Legal Fees & Terms
When the firm agrees to take on your case, we'll draft a personalized retainer agreement tailored to the specifics of your claim. All our retainers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure a financial recovery for you. As per State Bar Rule 1.5.1 in California, I often consult with other attorneys whose practices focus on toxic substance personal injury and wrongful death litigation to strengthen your case. Your fee will not be increased regardless of how many attorneys are consulted.* You will owe no fees unless your case is accepted and you obtain financial recoveries by settlement, trial, or both.
Objectives of Our Representation
During our initial conversation, we will carefully listen to your concerns and ask several questions to understand your situation better. If we can assist you, we will provide recommendations on how to proceed. This may involve obtaining and reviewing relevant records. Rest assured, this initial review is completely free of charge, even if it takes some time. In urgent situations, such as cases involving Mesothelioma, the process will be expedited. The most crucial step is for you to reach out and make that first call. From then on, we will think through the issues collaboratively and determine the best course of action. Our ultimate goal is to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. You will not be charged for this initial discussion and review.
If your case has potential, we then determine the most beneficial jurisdiction for filing. For example, for many clients, particularly those aged 70 or above, California jurisdictions such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Sacramento offer advantages like expedited trial settings and potentially higher jury verdicts. If California is not feasible, we aim to find the best venue elsewhere based on a careful legal analysis of your situation. The ultimate goal is to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you're due.
* The California State Bar Rule on Fee Division
Rule 1.5.1 Fee Divisions Among Lawyers (Effective November 1, 2018)
Rule 1.5.1 stipulates that lawyers not from the same firm must have a written agreement to divide fees. This agreement must be transparent and consented to by the client in writing. The total fee should not increase solely because of this division.
Comment: All fee division agreements adhere strictly to the requirements of Rule 1.5.1. You will be fully informed throughout the process, and no fee arrangement will be finalized without your written approval.
Do You Have a Card Like This?
If you or a loved one have or had a Shipyard or Tire Worker card, it's more than a piece of laminated paper; it's a key to understanding your legal rights, especially amid changing statutes of limitations. Don't let an asbestos-related diagnosis catch you unprepared—your card could be a critical reminder, a piece of the puzzle for securing justice and compensation. You may still have viable rights to pursue.