For most people, cost is a key factor when it comes to hiring a lawyer. Many people choose not to hire a lawyer because they assume that it will be too expensive. But, while it is true that legal representation can be expensive in some cases, this is not the case when it comes to hiring a vaccine lawyer to pursue a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
In fact, you can hire a lawyer to handle your vaccine injury claim at no cost.
No-Cost Legal Representation for VICP Claims
Lawyers typically handle personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis. With contingency fees, you don’t pay any legal fees upfront, and your lawyer doesn’t charge an hourly rate. However, if your case is successful, your lawyer receives a percentage of your financial recovery (usually around 33 percent) as compensation for his or her services.
Vaccine injury claims are different. Under the VICP, lawyers receive payment for their services directly from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Fund—and this payment is separate from their clients’ compensation awards. So, unlike contingency-fee representation, hiring a lawyer to handle your VICP claim truly comes at no cost to you.
Not only does it cost nothing to hire a vaccine lawyer, but hiring a lawyer can significantly increase the amount you can recover. In fact, if you file a claim on your own, there is a good chance that your claim will be denied. Even if you receive compensation, the amount you receive could still be just a fraction of the full amount you are owed. The government won’t calculate your compensation for you; and, if you don’t accurately calculate your current and future financial and non-financial losses, you simply won’t receive the full amount to which you are legally entitled.
An experienced vaccine lawyer will be able to help you avoid the mistakes that commonly lead to VICP claim denials and accurately calculate your losses on your behalf. Your lawyer can also negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf and take your claim to the Vaccine Court if necessary.
Costs You May Incur with Your Claim
While it doesn’t cost anything to hire a vaccine lawyer to handle your VICP claim, there are costs involved. These include filing fees, expert witness fees, and travel costs if you need to appear before the Vaccine Court in Washington D.C. At the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates, we cover these costs for our clients while their claims are pending. If you receive compensation under the VICP, then these costs will be deducted from your award. Keep in mind, these are costs you will need to incur regardless of whether you hire a lawyer to represent you.
Talk to a Vaccine Lawyer about Your VICP Claim for Free
Are you entitled to financial compensation under the VICP? Call 202-775-9200 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with national vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant today.