Wrongful Death Lawyer Contingency Fee: What Families Pay

October 27, 2026

When a family is grieving, uncertainty about attorney fees can make an already difficult situation feel harder. A wrongful death lawyer contingency fee may ease one concern: instead of paying an hourly rate, the lawyer generally receives an agreed share of a recovery. That does not answer every cost question, though. Case expenses may be handled separately, and the written agreement should explain who is responsible for them if the claim does not succeed. Henningsen Injury Attorneys offers free consultations and says clients pay no fees unless the firm wins. This guide explains what contingency fees can include, which questions to ask, and how fees and costs may affect the amount your family ultimately receives.

Key Takeaways

• Review the fee agreement before signing: Confirm the contingency percentage, when it may change, and whether the fee is calculated before or after case expenses.
• Clarify who pays case costs: Ask whether the firm advances expenses and whether your family could owe them if the claim does not recover compensation.
• Request a sample recovery breakdown: Ask how fees, expenses, liens, and other deductions may affect what your family receives, and compare firms on services and cost terms, not just percentages.

How Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer’s Contingency Fee Work?

How contingency fees differ from hourly billing

With hourly billing, clients pay for a lawyer’s time, whether or not the case succeeds. A contingency fee works differently: the lawyer’s attorney fee is based on a financial recovery, such as a settlement or court award. This can make legal representation more accessible to families who may not be able to pay legal fees upfront.

The fee is usually a percentage of the recovery. The percentage and calculation method should be stated in the written agreement, and the terms may vary depending on the case and when it resolves. A guide to wrongful death lawyer costs outlines common contingency fee arrangements and questions families can ask. Before signing, ask the lawyer to explain the fee in plain language and show how it could affect the amount the family receives.

When the lawyer earns a fee

A lawyer generally earns a contingency fee when the case produces a recovery. That could happen through a settlement or a court award. If the case does not result in a recovery, the lawyer may not collect an attorney fee. However, whether the family could still be responsible for case expenses depends on the agreement.

Ask when the fee applies and whether the percentage changes if the case proceeds to trial or appeal. It’s also helpful to request a sample calculation that shows how the fee and expenses could be deducted from a recovery. Henningsen Injury Attorneys offers a free consultation where families can ask how the firm’s fee terms apply to their circumstances and review what the agreement covers.

What “no fee unless we win” does—and doesn’t—mean

“No fee unless we win” generally means the family does not pay an attorney fee if the case produces no recovery. It does not automatically explain what happens to case expenses. Costs such as filing fees, expert witness fees, investigation expenses, and deposition charges may be handled separately under the written agreement.

Before hiring a lawyer, ask whether the firm advances these costs and whether the family could owe them if the case does not recover compensation. If there is a settlement or award, ask whether expenses are deducted before or after the attorney fee is calculated. These details can affect the family’s final recovery, so make sure the agreement spells them out. You can also ask how the firm will provide an itemized accounting of fees and expenses when the case ends.

What Do Wrongful Death Lawyers Typically Charge?

Typical contingency fees: 33% to 40%

Many wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee. The attorney receives an agreed percentage of money recovered through a settlement or court award, rather than charging an hourly fee. Published estimates commonly range from 33% to 40%, but there is no standard percentage for every case. Your fee depends on the agreement you make with the firm.

Ask whether the percentage applies to the amount recovered before or after case expenses are deducted. A published overview of wrongful death lawyer costs offers a general reference point, but the terms in your own written agreement are what matter. Ask the lawyer to explain the proposed percentage and how it would work in your case.

Why fees may change before trial or appeal

Some contingency agreements set different percentages for different stages of a case. A claim resolved before a lawsuit is filed may involve a different rate than one that proceeds through litigation, trial, or appeal. Published estimates place pre-lawsuit fees around 33%, fees after a lawsuit is filed around 33% to 38%, and trial or appeal fees at 40% or more. These are general estimates, not fixed rates.

