Most attorneys handle PFAS mass torts on a contingency fee basis, which means there should be no upfront costs to hire a PFAS lawyer. When you meet with a PFAS lawsuit lawyer, they should explain to you exactly what their fee schedule is and what you can expect.
What Is a Contingency-Fee Agreement?
A contingency fee is contingent on the outcome of your case. The lawyers only get paid if they recover compensation for you. You pay no fees to get started, and your attorney will take a percentage of your settlement or award if and when they win your case. You shouldn’t need to pay any attorney’s fees out of your own pocket. An attorney will ensure you understand the fee agreement so there are no surprises.
Do I Need to Pay Anything Out-of-Pocket?
Some attorneys require clients to pay certain fees, such as filing or copying fees, out of pocket. A lawyer will ensure that you understand any potential out-of-pocket fees before you sign a contract.
What Is a Retainer?
Some attorneys require a retainer to get started with your case. This is essentially a down payment. If an attorney requires this, they must be upfront about it. Some attorneys also choose to charge hourly fees instead of working on a contingency fee basis. Attorneys must lay out their fee structure for you in advance so you know what you’ll be expected to pay.
What Will a PFAS Lawyer Do for Me and My Case?
A PFAS attorney will handle every aspect of your case. This could include:
- Gathering evidence
- Building a robust case
- Determining the best course of action for your case
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Managing communication with all involved parties
- Representing you in court
If you don’t hire a lawyer, you will need to handle all these tasks yourself. You will also need to fund every part of your case out of pocket. Getting the thousands of dollars necessary to fund a case against a giant manufacturer can feel impossible, especially if you are out of work for treatment or caring for a sick loved one.
Remember that you must also find the time and energy to build a robust case—not to mention gain an in-depth understanding of environmental contamination laws, manufacturer responsibility, how these chemicals cause disease, and how mass tort cases work against manufacturers. You will need to understand the processes, the correct way to file paperwork, what evidence you’ll need, and what arguments will help your case succeed.
When you work with a PFAS lawsuit lawyer, all you need to do is check whether you qualify (our team will help you) and hand over your medical records to your lawyer. An injury lawyer will handle the rest while you receive treatment and recover.
A lawyer will also give you peace of mind, knowing that your case is in good hands. They should give you regular updates and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Do I Qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit?
You may qualify if you meet the following criteria:
- You drank water contaminated with PFAS for a minimum of six months after January 1, 1990, AND
- You were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or liver cancer, testicular cancer, or kidney cancer after January 1, 2000.
Our team can help you determine whether you are eligible to file a PFAS lawsuit. If you are, the Guardian Legal Network can connect you with a lawyer who can help you fight to recover the compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Can a PFAS Lawyer Help Me Recover?
The compensation you can obtain depends on the specifics of your case. However, common damages in PFAS contamination cases include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages for any time you took off work for treatment or recovery
- Lost earning capacity if the effects of your illness require you to change jobs or retire
- Expenses that you had to take on due to your illness (e.g., a housekeeper or a nanny)
- Pain and suffering and other non-economic damages, such as mental anguish, loss of consortium, or loss of enjoyment of life
A lawyer can examine your case and give you a better idea of what you can recover.
Questions to Ask When You Meet with a PFAS Lawyer
We recommend that you create a list of questions to ask your potential attorney. First on your list should be what their fee schedule is. However, you may also want to ask:
- What results have you recovered in similar cases?
- Have you handled similar cases?
- What is your experience level?
- Will you handle my case, or will a junior attorney or paralegal handle most of the work?
- What is your communication style? Should I expect regular updates? How will you communicate with me (e.g., email, text, phone)?
- How accessible are you?
- Do you have any testimonials from previous clients?
Once you have met with a lawyer, reflect on the interaction. If something about the interaction made you feel uncomfortable, you may want to move on to a different law firm.
Get Connected with a PFAS Lawyer With No Upfront Costs
The Guardian Legal Network wants to help you get the compensation you and your family deserve for your illness. Our team will connect you with a lawyer in your area who can support you every step of the way. Call us today: (844) 207-0415.