Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does it cost to start a lawsuit and who pays the expenses on my case?

A: Lawsuits cost money and lots of it. 

$210 to file it $100 plus to serve the papers, another $95 to get the Court to begin conferences, and another $95 to have a Judge and jury hear the case.  Deposition transcripts cost $200, $300, $400 plus dollars per transcript.  Clerical and calendar tracking expenses add up.  There are costs for medical records, medical reports, costs for economists and engineers (when necessary) will run in the thousands of dollars, motions cost $45 to file and we have not even gone to trial, paid a Doctor to testify, or served one subpoena.  Trial expenses include reproducing the imaging studies (x-ray's MRI's, etc . . ) designing and printing poster boards and then of course fees for testimony by one or more Doctors, Radiologists, and don't forget the economist and engineer, where applicable.

These costs of the case are paid by our office and are reimbursed upon the conclusion of the case from the gross settlement award.  The one-third attorneys fee is calculated on the net settlement after these expenses are reimbursed back to the office and are chargeable to the client in the event their is no recovery.  The trial attorneys have been fighting to eliminate this requirement. 

PLEASE NOTE: Any medical liens for your treatment or to reimburse health coverage providers, medicaid, public assistance etc. are payable from the client's net settlement after these expenses and fees are deducted.

We evaluate each case for suit and trial and these costs are weighed against the risks involved in bringing any particular case.  Is the injury serious enough to qualify for compensation or is the liability of the client to great despite the seriousness of the injury?  Is their enough insurance coverage to justify spending all this money or will these costs simply eat-away at the potential net settlement to the client, if settled earlier.  There is no magic answer and every case is different.