Introduction
Greetings to everyone reading this article. Mesothelioma is a devastating illness caused by exposure to asbestos. It is a type of cancer that impacts the lungs, heart, and abdomen. If you have mesothelioma, you already know how expensive treatment can be. You may also have hired a mesothelioma attorney to help you with your settlement claim.
If you believe the attorney’s fees are too high, or if they didn’t provide you with the results you expected, it is time to renegotiate the terms of your agreement. This article will show you how to renegotiate your mesothelioma attorney fees and other clauses in your contract to get a more favorable outcome.
Let’s start by understanding what mesothelioma attorney fees are and how they work.
Understanding Mesothelioma Attorney Fees
A mesothelioma attorney’s fee is the amount you pay for their services. Attorneys who specialize in mesothelioma law receive a percentage of your settlement or verdict as payment.
The percentage varies, but it’s usually around 33% of the total amount awarded. This fee includes all the attorney’s costs and expenses associated with your case, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and deposition costs.
While this may seem like a lot of money, it is essential to note that mesothelioma lawsuits can take years to settle, and the attorney takes on significant financial risk by representing you. So, by the time your case is settled, your attorney will have invested considerable time and resources into your case.
Now that you understand what mesothelioma attorney fees are let’s move on to the actual renegotiation process.
How to Renegotiate Mesothelioma Attorney Fees
1. Review your contract
The first step in renegotiating your attorney fees is to review your contract. Go through your agreement carefully and try to identify the specific areas you want to renegotiate.
Focus on the percentage of the settlement or verdict the attorney is entitled to receive, the repayment of expenses clause, and the timeline for the settlement of the case.
2. Set up a consultation
Next, you need to schedule a consultation with your attorney. During this meeting, you will discuss the renegotiation proposal and provide a rationale for why you believe the agreement should be updated.
Emphasize your concerns and provide evidence to support your position. For example, if the lawsuit is taking longer than expected, you can argue that it has become financially stressful and that the attorney’s fees are exacerbating the burden.
3. Negotiate based on the contingency fee agreement
Remember that attorney fees are negotiated based on the contingency fee agreement. This means that the percentage you pay the attorney is based on the amount of money you receive as a settlement or verdict.
Therefore, if you want to lower your attorney’s fees, you need to negotiate a lower percentage of your settlement. Make sure you have a reasonable and evidence-based rationale for doing so.
4. Discuss payment options
Another critical aspect of the renegotiation process is discussing payment options. If you need to be paid in installments, then you should bring it up during the negotiation process.
You should also discuss any payment deadlines and the mode of payment. You can suggest that the attorney should receive payment after the case settles to ensure that they are committed to your case until the end.
5. Get everything in writing
Finally, when you come to an agreement, make sure everything is documented in writing. This way, you can avoid any misunderstandings or legal disputes down the line.
If you have any other concerns, you should address them during the negotiation process. Remember, your mesothelioma attorney is there to represent you, so you should ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.
Table
| Renegotiation Process | Steps |
|---|---|
| Review your contract | Go through your agreement carefully and try to identify the specific areas you want to renegotiate |
| Set up a consultation | Schedule a meeting with your attorney to discuss the renegotiation proposal |
| Negotiate based on the contingency fee agreement | Discuss a lower percentage for the attorney’s fees based on your settlement or verdict |
| Discuss payment options | Address any concerns you have with payment options |
| Get everything in writing | Document the renegotiated agreement in writing |
FAQs
Q1. Can I renegotiate my mesothelioma attorney fees after settlement?
Yes, it is possible to renegotiate your mesothelioma attorney fees after settlement. However, you must have a valid reason why you want to renegotiate the agreement.
Q2. What percentage do mesothelioma attorneys charge?
Mesothelioma attorneys typically charge a contingency fee of around 33% of the settlement or verdict. However, this percentage varies depending on the attorney.
Q3. How much can I expect to pay in expenses if I hire a mesothelioma attorney?
The cost of mesothelioma attorney expenses varies depending on the case’s complexity. However, you can expect to pay for filing fees, expert witness fees, deposition costs, and other litigation expenses.
Q4. Can I negotiate a flat fee with my mesothelioma attorney?
Yes, it is possible to negotiate a flat fee with your mesothelioma attorney. However, this type of fee structure is rare in mesothelioma cases.
Q5. How long does it take to renegotiate mesothelioma attorney fees?
The length of time it takes to renegotiate mesothelioma attorney fees varies. It depends on the complexity of the agreement and the attorney’s willingness to renegotiate.
Q6. Can I negotiate expenses with my mesothelioma attorney?
Yes, it is possible to negotiate expenses with your mesothelioma attorney. Make sure to discuss your concerns about expenses during the renegotiation process.
Q7. What if my mesothelioma attorney refuses to renegotiate my agreement?
If your mesothelioma attorney refuses to renegotiate your agreement, you have the option to find another attorney or file a complaint with the state bar association.
Q8. Can I switch attorneys mid-case?
Yes, you can switch attorneys mid-case. However, it is essential to ensure that you have a valid reason before doing so.
Q9. Will I need to pay a deposit to renegotiate mesothelioma attorney fees?
No, most mesothelioma attorneys do not require a deposit to renegotiate their fees. However, this may vary depending on the attorney.
Q10. Can I get a refund if I am not satisfied with my mesothelioma attorney’s services?
It depends on the contract you signed with your mesothelioma attorney. However, if you are not satisfied with your attorney’s services, you should consider seeking legal advice.
Q11. Can I negotiate the timeline for my mesothelioma lawsuit?
Yes, you can negotiate the timeline for your mesothelioma lawsuit. However, this negotiation must be done in good faith and with a valid reason.
Q12. What happens to my case when I renegotiate mesothelioma attorney fees?
Your case will continue as usual when you renegotiate mesothelioma attorney fees. However, make sure to document the new agreement in writing.
Q13. Can I renegotiate the percentage of the attorney’s fees if they don’t win my case?
No, the contingency fee agreement only applies if the attorney wins your case. If they don’t win, you are not obligated to pay them.
Conclusion
Renegotiating mesothelioma attorney fees is crucial if you feel that the fees are too high or if your attorney’s services did not meet your expectations.
You can follow the steps outlined in this article to renegotiate your agreement successfully. Remember to document everything in writing to avoid any misunderstandings or legal disputes.
If you are not satisfied with your attorney’s services, you have the option to seek legal advice or file a complaint with the state bar association.
Closing Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. If you have any questions, you should seek legal advice from a licensed attorney.
