It can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars to sue someone, depending on the complexity of the case, court fees, attorney fees, and additional legal expenses. While many people assume that filing a lawsuit is free or inexpensive, the reality is that legal action involves a range of costs that can quickly add up.
For individuals already facing financial strain, the high cost of litigation can be a major barrier to seeking justice. From paying court filing fees to retaining legal counsel and covering expert witness expenses, suing someone is rarely a cheap or straightforward process.
Fortunately, for certain types of lawsuits—such as personal injury or accident-related claims—there are financial tools like pre-settlement funding in Washington available that can help cover these costs upfront.
Understanding the Different Costs of Filing a Lawsuit
The cost of suing someone can vary dramatically based on the type of lawsuit, the jurisdiction, and how far the case progresses through the court system. Here’s a breakdown of the most common expenses involved:
1. Court Filing Fees
Every lawsuit begins with filing a complaint, which comes with a required filing fee. These fees vary by state and court level, but typically range between $100 and $500.
In some cases, plaintiffs must also pay for:
- Service of process: Delivering legal documents to the defendant, which may cost $50 to $100 or more
- Motion filings: Additional paperwork or actions that carry added fees
- Appeals: Filing an appeal often requires a separate filing fee and added documentation
2. Attorney Fees
Legal representation is often the most significant cost in a lawsuit. Attorneys may charge in several ways:
- Hourly rate: Usually between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on experience and location
- Flat fee: A set amount for handling specific legal tasks
- Contingency fee: A percentage (typically 30-40%) of the final settlement or judgment in qualifying cases
Even in contingency cases, plaintiffs may still be responsible for other costs, such as court filings, expert reports, or travel expenses.
3. Expert Witnesses and Reports
In many civil cases, expert testimony is essential. Hiring professionals to review evidence or testify at trial can cost $500 to over $5,000 per expert, depending on the field and complexity.
4. Discovery and Depositions
The discovery phase involves gathering and exchanging evidence. Depositions, subpoenas, and document production often require:
- Court reporters and transcription fees
- Legal document retrieval services
- Investigator or research costs
These expenses can total thousands of dollars, especially in large or contested cases.
5. Trial Preparation and Court Time
Preparing for trial adds another layer of expense. From visual exhibits and courtroom materials to attorney preparation and travel, the costs can be significant.
- One day in court may cost $1,000 to $3,000 in attorney time alone
- Multi-day trials involving expert witnesses and complex evidence can result in tens of thousands of dollars in costs
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Factors That Influence the Total Cost of Suing Someone
While the above expenses are standard, the total cost of suing someone depends on several additional factors:
- Case complexity
- Local court rules and filing schedules
- Whether the case settles or proceeds to trial
- Number of parties involved
- Whether appeals are filed
Plaintiffs must also factor in the cost of time—lawsuits can take months or even years to resolve.
Who Pays Legal Costs in a Lawsuit?
In most civil lawsuits, each party is responsible for its own legal expenses. However, there are exceptions:
- Some contracts include “fee-shifting” provisions requiring the losing party to pay legal fees
- Certain laws, such as consumer protection or civil rights statutes, may award legal fees to the winning side
- In settlements, the parties can negotiate who covers fees and costs
Still, many plaintiffs are left shouldering legal costs upfront, regardless of the outcome. This is where financial support can make a meaningful difference.
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How Pegasus Legal Capital Can Help
If you’re struggling to cover the costs of a lawsuit—especially one involving personal injury—you’re not alone. At Pegasus Legal Capital, we offer non-recourse cash advances that help plaintiffs manage everyday expenses while waiting for their case to resolve.
This type of funding is unlike a loan in that it does not involve credit checks or employment verification. Instead, we review the details of your case and offer a cash advance based on its projected outcome. Repayment is only required if your case succeeds and you receive compensation. If your case is unsuccessful, you owe nothing.
Our services are especially helpful for those who:
- Are living paycheck to paycheck due to lost wages or injury
- Have delayed or stopped medical treatment due to a lack of funds
- Face pressure to settle early due to financial hardship
- Need help covering rent, groceries, transportation, or utilities
With advanced underwriting technology, we provide fast and accurate funding decisions based on your unique case, not generic formulas. Many clients receive funds within 24 hours of approval.
Your pre-settlement funding consultation is free — contact us today!
Get Financial Relief While You Wait for Justice
At Pegasus Legal Capital, we understand that pursuing a lawsuit can be emotionally and financially exhausting. Since 2007, we’ve helped thousands of individuals bridge the financial gap while waiting for their cases to resolve.
Our team brings decades of combined experience in legal funding, and we are committed to offering fast, transparent, and compassionate service every step of the way.
If you’re asking, “How much does it cost to sue someone?” the real question may be whether you can afford to wait for the outcome. Let us help you stay financially stable without sacrificing the strength of your case.
Apply today to learn more about our non-recourse cash advance services and see how Pegasus Legal Capital can support your legal journey.
Your pre-settlement funding consultation is free — contact us today!