that all aspects of your loss are considered, from lost income to the pain and suffering experienced by your family.

The Value of Experience in Wrongful Death Cases

The attorney you choose can significantly impact the outcome of your case. At Ammons Law Firm, we bring years of experience and a track record of success in wrongful death cases. Our expertise allows us to:

  1. Accurately assess the value of your claim
  2. Anticipate and counter defense strategies
  3. Navigate complex legal procedures efficiently
  4. Access a network of expert witnesses to strengthen your case

For example, in a case involving a defective UTV seatbelt that resulted in a child’s death, our experience in product liability law was crucial. We were able to prove the manufacturer’s negligence, resulting in a settlement that not only acknowledged the family’s suffering but also pushed for safety improvements in the industry.


Contact us online
or call (281) 801-5617 for a no-cost consultation.

Understanding Expenses in Wrongful Death Litigation

Beyond attorney fees, there are various expenses associated with wrongful death litigation. These may include:

  • Court filing fees
  • Costs for obtaining medical records and police reports
  • Expert witness fees
  • Deposition and court reporter fees
  • Trial preparation expenses

At Ammons Law Firm, we typically cover these expenses upfront and recover them from the settlement or award if we win your case. This approach allows you to pursue your claim without worrying about out-of-pocket costs during the process.

Questions to Ask About Attorney Fees

When considering a wrongful death attorney, it’s important to have a clear understanding of their fee structure. Here are some questions you should ask:

  1. What percentage do you charge on a contingency basis?
  2. Can you provide an estimate of the potential expenses for my case?
  3. How do you handle case-related expenses? Are they paid upfront or deducted from the settlement?
  4. Will your contingency fee agreement be provided in writing?
  5. What happens if I decide to change attorneys before the case is resolved?

At Ammons Law Firm, we’re always transparent about our fee structure and are happy to answer these questions in detail during your free consultation.

The Ammons Law Firm Difference

Choosing the right attorney for your wrongful death case is a crucial decision. At Ammons Law Firm, we offer:

  • Decades of experience in wrongful death litigation
  • A proven track record of successful settlements and verdicts
  • A compassionate approach that puts your family’s needs first
  • Transparent fee structures with no upfront costs
  • A dedicated team that will fight tirelessly for your rights

We understand that no amount of money can bring back your loved one. However, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide financial security for your family and hold negligent parties accountable. It’s one way the law acknowledges that your family was wronged and that your pain and loss are real.

If you’re considering a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas, we encourage you to reach out to us for a free consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and options without any financial obligation. Remember, the wrongful death attorney you hire matters. At Ammons Law Firm, we’re committed to providing experienced, compassionate representation to help your family through this difficult time.

  • “”If you have a complicated products liability matter or really ANY complex matter, Rob will devote the resources necessary to sort it out and get the best possible result for the client.””

    – Louis H., Referral Attorney

  • ““Rob fought for me like no man has fought for me. The Ammons Law Firm is a law firm that seeks out justice, righteousness for those who have suffered and I can now move forward in my life.””

    – Joe C.

  • “I can say with confidence that The Ammons Law Firm is the very best.”

    – Former Client

  • “”We had a wonderful experience working with the Ammons Law Firm. The office staff was always courteous and prompt in responding. Rob’s expertise in our case was quickly evident and our trust in him …”

    – Anne P.

  • “”The Ammons law firm has a great number of wonderful and hardworking lawyers. They did an amazing job with my case.””

    – Jose Angel M.

  • “”The Ammons law firm has a great number of wonderful and hardworking lawyers. They did an amazing job with my case.””

    – Kenny N.

Why Choose Us?

Our Firm Will Fight for Your Right to Compensation
  • We Wrote the Book on Tire Defect Litigation

    Attorney Rob Ammons has not only handled some of the most complex tire defect cases but also wrote the book on how to properly litigate these types of cases.

  • Team Approach to Handling Each & Every Case

    Unlike smaller law firms, we have the resources necessary to tackle even the most complex cases. To ensure our clients get the best possible results, we hire industry experts and other professionals to advise on any complex legal issues.

  • Over a Billion Dollars Recovered for Our Clients

    Our seasoned legal professionals have handled some of the largest personal injury claims nationwide and have a strong track record of favorable outcomes.

Let Us Help You

Request Your FREE CONSULTATION Today!
Call
(281) 801-5617 or fill out the form below to contact our team.

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