The U.S. Congress recently approved legislation known as H.R. 847 James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.  Now, lawyers for those injured while responding to the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington will only receive 10% for any settlement achieved on their clients’ behalf.  The attorney fee provision in the legislation would also include a special master, who would be able to reduce attorney fees that he or she determines to be excessive.  The cap on attorney fees was championed by many conservative Republicans, led by Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK), as well as the tort reform lobby.

NALFA is opposed to caps on attorney fees.  “Reasonable attorney fees should be determined by judges, not politicians,” says Terry Jesse, Executive Director of NALFA.  “Attorney fees are not gifts; they are compensation for legal services performed.  It’s troubling that politicians in Washington are limiting compensation in a free market economy.  These caps violate the principles of our free market economy.  Aren’t Republicans supposed to be for the free market economy?” Jesse wondered.