When a loved one’s life is cut short because of negligence, families face not only grief but also a new world of legal and financial decisions. One of the most common questions people ask when considering a wrongful death lawsuit is: how much will it cost to pursue justice? While the goal of these lawsuits is to hold the responsible party accountable and provide compensation, the legal process itself is not free. Court systems, lawyers, and experts all play a role, and each comes with its own expenses.
This article takes a closer look at the typical expenses families may face when filing a wrongful death claim. From filing fees to attorney compensation, we’ll explain what to expect, why these costs exist, and how families often manage them with the help of an experienced attorney.
What Expenses Come With a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A wrongful death case is like any other lawsuit in that it involves the court system and, often, a lengthy discovery process. Families may encounter a mix of expenses, including court filing fees, the cost of hiring experts, and attorney fees. While some of these amounts are relatively small, others can add up quickly. For families already dealing with medical bills and funeral costs, these additional expenses can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that most wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning families don’t usually pay upfront for attorney services. Still, it helps to know what specific expenses may appear along the way.
What You’ll Pay Just to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The very first step in pursuing a claim is filing it with the court. To do this, you must pay a court filing fee. The amount varies by state but usually falls somewhere between $200 and $500. While this might not sound like much compared to the value of a potential case, it is the official price of getting your lawsuit started. Additional fees may come later for motions, responses, or appeals.
How Lawyers Get Paid in Wrongful Death Claims
Unlike many other areas of law, wrongful death attorneys typically do not bill by the hour. Instead, they charge what’s known as a contingency fee—a percentage of the final settlement or jury award. This fee usually ranges from 30% to 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and how far it progresses. For example, if your case settles quickly, the percentage may be lower than if it requires a full jury trial.
For families, this arrangement provides reassurance that they don’t have to pay large sums upfront. The attorney essentially shares in the risk of the case, investing their time and resources with payment contingent on success.
The Role of Expert Witnesses—and Their Price Tag
Wrongful death cases often depend on expert testimony to establish liability and damages. A medical expert might explain the cause of death, an accident reconstruction specialist may analyze how a crash occurred, or an economist might project lost income over a lifetime. Each of these experts charges for their time and expertise, and the costs can be significant—sometimes hundreds or even thousands of dollars per hour.
Although expensive, experts are often necessary to prove the case and persuade either the insurance company or the jury of the full value of the claim.
Depositions, Transcripts, and Other Discovery Costs
During the discovery phase of litigation, attorneys take sworn testimony from witnesses and experts. These depositions must be recorded and transcribed by a court reporter. Depending on the length of the testimony, transcripts alone can run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Video depositions add another layer of expense.
These costs are part of building a thorough case, ensuring testimony is preserved for trial and can be used to challenge the defense’s version of events.
Day-to-Day Legal Expenses
In addition to the larger costs, wrongful death lawsuits involve a variety of smaller but steady expenses. Copying documents, postage and courier services, subpoena fees, and charges for gathering medical records all contribute to the overall total. While individually minor, together these administrative costs become part of the financial picture of a case.
What Happens If the Case Goes to Trial
When a wrongful death case proceeds to trial, expenses can increase quickly. Jury fees, courtroom technology (like video presentations or digital exhibits), and travel costs for witnesses all add up. Trials can last days or even weeks, which means more time, preparation, and resources invested by both the attorneys and their support teams.
How Families Pay for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
One of the most common worries families have is whether they can afford to bring a lawsuit at all. Fortunately, the way most attorneys structure their fees makes it possible. With contingency arrangements, legal fees are only due if the case succeeds. Many law firms also advance the costs of experts, depositions, and court fees, which are later reimbursed out of a settlement or award.
This system helps ensure that financial concerns do not prevent families from pursuing justice after the wrongful death of a loved one.
Balancing Costs With Potential Compensation
Although wrongful death litigation costs can be significant, the potential compensation is often life-changing. Families may recover damages for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and the pain and suffering caused by their loss. When viewed in this light, the expenses involved in bringing a case are an investment in both accountability and financial security.
Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we know that losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences. We also know that the thought of legal costs can make families hesitate to take action. That’s why we handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis and advance litigation costs for our clients. This allows you to focus on healing while we focus on securing justice.
If you are considering a wrongful death claim, contact us today to learn how we can help.