Before signing, ask whether the fee could change as the case progresses and exactly when each rate would apply. The agreement should make those terms clear. This guide to contingency fees explains why the case stage may affect a lawyer’s fee.

How case complexity and workload can affect fees

The time and work involved in a wrongful death claim can vary. Disputed responsibility, multiple parties, complex evidence, and the need for expert opinions may require more investigation and preparation. If the case goes to court, the legal work may also increase. These factors can inform the fee a firm proposes, but they do not set the percentage automatically.

Ask the lawyer how the expected work relates to the fee and whether the firm advances expenses such as court filing fees or expert costs. During a consultation with Henningsen Injury Attorneys, families can ask how the firm handles fees and case expenses before deciding whether to hire the firm.

Why the written agreement sets the terms

The written agreement should explain the contingency percentage, whether it changes at different case stages, and how the firm calculates its fee. It should also describe how case costs are handled, including whether the firm advances them and whether the family could owe those costs if the case does not result in a recovery.

Ask the lawyer to walk you through a sample calculation so you can see how the fee, expenses, and other deductions may affect the amount the family receives. Do not assume that “no fee unless we win” answers every question about costs. Read the agreement carefully, ask about any unclear terms, and make sure you understand them before signing.

Will Families Pay Upfront Fees or Case Costs?

A wrongful death claim may involve expenses beyond the attorney’s fee. Whether a family pays costs as they arise or the firm advances them depends on the firm’s policies and the written agreement. Ask how costs work before signing, including what happens if the claim does not result in a recovery.

Henningsen Injury Attorneys says clients pay no fees unless the firm wins. Families should confirm how that promise applies to case costs, too. A free consultation with the firm is a chance to ask questions and review the agreement before deciding how to proceed.

Common costs, from filing and investigation to experts and depositions

Case costs are expenses involved in investigating and pursuing a claim. They may include court filing fees, medical-record charges, investigation expenses, expert witness fees, deposition costs, and court reporter fees. Travel and document retrieval may also add to the total.

The expenses depend on the evidence and legal work a case requires. For example, disputed fault or complex medical issues may call for more investigation or expert analysis. These costs are separate from the attorney’s fee and may be deducted from a recovery. Ask the lawyer which expenses are likely in your family’s case, and how the firm will explain or document them. This overview of common wrongful death case costs can help you prepare questions.

Whether the firm advances costs or asks families to pay as they arise

Some firms pay case expenses as they arise and seek repayment from a settlement or award. Others may ask clients to pay certain costs during the case. The firm’s policy and the fee agreement should explain which approach applies, what expenses may arise, and whether the family must approve them in advance.

Before signing, ask whether the firm expects any payment while the case is ongoing. Request examples of costs the family might encounter, and find out how the firm will keep you informed as expenses add up. Also ask how costs are deducted from a recovery. Clear answers can help your family understand the financial arrangement from the start.

Who pays advanced costs if the case doesn’t recover

If the firm advances costs, the agreement should explain what happens if there is no settlement or award. The family may not owe advanced expenses, or the contract may make the family responsible for some or all of them. Do not assume that “no fee unless we win” automatically means there will be no responsibility for costs if the claim is unsuccessful.

Ask the lawyer to describe that possibility in plain language, including whether the family could owe filing fees, expert fees, or other expenses without a recovery. Then check that the written agreement says the same thing. The guidance on how advanced case costs may be handled offers additional questions families can raise before signing.

How case costs differ from attorney fees

An attorney’s fee pays for legal services. With a contingency fee, the lawyer generally receives an agreed percentage of a recovery, as described in the fee agreement. Case costs are separate expenses incurred to investigate and pursue the claim. They may be deducted from a settlement or award in addition to the attorney’s fee.

Ask whether the fee is calculated before or after costs are subtracted. The order can affect the amount left for the family. Request a simple example using a hypothetical recovery, and ask whether other deductions may apply. This explanation of contingency fees and case costs outlines expenses that may be separate from a lawyer’s fee.

