What are the Cost Of A LawSuit ?  A medical malpractice suit is very expensive. You will have to pay fees and costs.

Generally speaking, attorneys charge for their

services in the following ways:

•  -  By the hour

•  -  On a contingency fee basis, where you pay the attorney from an third to 40% of what you collect in damages.

•  -  Flat fees

It is possible that in a malpractice suit, you will have to pay a combination of hourly fees and contingency fees. In major metropolitan areas, you will have to shell out 200 dollars to 400 dollars an hour. Lawyers with expertise in specialized areas, like real estate, or bankruptcy, may charge even more.

Also ask if the firm requires an initial retainer. Even if the firm charges on an hourly basis, the attorney may require an initial retainer. This amount may be up to 5,000 dollars or more. It acts as a refundable security deposit for payment of the firm’s fees before they begin your lawsuit. It should be placed in a trust account. If the representation ends before the retainer is billed, your attorney should return the balance to you.

Discuss the costs of your suit as well as the attorney. Costs include:

•  -  Copying

•  -  Computerized research

•  -  Paralegal and associate fees

•  -  Expert witness fees

•  -  Court fees and filing fees

You should get a fee agreement in writing. This will help in solving any fee disputes which may arise. If a lawyer is unwilling to put a fee agreement in writing, look for another lawyer.