How do lawyers’ fees work in a wrongful death case?

Many wrongful death attorneys represent the estate and family of a deceased individual on a contingency fee arrangement. In this arrangement, the attorney does not get paid unless and until the attorney secures compensation for the deceased person’s family and estate. The attorney will also typically cover the costs of the wrongful death case, such expert witness fees or court fees. The attorney’s fee is usually a percentage of the total recovery. Any costs paid for by the attorney are deducted from the recovery. The balance is paid to the deceased victim’s estate and family.