Contingency Fee
A contingency fee is an attorney payment arrangement in which the lawyer receives a percentage of the client's recovery (settlement or verdict) as their fee. If the case is unsuccessful, the client owes no attorney fees. This structure allows mesothelioma patients to pursue legal claims without any upfront costs.
Virtually all mesothelioma attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means patients and families pay nothing out of pocket to hire a lawyer and pursue their claim. The attorney advances all case costs — filing fees, expert witnesses, medical record retrieval, deposition expenses — and is reimbursed only if the case results in compensation.
Contingency fee percentages typically range from 25% to 40% of the recovery, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it settles or goes to trial for a verdict. The specific percentage should be clearly outlined in the retainer agreement before the attorney begins work. Patients should ask about the fee structure and what costs are included during the initial consultation.
This payment model aligns the attorney's interests with the client's — the lawyer is motivated to maximize the recovery because their fee is a percentage of it. For mesothelioma patients facing substantial medical expenses, the contingency fee structure removes the financial barrier to pursuing rightful compensation.
- Also known as
- Contingent fee, No-win no-fee
- Category
- Legal
- Related terms
- Personal Injury Claim, Wrongful Death Lawsuit, Settlement, Verdict, Asbestos Trust Fund
Have questions about Contingency Fee? Our attorneys can explain how this applies to your situation — at no cost.