Families affected by the death of a loved one due to careless or intentional behavior often turn to the legal system for justice.
In Georgia, wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to hold responsible parties accountable while seeking financial compensation.
However, many families hesitate to file a wrongful death case because of the costs associated with legal representation.
This raises an important question: Can a wrongful death lawyer in Georgia take a case on contingency?
The answer is yes—most wrongful death lawyers in Georgia work on a contingency fee basis.
This arrangement can provide grieving families with the opportunity to pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal costs.
Let’s explore how contingency fees work, why they matter, and what you should know before hiring the best wrongful death lawyer Atlanta offers.
Understanding Wrongful Death Cases in Georgia
A wrongful death case arises when an individual dies due to another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions.
These claims can stem from a variety of circumstances, including:
- Car accidents caused by reckless drivers
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Criminal acts
Under Georgia law, wrongful death cases are typically brought by close relatives such as a spouse, children, or parents.
Compensation may cover lost wages, medical expenses, funeral costs, and even intangible losses like companionship and emotional suffering.
Since wrongful death claims often involve large settlements or jury awards, legal representation becomes crucial.
This is where contingency fee agreements come into play.
What Is a Contingency Fee Arrangement?
A contingency fee is a payment structure in which a lawyer only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Instead of charging hourly rates or requiring upfront retainers, the attorney takes a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
For example:
- If a settlement is $1 million and the lawyer’s contingency fee is 33%, the attorney receives $330,000.
- If the case is unsuccessful, you owe nothing for attorney fees.
This fee model ensures that families can pursue justice without financial risk.
It also motivates wrongful death lawyers Atlanta families hire to work diligently toward securing the maximum possible compensation.
Benefits of Contingency Fee Agreements
Choosing a lawyer who works on contingency offers several advantages:
1. No Upfront Costs
Grieving families already face medical bills, funeral expenses, and financial uncertainty. A contingency arrangement removes the burden of paying legal fees out-of-pocket.
2. Aligned Interests
The lawyer only earns money if you do. This ensures that your attorney remains committed to achieving the best outcome for your wrongful death case.
3. Access to Top Legal Talent
Hiring the best wrongful death lawyer Atlanta offers might seem impossible for some families due to high costs. However, contingency arrangements make top-tier legal representation accessible regardless of financial standing.
4. Reduced Risk for Families
If your case does not succeed, you don’t owe attorney fees. This safety net provides peace of mind during a difficult time.
Typical Contingency Fee Percentages in Georgia
In Georgia, contingency fees typically range between 30% and 40% of the recovered amount.
The exact percentage may vary based on factors such as:
- The complexity of the case
- Whether the case settles out of court or goes to trial
- The anticipated time and resources required
It’s important to discuss fee structures during your initial consultation.
Most wrongful death lawyers Atlanta residents trust will provide clear explanations of how contingency fees work, including what percentage they charge and whether additional costs (such as filing fees or expert witness expenses) are deducted from the settlement.
Costs Beyond Attorney Fees
While contingency agreements cover attorney fees, clients should also ask about other potential costs, such as:
- Court filing fees
- Costs of hiring expert witnesses
- Deposition and transcript fees
- Travel expenses for investigations
Some law firms cover these expenses upfront and deduct them from the final settlement.
Others may require reimbursement regardless of case outcome.
Transparency is key, so make sure to clarify these details before signing any agreement.
How to Choose the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer in Atlanta
Finding the right lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Here are some factors to consider:
1. Experience with Wrongful Death Cases
Not all personal injury lawyers specialize in wrongful death claims.
Look for an attorney with proven experience handling cases similar to yours.
2. Track Record of Success
The best wrongful death lawyer Atlanta provides should have a history of securing significant settlements and verdicts for clients.
3. Client Testimonials and Reviews
Reading about past clients’ experiences can help you gauge a lawyer’s reputation, professionalism, and dedication.
4. Personalized Attention
A strong lawyer-client relationship is essential.
Choose someone who listens to your concerns, answers questions, and explains the legal process clearly.
5. Transparency in Fees
The lawyer should explain their contingency fee structure in detail and outline all possible costs before you commit.
Why Families Shouldn’t Delay Filing a Wrongful Death Case
In Georgia, wrongful death lawsuits are subject to a statute of limitations, generally two years from the date of death.
Failing to file within this period could prevent you from pursuing compensation entirely.
By hiring a wrongful death lawyer in Atlanta on contingency, you can move forward with legal action immediately, even if you lack the funds to pay upfront.
Acting quickly also allows attorneys to preserve evidence, gather witness testimony, and build a stronger case.
Final Thoughts
So, can a wrongful death lawyer in Georgia take a case on contingency?
Absolutely. In fact, most do.
This arrangement allows families to seek justice without financial stress, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to holding negligent parties accountable.
By choosing one of the experienced wrongful death lawyers Atlanta offers, you gain a powerful advocate who is motivated to achieve the best results for your family.
If you’re seeking justice after the devastating loss of a loved one, consulting with the best wrongful death lawyer Atlanta has available could be the first step toward closure and financial security.