How Do Lawyers Calculate Wrongful Death Settlements and Fees?

A settlement or court award is the gross recovery, not necessarily the amount a family receives. The final distribution may depend on the contingency-fee agreement, case expenses, medical or insurance claims, and Georgia law. Ask the attorney to explain how each deduction works before deciding whether to accept an offer.

Start with the gross settlement or award

The gross recovery is the total amount paid to resolve a claim, before attorney fees, costs, or other deductions. A contingency fee is usually a percentage of the recovery, but the agreement should spell out whether that percentage applies to the full amount or to an amount reduced by certain costs.

For example, if a case settles for $500,000 and the agreement sets a 30% fee on the gross recovery, the attorney fee would be $150,000 before other deductions. That example is only illustrative: the fee and calculation method depend on the written agreement. Review the contingency-fee terms carefully, and ask the lawyer to explain any language that is unclear.

Check whether the lawyer calculates fees before or after costs

Case costs are separate from attorney fees. They may include court filing fees, medical-record charges, expert-witness fees, deposition expenses, and investigation costs. The fee agreement should explain whether the attorney’s percentage is calculated before or after those costs are deducted. The order can change the amount left after the fee.

Ask for a sample calculation using a realistic recovery amount. Also confirm whether the firm advances case costs or expects the family to pay them as they arise, and what happens to those costs if the case does not recover money. A general overview of contingency fees and case costs can help clarify the distinction, but your own written agreement controls the terms of your representation.

Account for expenses, liens, medical bills, and other deductions

After attorney fees and case costs, other claims may affect the family’s net recovery. Depending on the circumstances, these can include unpaid medical bills or reimbursement claims from health insurers, Medicare, Medicaid, or workers’ compensation. The claims that apply, and how much may be owed, depend on the facts and relevant law.

Do not assume every bill will be deducted automatically or that every lien must be paid in full. Ask the attorney to identify known claims, explain which amounts are estimates, and describe what may be negotiated or still needs to be confirmed. Request an itemized projection showing the gross recovery, attorney fee, costs, anticipated liens or bills, and estimated net amount. The final figures can change as expenses arise and claims are verified.

Learn how Georgia law determines who can file a claim and receive proceeds

Georgia law generally gives priority to the surviving spouse to bring a wrongful death claim. If the deceased person had children, the spouse and children share the recovery, with the spouse receiving at least one-third. If there is no surviving spouse, the children may bring the claim. If there are no spouse or children, a surviving parent may bring it. When no eligible spouse, child, or parent survives, the administrator of the estate may bring a claim for the next of kin.

The law also governs how the recovery is distributed, so the person who handles the claim and the people entitled to receive its proceeds may depend on the family’s circumstances. Read Georgia’s wrongful death statute with an attorney to understand how it may apply to your family. A lawyer can also explain whether any separate estate-related claims may affect the final accounting.

Ask for an estimate of the family’s net recovery—and what could change it

Ask the lawyer for a written estimate of what the family might receive after fees, costs, and known claims. It is not a guarantee, but it can help you understand how a proposed settlement might be distributed. Ask what assumptions the estimate uses, including the fee calculation, current expenses, expected liens, and possible trial or appeal costs.

Find out whether the family could owe advanced costs if the case does not recover money, and when the firm will provide a final itemized accounting. If you are considering legal representation, Henningsen Injury Attorneys offers free consultations and states that clients pay no fees unless the firm wins. During a consultation, ask the attorney to explain how that promise applies to case costs and what could change the estimated net recovery.

What Should a Contingency Fee Agreement Explain?

A contingency fee agreement sets out how the lawyer will be paid and what expenses may affect the family’s recovery. Before signing, read the terms carefully and ask the lawyer to explain anything that is unclear. Pay particular attention to how the fee is calculated, who is responsible for case costs, and what happens if the claim does not result in a recovery.

