It usually costs nothing to hire a nursing home abuse lawyer in Georgia because many law firms that handle these cases work on a contingency fee basis. As a result, you won’t have to pay any upfront fees.
Plus, the money that your Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer will receive comes from the compensation they recover on your behalf, not directly from you or your streams of income. This structure is designed to alleviate financial stress for families who are in need of help.
The Misconception Regarding Upfront Fees For Nursing Home Abuse Cases
A major concern that families tend to have when they realize they need legal help is whether or not they can afford the fees associated with hiring an attorney. Many people assume they’ll need to pay thousands of dollars just to get started.
However, in reality, it typically costs nothing up front to hire a nursing home abuse lawyer in Georgia. That’s because the majority of these attorneys work on what’s called a contingency fee basis. For reference, these are the types of issues these attorneys usually handle:
- Bedsores
- Falls
- Infections like sepsis
- Fractures
- Wrongful death
Now, a contingency fee basis simply means the lawyer only gets paid if your case is successful. There are no upfront fees that you must pay in order to hire the attorney, including no hourly billing and no surprise invoices that end up appearing while your case is ongoing.
Instead, the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the amount that they will recover, either through a settlement or via a court verdict. This is designed to make legal help more accessible, especially in situations where families are already dealing with the emotions associated with the situation.
What Exactly Is a Contingency Fee Percentage, and How Does It Work?
So, what does that percentage look like? While it can vary depending on the details of the case and whether or not you have to go to trial, contingency fee percentages usually fall within a standard range that is discussed upfront before you sign anything.
Your lawyer will walk you through this during your initial consultation, and you shouldn’t be confused by any of the explanations presented to you by your attorney. The goal is for you to understand exactly how the fee works and what to expect if your case resolves successfully.
If a case settles, the agreed-upon percentage is usually applied to the amount of money your lawyer was able to recover. If the case goes to trial, the percentage will differ slightly due to the extra time and resources that were involved.
What About Case Expenses?
In addition to attorney’s fees, there are case-related expenses that arise during the legal process. These costs can be associated with obtaining medical records, hiring professional witnesses, filing court documents, and conducting depositions.
In many nursing home abuse cases, these costs are advanced by the law firm. That means you don’t have to pay for them out of pocket while the case is ongoing. Instead, they are typically reimbursed once the final settlement or official verdict is reached.
Work You’ll End Up Paying For if Compensation Is Recovered on Your Behalf
In nursing home abuse cases, the work that your lawyers will do on your behalf is rather involved. Not only are you paying for their time, but you’re also getting access to years of experience, a plethora of resources, and a structured approach to uncovering the truth.
Here’s what attorneys often do in exchange for a percentage of your compensation:
- Gather medical records
- Review all agreed-upon care plans
- Determine if caregivers followed appropriate protocols
- Consult with professionals who can speak to what should have happened
In cases involving bedsores or falls, for example, there are specific preventive measures that should be in place. When those aren’t followed, it can point to negligence. In response, your legal counsel will handle communication with the facility and their insurance company.
This can take a lot of pressure off your shoulders and protect you from predatory practices often invoked by insurers. Instead of trying to have those stressful conversations by yourself, you’ll have someone who can interact with the other party for you.
Call Our Team to Learn How Much It Costs to Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Georgia
If finances are the primary reason you’re hesitating to hire an attorney, you’re likely wondering how much it costs to hire a nursing home abuse lawyer in Georgia. However, you might also feel relieved knowing that many attorneys in the area work on a contingency fee basis.
This means you won’t have to worry about finding the money to pay legal fees. Instead, you can focus on which lawyer seems right for your case. When you call Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law, you’ll get to talk to Attorney Rob Schenk directly and tell him about your situation.
Since 2022, our law firm has recovered millions in compensation for cases like yours. Even if our law firm cannot take on your case, we will provide you with the information, resources, and guidance you need to proceed. Contact us ASAP to learn what we can do for you and yours.
