Hospitals and doctors are expensive, and can be even more of a burden when something goes wrong. Through medical malpractice lawsuits, patients and their families can recover financial compensation after a medical injury. But lawyers are often expensive—what if you can’t afford an attorney?

You can read more details about “medmal” lawyer costs across the country here. Since the costs of a medical malpractice attorney can vary by state and city, it is important to talk to a Michigan medical malpractice lawyer in a city near you to get legal advice about your injury case. You can also read more about how to pick the right medical malpractice attorney here.

Michigan Medical Malpractice Attorney Fees

Most attorneys who believe a case has merit will take the case without payment up front. They will take the case on a contingency basis, which means they will receive a percentage of your award if and when you recover for your injuries. Contingency fees in personal injury and wrongful death cases are limited by rule to one third of the amount recovered. Most attorneys charge a smaller percentage if the case is settled before the attorney does all the work necessary to go to trial. If you and your attorney agree to a contingency fee, the attorney must put the agreement in writing and provide you with a signed copy.

Out of pocket expenses include such things as filing fees, deposition fees, expert witness fees, exhibit costs, copying charges, and other similar expenses. The attorney’s out of pocket costs are, in many cases, not included in the attorney’s fees. You should be sure to pay attention to how an attorney will bill you for costs. In a medical malpractice case, these expenses can be quite high due to the need for expert testimony and because they are hard fought cases, which in many cases do not settle until they have been thoroughly litigated.