A contingency fee arrangement would mean the least up-front costs to you. CFAs mean the attorney fronts all court costs and doesn't get paid unless he/she recovers for you.
General rule of thumb (in my area) is that the lawyer gets 33% of any monies recovered from the defendant (via settlement before/without a jury verdict) or 40% of any monies recovered after a jury verdict.
Martin,
Those fees are very light. Also the lawyers expenses include hours that may not be related, or don't seem to be and the photocopies alone may be thousands of dollars. Note, every new case is a learning curve that benefits the attorney. Basically you are paying for their extended education.
I am pinging Dog Gone for his help.
Sorry to hear about your son mfreddy.
Don't sweat this "blood money" BS. There are lawsuits that are not frivolous.
FReegards,
Eaker