The agreement should also address settlement decisions, changes in representation, and appeals. These terms can matter as a wrongful death claim moves from investigation to negotiation or litigation. Families speaking with a Georgia wrongful death attorney can ask how the firm’s no-fee-unless-it-wins promise applies to attorney fees and case expenses. Get the explanation in writing so you can compare it with the agreement before signing.

The fee percentage, calculation method, and any changes by case stage

The agreement should state the attorney’s fee percentage and explain what amount it applies to. For example, the fee might be calculated from the total settlement or award before costs are deducted, or from the amount left after costs. Ask the lawyer to show you how each method could affect the family’s net recovery.

Some agreements set different percentages depending on when a case resolves. The fee may change if a lawsuit is filed, the case goes to trial, or an appeal is necessary. One overview of contingency fee arrangements gives examples of percentages that increase at later stages, but those examples are not a universal rule. The written agreement controls. Ask which percentage applies at each stage and when a change would take effect.

Which costs the firm may charge or advance, and which require family approval

Case costs are separate from the attorney’s fee. They may include court filing fees, medical-record charges, investigator expenses, expert witness fees, and deposition costs. The agreement should explain which expenses the firm may advance, how they will be tracked, and whether the family must approve certain costs before the firm incurs them.

Ask how the firm handles larger expenses that may arise during a claim, such as hiring an expert or taking depositions. You can also ask whether the firm will discuss a cost with you before committing to it, and how it will appear on the final accounting. A clear agreement helps you understand whether costs are paid as they arise or advanced by the firm and later deducted from a recovery. The firm’s attorneys can explain how its cost procedures work.

Who pays costs if the case doesn’t recover

A promise that no attorney fee is due unless the case wins does not always mean the family will owe nothing if there is no recovery. Some agreements require clients to repay costs the firm advanced, even if the claim does not result in compensation. Other agreements may handle those costs differently.

Read the cost provisions closely and ask what you could owe if the case is unsuccessful. Find out whether your responsibility is limited to costs already incurred, whether you must approve certain expenses, and whether any unpaid balance could be collected from you personally. The agreement should distinguish attorney fees from case expenses and explain how each is handled when there is no recovery. If the terms are unclear, ask the lawyer to explain them before you sign.

Who controls settlement decisions and accepts an offer

The agreement should explain how the firm will communicate settlement offers and who is authorized to accept one. Your lawyer can assess an offer, explain potential risks, and recommend a course of action. The agreement should also make clear that the lawyer must follow the client’s direction on whether to settle.

In a wrongful death case, the person legally authorized to bring the claim may not be every family member. Georgia law affects who may file and who may receive proceeds, so ask the lawyer to clarify whose approval is required in your family’s circumstances. Confirm how the firm will share offers, record the decision, and handle situations where eligible family members disagree. Understanding the decision-making process ahead of time can help avoid confusion if an offer arrives.

What happens if the firm ends representation or the case goes to appeal

The agreement should describe what happens if the family or the firm ends the attorney-client relationship before the case is resolved. It may address fees for work already completed, responsibility for advanced costs, and how the firm will transfer the case file. Ask the lawyer to explain any financial consequences that could apply if representation ends.

Also check whether the fee covers an appeal or whether a separate arrangement may apply. An appeal can require additional legal work and create further costs, so the agreement should say how those terms will be determined and whether the family must approve them separately. If the agreement does not clearly address termination or appeals, ask for a written explanation before signing. Do not rely on a general verbal assurance when the written terms say something different.

When and how the firm will provide an itemized final accounting

If the case results in a settlement or award, ask when you will receive a written accounting before the funds are distributed. It should list the gross recovery, the attorney’s fee, each case expense, any liens or other deductions, and the amount remaining for the family. This breakdown helps you see how the final payment was calculated.

