1. What Are No Win No Fee Medical Solicitors?
No win no fee medical solicitors represent patients who’ve suffered harm due to medical negligence—without requiring payment upfront. You only pay their fee if your claim is successful. This arrangement is formally known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).
2. What Types of Medical Negligence Do They Handle?
No win no fee solicitors help clients claim for issues like:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Birth injuries
- Incorrect prescriptions
- Poor hospital aftercare
- Dental negligence
- Negligent cosmetic procedures
3. How Does No Win No Fee Work?
- Your solicitor assesses your case for free
- If they believe it has a strong chance of success, they’ll take it on
- You sign a CFA outlining the terms
- If you win, a success fee (capped at 25% of your compensation) is deducted
- If you lose, you pay nothing to your solicitor
4. Benefits of No Win No Fee Representation
- No upfront legal costs
- Reduced financial risk
- Access to specialist legal advice regardless of income
- Encourages only valid, strong claims to move forward
- Peace of mind during a stressful time
5. What’s Covered in a No Win No Fee Agreement?
The solicitor’s legal fees and support services like:
- Case investigations
- Medical expert reports
- Negotiations with insurers or NHS Resolution
- Court preparation (if needed)
6. What Isn’t Covered?
While you won’t pay your solicitor if the case fails, you might need insurance (ATE—After the Event insurance) to cover:
- Opponent’s legal costs
- Expert witness fees
Your solicitor can help arrange this policy.
7. Is Everyone Eligible for No Win No Fee?
Most claimants qualify, but the solicitor must first confirm:
- There’s strong evidence of negligence
- Your injuries were directly caused by that negligence
- You’re within the legal time limit (usually 3 years)
8. Time Limit to Start a Claim
You must begin your claim within three years of the incident or from the date you realised you were harmed by negligent care. Minors and those with limited mental capacity are exceptions.
9. Why Choose a Medical Negligence Specialist?
These solicitors:
- Understand complex medical law
- Know how to obtain and interpret clinical evidence
- Work with trusted medical experts
- Maximise your compensation
10. What Compensation Can You Claim?
If successful, you could receive:
- General damages (for pain and suffering)
- Special damages (for lost income, medical bills, ongoing care)
- Future treatment costs
- Emotional distress or reduced life expectancy in serious cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my case loses?
You won’t pay your solicitor if your case fails. Insurance (if arranged) may cover any third-party costs.
How do I know if my solicitor is qualified?
Choose a solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and experienced in clinical negligence.
Will my compensation be reduced?
Yes, typically by up to 25% as a success fee. This is agreed upon when signing the CFA.
Can I switch to a no win no fee solicitor mid-case?
Yes, if you’re unhappy with your current legal representative. Your new solicitor can take over if they accept your case.
Can I claim on behalf of a relative?
Yes, especially for children, those who lack mental capacity, or in fatal cases. You can act as their litigation friend.
Do NHS cases qualify for no win no fee?
Absolutely. Many no win no fee claims involve negligence by NHS hospitals, GPs, or trusts.
Conclusion
Hiring no win no fee medical solicitors offers a risk-free way to pursue justice and compensation after experiencing poor healthcare. With specialist support and no upfront costs, you can focus on recovery while your solicitor handles the legal work. Take that first step toward justice today.
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