Legal Fees and Costs: How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Charge?

March 11, 2025

Legal Fees and Costs: How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Charge?

Wrongful death lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive a settlement or court award. This arrangement means you don't have to pay any upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Contingency Fees: The attorney's fee is a percentage of the total recovery, often around 33% to 40%, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. The attorney will disclose their fee early on, and it will be included in the attorney-client agreement.

No Win, No Fee: You won't have to pay legal fees if the attorney doesn't win your case.

Damages Covered: Wrongful death settlements usually include economic damages, medical expenses, and funeral and burial costs. Settlements often consider lost earnings, which account for the income the deceased would have earned had they lived, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Additional Costs: Financial obligations, including attorney’s fees, burial expenses, and medical costs, are typically covered first from any settlement or award.

If you need assistance with a wrongful death claim, you can contact Hall & Dixon at 725 E. Trade Street Suite 115 Charlotte, NC 28202, or call (704) 993-6825. They are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Read: Are Wrongful Death Settlements Taxable in North Carolina?