1. What Is a Claim No Win No Fee?
A “claim no win no fee” is a legal agreement where you only pay your solicitor if your case is successful. If your claim is unsuccessful, you don’t pay a penny in legal fees. This makes pursuing compensation accessible and low-risk.
2. How Does No Win No Fee Work?
- You sign a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) with your solicitor
- The solicitor takes on your case without charging upfront
- If you win, the solicitor’s fee (success fee) is taken from your compensation
- If you lose, you don’t pay your solicitor anything
3. What Can You Claim For Under No Win No Fee?
This arrangement is available for various types of claims, including:
- Road traffic accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Medical or dental negligence
- Slips, trips, and falls in public places
- Industrial diseases
- Defective product injuries
- Housing disrepair claims
4. Who Pays If You Lose?
If your claim is unsuccessful:
- You don’t pay your solicitor
- After the Event (ATE) insurance covers court costs and the other side’s legal fees (usually arranged by your solicitor)
5. What Is a Success Fee?
A success fee is the payment your solicitor receives for a successful outcome. It’s capped at 25% of your compensation for personal injury claims in the UK.
6. Advantages of No Win No Fee Claims
- No upfront costs
- No financial risk if you lose
- Encourages solicitors to take strong, winnable cases
- Makes legal action accessible to everyone
7. Do All Solicitors Offer No Win No Fee?
No, only firms confident in your claim may offer it. Choose a solicitor with:
- Experience in your claim type
- Transparent fee structures
- A good track record of success
8. What’s Covered in a No Win No Fee Agreement?
- Solicitor’s time and expertise
- Preparation and filing of your case
- Negotiations with insurers
- Representation in court, if needed
- Arrangement of medical assessments or expert opinions
9. Are There Any Hidden Fees?
No. Everything should be clearly outlined in your CFA. Always ask about:
- Disbursements (e.g., expert reports, travel expenses)
- ATE insurance costs (usually paid from compensation if you win)
10. Is There a Time Limit to File a No Win No Fee Claim?
Yes. In the UK, the time limits are generally:
- 3 years from the date of injury or diagnosis
- 6 years for property or contract disputes
- 2 years for criminal injury claims through CICA
- Up to age 21 for claims involving minors
11. What Evidence Do You Need?
- Medical reports
- Photos of injuries or the accident scene
- Police or incident reports
- Witness statements
- Proof of financial loss (wages, expenses)
12. How Long Do No Win No Fee Claims Take?
- Minor injuries: 3–6 months
- Moderate claims: 6–12 months
- Complex or disputed claims: 12–24 months
Your solicitor will keep you informed at each stage.
13. Psychological Injury Claims Under No Win No Fee
You can claim for emotional injuries like:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
Medical evidence from a psychologist or psychiatrist is needed.
14. Can You Claim if You Were Partially at Fault?
Yes. Under contributory negligence, your compensation may be reduced, but you can still recover a percentage.
15. Do You Need ATE Insurance?
Yes. It protects you from financial risk if the case is lost and covers:
- Court costs
- Expert witness fees
- The defendant’s legal costs
Solicitors often arrange this for you.
16. Can You Claim on Behalf of Someone Else?
Yes. You can claim for:
- Children (as a parent or guardian)
- Relatives with reduced mental capacity
- A deceased loved one (as part of a wrongful death claim)
17. What Happens If You Want to Change Solicitors?
You can switch, but make sure:
- You understand your existing solicitor’s fees
- You don’t breach your original CFA
- Your new solicitor agrees to take on the case
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is no win no fee available for all personal injury cases?
Most, yes. Especially car accidents, work injuries, and public liability claims.
Q2: What if I lose my claim—will I owe anything?
No. Your solicitor absorbs their legal costs. ATE insurance (if in place) covers external fees.
Q3: Do I get to keep all of my compensation?
Not all. The solicitor’s success fee (up to 25%) and any ATE premium are deducted from your award.
Q4: Can I use no win no fee for old injuries?
Only if within the legal time limit, or if you only recently became aware of the injury’s cause.
Q5: Is win no fee the same as legal aid?
No. Legal aid is government-funded, while win no fee is a private agreement based on case success.
Q6: How do I start a no win no fee claim?
Contact a solicitor for a free case review. If they accept, they’ll explain the agreement and next steps.
Conclusion
Claiming no win no fee is a smart, low-risk way to pursue justice after an injury or loss. You get expert legal support without worrying about upfront costs, and only pay if your case wins. Don’t delay—speak to a trusted solicitor today and take the first step toward your compensation.
Leave a Reply