Ironically you may still end up being paid less than the person who started the dumpster fire

Yeah, it’s the inherent tension between wanting a client that knows they’re in a crisis, and the fact that companies in a crisis might not be able to pay you. Yes, they’re ready to make the hard decisions; no, they might not have the financial and operational latitude to actually do so.

With experience, you will learn to suss out when success is possible (for both you and the client).