The agreement should explain how the firm will provide the accounting and who will answer questions about it. Ask whether you can review the charges and supporting details before approving distribution. If you do not recognize an expense or deduction, request clarification. A clear, itemized statement allows you to compare the final figures with the fee agreement and understand how the settlement or award is being allocated.

What Misconceptions and Risks Should Families Consider?

A contingency fee can let a family pursue a wrongful death claim without paying an attorney by the hour. But it does not automatically mean that every expense is covered or that the family will receive a particular amount. The fee agreement determines how the attorney is paid, how case expenses are handled, and what may happen if the claim does not result in a recovery.

It is worth reviewing those terms carefully before signing. Ask how the fee is calculated, whether it can change if the case goes to trial or appeal, and whether expenses are deducted before or after the fee is calculated. Also clarify who pays costs if the case is unsuccessful. These details can affect the family’s net recovery, along with medical liens, unpaid bills, and other valid claims.

No two cases are exactly alike. A claim may involve disputed fault, multiple parties, extensive investigation, or expert testimony, all of which can affect the work and expenses involved. A lawyer should explain the agreement in clear language and answer questions about likely costs without promising a specific outcome. The points below can help families identify what to ask and understand before choosing legal representation.

“No fee unless we win” may not cover case costs

A promise that no attorney fee is due unless the firm wins does not necessarily mean a family will owe nothing if there is no recovery. Attorney fees and case costs are separate. Costs may include court filing fees, medical-record charges, expert witness fees, deposition expenses, and investigation costs. Some firms advance those expenses and seek repayment from a recovery; the agreement should explain what happens if the case is unsuccessful.

Henningsen Injury Attorneys offers a no-fee-unless-it-wins arrangement. Families should still review the written agreement and ask exactly how it treats expenses in their case. The firm handles wrongful death claims, and a consultation provides an opportunity to discuss fees, costs, and any potential repayment obligations before deciding whether to proceed.

A contingency agreement doesn’t guarantee a settlement or award

A contingency agreement describes how the lawyer will be paid if the case results in compensation. It does not guarantee that the claim will settle or that a court will award damages. The outcome can depend on evidence, disputed responsibility, applicable law, and available insurance or other sources of recovery. A lawyer can evaluate the claim and discuss its strengths and challenges, but cannot promise a particular result.

Ask what happens financially if the case does not succeed. In particular, find out whether the firm absorbs advanced costs or whether the agreement could require the family to repay them. The written terms should answer this clearly. A guide to wrongful death lawyer costs also recommends asking how case expenses are handled when there is no recovery.

A lower percentage doesn’t always mean a larger net recovery

A lower fee percentage may seem like the best deal, but it does not tell the whole story. Case costs may be charged separately, and the agreement may calculate the attorney’s fee before or after those costs are deducted. Medical liens, unpaid medical bills, and other valid claims can also reduce the amount the family receives.

Ask each lawyer to show how a hypothetical recovery would be divided among the attorney’s fee, case expenses, liens, and the family. Using the same example with each firm makes it easier to compare agreements fairly. Costs such as expert witnesses, depositions, and investigations can affect the final amount, as described in this overview of contingency fees and case costs. Any estimate is only a guide, since the facts and expenses may change as the case progresses.

Litigation, trial, appeals, and delays can add costs

Some wrongful death claims require more work than others. Disputed fault, multiple parties, or the need for expert analysis can lead to additional investigation and legal expenses. If settlement discussions do not resolve the claim, litigation may involve court filings, depositions, and expert testimony. An appeal may add more time and expense. These steps do not by themselves indicate how a case will turn out, but they can affect the work required.

Before signing, ask whether the fee percentage changes if the case proceeds to trial or appeal. Clarify which expenses the firm may advance and how it will keep the family informed about significant costs. Factors such as the number of parties, the investigation required, and whether the firm advances expenses can affect case costs, as noted in this contingency-fee overview.

