How Much Can I Expect An Attorney To Charge To Handle A Medical Malpractice Case?

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 an Oklahoma 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.

Oklahoma Medical Malpractice Fees

Most Oklahoma attorneys who believe a case has merit will take the case without payment up front. Instead, they will take the case on a contingency basis, which means they will receive a percentage of your award if and when you recover money for your injuries. Contingency fees average between 25 and 40 percent. 

Most attorneys charge a smaller percentage if the case is settled before the attorney has to go through preparing for trial. Oklahoma law provides that the percentage may not exceed 50 percent of the recovery. 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 additional expenses can be high based on the costly nature of complex medical malpractice cases and expert testimony.