Was contacted by a friend and fellow photographer, was asked to shoot a law firm's complainant. Apparently this person is involved in a civil suit after being the victim of a severe chemical burn. Being a retired Law Enforcement officer is part of why I was contacted, however I have no idea what to charge. Going to be setting up off-site, needing to transport lighting, stands, drops, etc. Images are going to be used in a multi-million lawsuit, person will be shot from multiple angle and close-ups. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
It's been my experience that good photos can absolutely make a case. Do not go cheap on this one. Years ago I did similar photos for a friend that was hit by a car while riding his bike. I did mine for no charge early in my career but I would now place it somewhere between "corporate portraiture" and "advertising." You may include a contingency that makes the fee considerably higher based on the award if the case is won and lower if not. Just an idea.
I used to do some A&I (accident & investigation) pics for the U.S. Safety / NIS as the NAVOSHA specialist.
You might want to check out some of the FBI's info on shooting forensic protocol. While you might not do it exactly as they do, it will be good to understand how it differs from other types of photography. I'll look for a link ...
Thanks for the replies, I appreciate the insight. RustyBug, I'll definitely look into that and make a few calls to some friends at the FBI. Billkoe-thought about the settlement bonus, so I need to contact my lawyer to draw up a contract for something like that. Thanks again for the insight.
My take on it is that the more "FBI / forensic" - like ... the more credibility, the more $$$ for the specialization vs. commercial, etc. ... putting you in a bit better "driver's seat" position.
billkoe wrote:
It's been my experience that good photos can absolutely make a case. Do not go cheap on this one. Years ago I did similar photos for a friend that was hit by a car while riding his bike. I did mine for no charge early in my career but I would now place it somewhere between "corporate portraiture" and "advertising." You may include a contingency that makes the fee considerably higher based on the award if the case is won and lower if not. Just an idea.
Interesting, but totally unethical for a lawyer to agree to. While a lawyer can charge a contingency fee, s/he is not permitted to enter into any kind of contingency with any expert or supplier of services to the case.
