How Much Does it Cost to Sue Someone?

The cost of suing someone will depend on several factors, including the rates of the personal injury law firm you hire to handle your claim and the legal expenses associated with your case. 

A Charleston personal injury lawyer can provide you with more detailed information about the costs of filing a lawsuit. An attorney can also explain the possible compensation you’d receive from the liable party. 

What Will it Cost to Sue Someone in South Carolina?

The cost to file a personal injury lawsuit against someone varies on a case-by-case basis. You only know the final cost of suing someone after the resolution of the case. These costs may include:

Lawyer Fees

The fees for your lawyer will probably represent the largest cost of suing someone. Lawyers charge a percentage of your final compensation to handle personal injury cases, so the final cost to work with an attorney will vary based on the funds you receive. 

Court Costs

You can expect to pay several court-related costs when suing someone. These costs can include filing fees, a stipend for the jury, and fees to get copies of in-court testimony. 

Fees to Pay Expert Witnesses

Your attorney may hire expert witnesses to support your case. In many cases, your attorney will want a medical professional to explain your condition during a personal injury lawsuit. 

Administrative Expenses

Your case will involve some administrative expenses, which can include the costs of:

• Postage to mail documents
• Conducting legal research 
• Filing forms 
• Deposition costs

These costs will vary based on how long your case takes to resolve.

Costs to Investigate

Your attorney will need to investigate and collect evidence to show that someone else caused your accident and financial losses. In some cases, a lawyer will need to:

• Interview multiple witnesses and take their statements
• Get copies of police reports
• Collect surveillance footage 

Note that, in some cases, a law firm will include the costs to investigate in its legal fees. An attorney can provide more detailed information about these expenses, how much it costs to sue someone, and how to get the most value out of your Charleston personal injury case.

When Do You Pay a Lawyer After Suing Someone?

Generally, you only have to pay legal fees for your personal injury claim after the resolution of your case. Personal injury firms in South Carolina help clients on a contingency fee basis so you do not face financial pressures throughout the course of your claim. 

After a lawyer resolves your case, the firm will receive money from the liable party. The law firm will take appropriate payment from this money and then forward you the rest of your compensation. 

Your attorney can explain the contingency fee system and how much it costs to sue someone when you reach out for a risk-free consultation.

How Much Money Do You Get When You Sue Someone?

The compensation available for your personal injury lawsuit will vary based on the extent of your losses and other factors. An attorney can calculate the total value of your claim, which may include the costs of your:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning potential
• Pain and emotional distress

You can rely on your lawyer to push for maximum compensation for all the losses you sustained as a result of someone else’s negligence. 

South Carolina Awards Punitive Damages in Some Cases

In some situations, you may receive additional compensation in the form of punitive damages. The court system can award these damages in cases that involve reckless or willful behavior on behalf of the negligent party.

Punitive damages do not directly address your losses. Instead, they serve as a way to punish the liable party. South Carolina limits the amount of money you can receive through punitive damages to three times your actual damages or $500,000. 

An attorney can help you further understand punitive damages and determine if you qualify for this form of compensation, increasing the total value of your claim. 

Do You Have to Sue Someone in South Carolina?

You may get compensation for your losses without filing a lawsuit in some cases. Instead, your attorney may negotiate with the insurance company representing the party that caused your accident, bringing you a settlement. 

Settling out of court may reduce the overall costs of your claim and could allow you to get compensation more quickly. However, the insurance company may refuse to negotiate fairly, requiring a personal injury lawsuit.

You can reach out to a local law firm to discuss all your options. 

Talk to Us About the Cost of Suing Someone

So, how much does it cost to sue someone? The cost of filing a lawsuit will depend on numerous factors, including the rates of the law firm you select and the amount of evidence required to move negligence. 

Our lawyers at The Thumbs Up Guys can provide you with more information about the cost of a lawsuit and your potential compensation. We’re ready to help after an accident when you call or fill out our online contact form.