consult several attorneys before you decide which one shall take your case. If your friend has a solid case, attorneys will trip over themsleves trying to get his case. It would be on contingent-fee basis -- meaning that your friend would not need to shell out a penny before he sees the money. Good attorney generally will take 30-40% of the recovery on top of the expense. But they might also be able to get your friend more. Talk to attorneys, ask for references, and go with your gut feeling.