***This may be a dumb question, but the lawfim takes about 40% of any amount won by the plaintiffs, right? Plus their (the lawfirm) expenses because they have to pay themselves back for the costs incurred of conducting an nvestigation, depositions, motions filed, etc.
There may be exceptions, and one can certainly negotiate the fee structure with their attorney, but typically any half way decent attorney is going to take 40% which includes all expenses associated with the suit, that you listed above. 50% if it goes to trial.
Our attorney hired support staff (paralegals) to do research/investigative work, which again, was included in the 40%.
***Just wondering. These lawsuits are not inexpensive to bring. A lot of people are gonna be taking their cut of the pie before the kid ever sees a dime.
No, there should not be "a lot of people taking a cut". If anyone is paying more than the 40-50% to the attorney, something's wrong. No fees should be charged for an attorney referal. If someone needs an attorney well versed on the industry they can post a request here and someone will respond. Do not pay an advocate for a referal.
***Forgot to ask: Is there a statute of limitations? How long does a kid have to sue? What about kids who have been out of the program a long time?
This too may vary, but typically four years.
Kids who are beyond the SoL can provide sworn statements which can show the abuse/neglect/fraud to be a long-term problem, not something that's relately new.