Unclear cost terms can lead to unexpected deductions or obligations

The agreement should state how the attorney’s fee is calculated and how case expenses are handled. Check whether costs are deducted from a recovery before or after the fee is calculated. Look for details about which expenses the firm may advance, whether the family must approve certain costs, and who is responsible for expenses if the case does not result in compensation.

Ask for clarification before signing if any term is unclear. You can also request a sample calculation showing how a recovery might be divided among the fee, costs, liens, and the family. Find out whether the firm will provide an itemized final accounting. A clear written explanation helps prevent surprises and gives the family a better understanding of the financial terms before making a decision.

How Can Families Compare Wrongful Death Lawyers and Fee Agreements?

Compare experience, services, communication, and cost policies, not just percentages

A lower fee percentage may seem appealing, but it doesn’t show how much work a firm will handle or what support your family can expect. Ask about the lawyer’s experience with wrongful death cases, trial background, and approach to investigating liability and documenting losses. Find out who will answer your questions and how often the team will provide updates. You can review a firm’s case results for context, while keeping in mind that each case is different. Compare the services covered by the agreement and the firm’s policy on case expenses, too. Looking at these details alongside the fee can help you assess the overall value of the representation.

Ask each lawyer the same questions about fees and unsuccessful cases

Use each consultation to ask the same questions, then compare the answers. What percentage will the firm charge? Could it change if the case goes to trial or appeal? Which expenses might come up, and will the firm advance them? If there is no recovery, could your family still owe costs? Ask the lawyer to explain any terms that are unclear before you sign. Consistent questions make it easier to identify meaningful differences between agreements. A wrongful death fee overview also recommends asking about the fee, case costs, and what happens if there is no recovery.

Request a clear explanation of deductions and estimated net recovery

Ask each lawyer to walk you through a sample settlement breakdown. Start with the gross amount, then discuss the attorney fee, case expenses, liens, medical bills, and other potential deductions. Find out whether the fee is calculated before or after expenses are subtracted, and which costs could change as the case progresses. Expenses such as filing fees, medical records, expert witnesses, and depositions may be separate from the attorney fee, as this contingency-fee explanation describes. Ask for an estimate of what the family might receive after deductions. It is not a guarantee, but it can clarify how different charges may affect the final amount.

Confirm how the firm will discuss expenses and case decisions

Before signing, check whether the firm advances case expenses or expects your family to pay them as they arise. The agreement should explain what happens to those costs if the case does not recover money. Ask how the firm will explain major developments and discuss settlement offers with your family. Clarify who has authority to accept or reject an offer, and request details about how often you will receive updates and whether the firm will provide an itemized accounting at the end. Reviewing the firm’s attorney profiles and discussing communication expectations during a consultation can help you decide whether its approach feels clear and responsive.

What Should Families Ask at a Georgia Wrongful Death Consultation?

A consultation gives your family a chance to understand the fee agreement before deciding whether to hire a lawyer. Bring your questions, and ask for clear answers about attorney fees, case expenses, and what happens if there is no recovery. The following questions can help you compare firms and understand how financial terms may affect a potential settlement or award.

What percentage will the firm charge, and when might it change?

Ask for the exact contingency-fee percentage and whether it changes if the case goes to court, trial, or appeal. Some agreements set different rates for different stages, so ask what triggers a change and how the firm calculates the fee. A contingency fee overview describes fees commonly ranging from 30% to 40%, but that range does not determine what a particular firm will charge.

Ask whether the percentage comes out of the gross recovery or the amount remaining after certain costs are deducted. Request a simple example using a hypothetical recovery so you can see how the terms work. Make sure the written agreement matches the lawyer’s explanation, and ask about any part that is unclear before signing.

What expenses might arise, and could the family owe them without a recovery?

Attorney fees are separate from case expenses. Depending on the claim, expenses may include court filing fees, records, expert witnesses, depositions, investigators, and travel. Ask which costs the firm expects for your case, whether it advances them, and whether you need to approve significant expenses before they are incurred. The costs of a wrongful death case can vary based on the evidence and the steps needed to pursue the claim.

