Filing a lawsuit isn’t cheap. In some cases, if you lose, you could end up worse off than if you’d never filed the suit at all. For this reason, it’s important to understand the true cost of a lawsuit before you start the legal process.
It typically costs a few hundred dollars to file a lawsuit, not including attorney’s fees, court costs, or deposition fees, which could amount to thousands of dollars. Budgets often get tight as lawsuits play out. If you’re struggling to make ends meet while awaiting a settlement, personal injury pre-settlement funding can bridge the gap.
How Much Does It Cost to File a Suit?
It usually costs between $100 and $500 to file a civil lawsuit in state court, but that’s only the beginning. Beyond the filing fee, you’ll also need to consider attorney’s fees, court costs, expert witness expenses, and deposition fees. These added expenses can push the total into the thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars.
If the case goes all the way to trial, its total cost can increase even more. In short, filing a lawsuit is a significant financial undertaking.
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What Types of Fees Do Lawyers Charge?
When you hire an attorney, you’ll likely encounter one of these fee structures:
- Hourly fees: You pay for every hour your attorney works on your case.
- Flat fees: You submit a one-time payment (usually reserved for straightforward cases like small claims filings).
- Contingency fees: The lawyer takes a prearranged percentage of your settlement or verdict (typically between 20% and 40%).
- Retainers: You pay an upfront deposit that your lawyer draws from as they work on your case.
Always ask a lawyer to explain their fee structure before signing any agreement.
Who Pays Court Costs in a Civil Case?
Typically, each party pays its own court costs as a civil case progresses, including filing fees, service of process fees, and deposition costs. However, if you win your case, the judge may order the losing party to reimburse you for some or all of these costs. On the flip side, if you lose, you may have to cover the other side’s fees in addition to your own.
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How Much Can You Lose in a Lawsuit?
If you lose a lawsuit, you may be ordered to pay:
- The damages the opposing party claimed against you
- Their court costs and expenses (in some cases)
- Their attorney’s fees (in some cases)
Suing someone without a strong case could leave you worse off than before.
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What Is Required to File a Lawsuit?
The requirements to file a lawsuit vary from case to case, but generally, you’ll need:
- A valid legal claim supported by facts and evidence
- A complaint or petition filed in the appropriate court
- Payment of filing fees
- Proper service of process so the other party is officially notified
If you don’t meet these requirements, your case may be dismissed before it even begins.
Is Suing a Company Expensive?
Suing a company can be more expensive than suing an individual because businesses often have the resources to defend themselves aggressively. They may hire large law firms with teams of attorneys, which means the litigation process could take longer and require more expert testimony.
You should expect higher costs in these cases, especially if the lawsuit is highly contested and goes to trial.
Is Filing a Lawsuit Worth It?
Whether filing a lawsuit is worth it depends on your circumstances. If your potential recovery is significantly greater than your expected legal expenses, it may make sense. But if the damages are small and the costs are high, you could end up spending more than you recover. A lawyer can help you weigh the risks and benefits before moving forward with a suit.
What Is Pre-Settlement Funding and How Does It Work?
It can take months or even years to resolve a lawsuit. Meanwhile, your bills may be piling up, especially if your case involves an injury that keeps you from working. That’s where pre-settlement funding comes in.
Pre-settlement funding is a cash advance on your expected settlement. Unlike with traditional loans, you only pay the money back if you win or settle your case. Legal funding can help you cover living expenses, medical bills, or other expenses while you wait for your case to conclude.
How to Minimize Legal Costs in a Lawsuit
If you’re worried about the cost of a lawsuit, there are ways to keep them under control, such as by:
- Clarifying your lawyer’s fee structure so you know what you’ll owe
- Staying organized and providing your attorney with complete documents to avoid unnecessary delays
- Using mediation or arbitration instead of going to trial (when possible)
Apply for Pre-Settlement Funding Today
If you’re experiencing financial hardship in the midst of a lawsuit, pre-settlement funding could provide the relief you need. You don’t have to wait for your case to settle to get help.
With no risk of repayment if you lose, legal funding from Pegasus Legal Capital offers a way to cover your bills and reduce financial stress while your case plays out. We’ve provided more than 15,000 people with over $500 million in legal funding.
Call now or apply online to take back control of your finances.
Your pre-settlement funding consultation is free — contact us today!