Understanding Litigation Costs
Litigation is expensive. A moderately complex commercial case through trial typically costs $100,000-$500,000 per side. Attorney fees make up the largest portion (60-70%), followed by discovery costs, expert witnesses, and court fees. Most cases settle before trial, but preparation costs accrue regardless.
Cost-Saving Strategies
Consider mediation or arbitration as alternatives. Early case assessment helps predict costs and outcomes. Phased budgeting allows you to evaluate whether to continue at each stage. E-discovery costs can be managed with targeted search terms and cooperation agreements.