Also ask what happens to advanced expenses if the case does not result in a settlement or award. “No fee unless we win” may refer to attorney fees, not necessarily case costs. Ask the lawyer to point out the relevant language in the agreement and explain whether your family could owe expenses without a recovery.

How could fees, costs, and liens affect the family’s recovery?

The settlement amount is not necessarily the amount your family receives. Attorney fees, case expenses, and applicable liens or other obligations may reduce the final distribution. Ask the lawyer to explain the order in which deductions are made, which amounts are known, and which are estimates. Case expenses, such as expert fees and deposition costs, are separate from the attorney’s fee and may also be deducted from a recovery, as this overview of contingency fees and expenses explains.

You can request a sample breakdown using a hypothetical settlement amount. Ask whether the fee is calculated before or after costs and how potential liens or bills may be handled. The lawyer can help estimate your family’s net recovery, but the final amount will depend on the actual recovery and applicable deductions.

How does Henningsen Injury Attorneys’ no-fee-unless-it-wins promise cover case costs?

Henningsen Injury Attorneys offers free consultations and says clients pay no fees unless the firm wins. At the consultation, ask the attorney to explain how that promise applies to your case. Specifically, ask whether it covers attorney fees only or also covers case expenses if there is no recovery. Filing fees, expert fees, and investigation costs are distinct from attorney compensation, so it is important to understand how the agreement treats each.

Ask the firm to show you where its policy appears in the written agreement and explain what happens to expenses the firm advances if the case does not recover compensation. You can also review the firm’s practice areas and discuss the details of your family’s situation. A clear explanation can help you make an informed decision before moving forward.

Can the firm explain the agreement and provide an itemized accounting?

Ask the lawyer to review the agreement with you before you sign. It should state the fee percentage, how the fee is calculated, which costs may be charged or advanced, and who is responsible for those costs if the case does not recover. Ask what happens if the firm’s representation ends before the case concludes or if an appeal becomes necessary. If a term is unclear, request an explanation in writing.

You can also ask whether the firm will provide an itemized accounting if the case resolves. It should show the gross recovery, attorney fee, case expenses, liens or other deductions, and the amount distributed to your family. A clear breakdown of fees and costs helps you see how the final payment was calculated and gives you a chance to raise questions before funds are distributed.

Related Articles

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• Georgia Wrongful Death Attorney
• Our Firm – Henningsen Injury Attorneys
• Case Results – Henningsen Injury Attorneys

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay a wrongful death lawyer before the case settles?
Many wrongful death attorneys work on contingency, so they do not charge an hourly fee upfront. However, case expenses may be treated separately. Ask whether the firm advances those expenses and whether your family could owe them if the claim does not result in compensation.

Is a contingency fee percentage negotiable?
Fee terms can vary by firm and case. Ask whether the percentage is fixed or could change if the case reaches litigation, trial, or appeal. Review the written agreement and request a sample calculation before signing.

Does “no fee unless we win” mean my family pays nothing if we lose?
Not necessarily. That promise often refers to the attorney’s fee, while expenses such as filing or expert fees may be covered by separate terms. Ask the lawyer to explain what your family could owe if there is no recovery.

How can I estimate what my family might receive from a settlement?
Ask the attorney for a sample breakdown that starts with the proposed settlement amount and accounts for the fee, case expenses, and any known liens or other deductions. It is an estimate, not a guaranteed final amount, since some costs and claims may change.

What should I bring to a consultation about fees?
Bring any fee agreement you are considering, along with documents related to the incident, insurance, or expenses you know about. Prepare questions about the fee calculation, case costs, and your family’s possible responsibility if the claim does not succeed. Henningsen Injury Attorneys offers free consultations, where you can discuss these terms before deciding whether to hire the firm.