Attorneys\u27 Contingent Fees. Limits.

Limits fees which plaintiffs\u27 attorneys may collect, if payable contingent on plaintiffs\u27 recovery of compensation, in personal injury, wrongful death, other tort cases. Hourly rates not limited. Requires demand against defendants for compensation with supporting information. Allows defendants to respond with prompt settlement offer with supporting information. If accepted, plaintiffs\u27 attorneys may not collect contingent fees exceeding 15% of defendants\u27 offer. If not accepted, they may collect fees above 15% only on part of recovery in excess of defendants\u27 prompt settlement offer. Fiduciary relationship applies to fee agreement between plaintiff, plaintiff\u27s attorney. Summary of Legislative Analyst\u27s Estimate of Net State and Local Government Fiscal Impact: Adoption of this measure would have an unknown net fiscal impact on state and local governments