Pursuing a Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit can provide victims with the compensation they deserve, but it’s natural to wonder about the cost of pursuing a Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit and how legal representation works. Fortunately, most experienced Legionnaires’ disease lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. However, there are still several cost-related factors to consider—both financial and otherwise.
Attorney Fees and Legal Representation
Most personal injury law firms, such as Pritzker Hageman or Ankin Law, do not charge upfront attorney fees. Instead, they work on a contingency fee model, taking a percentage of the settlement or award (typically around 33–40%). This makes it more accessible for victims to pursue legal action without financial risk.
Costs of Investigation and Expert Witnesses
To prove liability in a Legionnaires’ disease case, your legal team must investigate the source of exposure, usually involving contaminated water systems in hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, or gyms. This often includes:
- Hiring epidemiologists and environmental engineers
- Conducting water testing for Legionella bacteria
- Reviewing maintenance and water management records
- Performing genetic fingerprinting of Legionella strains
These investigative efforts can cost thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, but are typically fronted by the law firm and only reimbursed if the case is successful.
Medical Records and Expert Testimony
To demonstrate the impact of the illness, your attorney may need:
- Comprehensive medical documentation
- Testimony from medical experts
- Economic analysis to calculate lost wages and future earnings
Such documentation is essential in determining damages, especially if the victim experiences long-term complications like respiratory failure or neurological damage. Expert testimony may cost between $2,000 and $10,000 or more, depending on the complexity.
Filing Fees and Court Costs
If a settlement is not reached and the case proceeds to trial, there are additional filing and litigation fees, including:
- Court filing costs
- Deposition fees
- Travel expenses for witnesses
Again, reputable firms will usually advance these costs.
Non-Economic and Hidden Costs
Beyond direct legal expenses, victims may face hidden costs, such as:
- Time and stress spent gathering evidence and attending hearings
- Emotional toll on the victim and family
- Delays if the defendant disputes liability
Is It Worth It?
Given that Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit settlements can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, especially in wrongful death or severe injury cases, the potential compensation often far outweighs the legal costs, particularly with contingency-based representation. In fact, notable jury awards have exceeded $6 million, and many confidential settlements likely go higher.
If you or a loved one contracted Legionnaires’ disease due to someone else’s negligence, contact a qualified Legionnaires’ disease attorney to discuss your case today and get a free consultation about your legal options for seeking compensation.
