How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?

Posted by PKSD New Mexico Law Firm on October 8, 2024 in Nursing Home Abuse

Are you concerned a loved one may be a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect? Do you think you need legal help but are worried about the cost? In this article, we answer key questions about the cost of hiring a nursing home abuse lawyer.

At PKSD, we are dedicated to advocating for elderly victims of nursing home abuse. Contact our Santa Fe nursing home attorney to learn whether you may have legal options for recovering compensation.

Call today to schedule a free consultation at 505-677-7777 .

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Santa Fe?

A man and woman talking on the couch.

Nursing home abuse lawyers generally accept new cases on a contingency fee basis. This approach levels the legal playing field, because cases taken on contingency do not cost you any upfront legal fees. The firm takes on the financial risk. Attorneys only get paid if they win your case. Their fee is a percentage of your settlement or jury-awarded verdict.

How Much Is the Contingency Fee?

Contingency fees vary depending on the lawyer and the details of each case. Typically, contingency fees for personal injury cases, like nursing home abuse, range from 33 percent to 40 percent of the settlement or award, but this can differ.

To learn what contingency fee applies in your situation, we recommend the following:

  • Contact our firm directly to get answers to your questions regarding your potential case.
  • Schedule an initial consultation by phone to discuss fees and your specific case
  • Fill out our case review form to have someone call you back to discuss your situation

Some lawyers may have different fee structures, so it is important to understand the full fee agreement before hiring an attorney.

That is not to say you should choose an attorney solely because they have lower contingency fees. It is, however, a good idea to select a lawyer experienced in nursing home abuse cases.

Why Contingency Fees Are Beneficial

Contingency fees offer several benefits to injured victims, including those injured by nursing home abuse. These benefits may include:

  • Financial accessibility: Individuals who are unable to pay upfront legal fees can still pursue justice.
  • Risk sharing: You and your lawyer share financial risk, so if the case is unsuccessful, you typically do not owe any attorney fees.
  • Access to Experienced Lawyers: Contingency fees enable you to hire experienced attorneys without a significant cost.

What Does No Upfront Fees Mean?

No upfront fees mean you do not have to pay any initial cost to start a legal process. Your attorney will only get paid if he or she wins your case or secures a settlement for you.

What Happens During a Free Initial Consultation?

During an initial consultation, victims can speak with an attorney to learn more about their potential legal options, including whether they have a case. Based on the details you tell an attorney about the abuse or neglect of a nursing home resident, you will be provided with a brief evaluation that reveals the strength of your case. Your lawyer can also give you an overview of the strategies that could be used to pursue your case.

If you have legal questions or do not fully understand the fee structure or how the firm will navigate your case, an experienced lawyer can answer them during your consultation. This is also an opportunity to get to know a lawyer your are considering hiring to manage your case.

What Happens When Your Nursing Home Injury Case Ends?

Nursing home injury cases in Santa Fe conclude when the parties reach a settlement agreement or following a jury-awarded verdict. This resolution determines the outcome of any compensation or penalties. After a settlement agreement is determined, you can expect the following:

  • A Review of Your Settlement Offer: The lawyer will review the final offer with you, providing a detailed breakdown of how much you will receive after deducting legal fees and other costs. We understand you may still have some remaining medical expenses or liens from hospital visits. Our firm can help you resolve these and other issues related to your injuries or damages.
  • Distribution of Funds: If you accept the offer, the settlement or award will be distributed less the aforementioned costs and fees.
  • Case Closure: Once the case is legally closed, you can take no further legal actions unless there is an appeal or new evidence emerges.

How Do Other Lawyers Collect Fees?

Some lawyers may collect fees upfront and will not work on your case until you have paid a retainer. This fee could add up to thousands of dollars. Other attorneys could also charge an hourly rate or a flat fee for their legal services.

Need Help? Call PKSD Today

If you or a loved one has experienced nursing home abuse in Santa Fe, New Mexico, contact PKSD for a free case evaluation. Our no upfront fee arrangement ensures you and your family can fully focus on healing from your injuries while we handle the legal aspects of your case.

Our legal team is dedicated to helping you fight for justice and pursue compensation.

Call for a free case review today. 505-677-7777

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