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No Win No Fee - What Does It Mean?
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No Win No Fee
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No Win No Fee agreements are one of the most common ways people in the UK pursue compensation without taking on upfront financial risk. This guide explains, in clear terms, what No Win No Fee means, how these agreements work, and when they are used in compensation claims.
We explore the different types of No Win No Fee arrangements, how solicitors assess risk, and what costs are and are not payable if a claim succeeds or fails. The guide also covers the types of cases commonly handled on a No Win No Fee basis, including personal injury claims arising from accidents at work, incidents in public places, and road traffic accidents.
You will also find an explanation of what happens if a No Win No Fee claim is unsuccessful, how compensation is calculated in successful cases, and the different types of damages that may be awarded. This includes general damages for injury and special damages for financial losses.
Finally, we explain how our No Win No Fee solicitors may support your claim from start to finish, and how to check whether you may have a valid claim. If you have questions, our advisors can offer free guidance and help you take the next step. Reach out to us today by:
- Call the team on 0151 375 9916.
- Contact us through our online form.
What Are No Win No Fee Claims?
If you decide to make a compensation claim such as a personal injury or medical negligence claim due to suffering harm through the negligent actions of a responsible third party, you may want to instruct a solicitor. Many solicitors now work on a No Win No Fee basis when representing clients in a compensation claim. There are different types of No Win No Fee agreements. Some of which come under UK law:
If our solicitors take on your compensation claim they will offer you a Conditional Fee Agreement CFA. The benefits of claiming with a solicitor under a CFA are as follows:
- Not having to pay any upfront fees for your solicitor’s services.
- No ongoing fees to pay for your solicitor’s services.
- If the claim is not successful, you will not need to pay your solicitor for their work.
- If the claim is successful, a success fee will be taken by your solicitor from your compensation. The percentage your solicitor will be able to take as this fee will be legally limited.
How Long Do No Win No Fee Claims Usually Take?
We’ve taken a closer look at the definition of “No Win No Fee,” meaning you may now be wondering how long claims typically take. In short, claims do not follow fixed timelines since every case is different. Nevertheless, the more complex a case is, the more probable it is that it will take longer than other claims to resolve. Certain factors can influence the length of a claim, including:
- The medical expert checking your injuries may take longer to assess your injuries if they need to use additional diagnostic tools like an MRI scan.
- Severe injuries requiring ongoing treatment can delay a medical assessment as the expert may have to wait before they can provide an opinion about a claimant’s condition.
- Key differences between parties (such as liability and the amount of compensation) may make negotiations more challenging to resolve amicably.
- When a defendant does dispute liability, it may mean that a claimant’s legal representative needs to obtain more evidence to support their version of events.
- If negotiations prove difficult, legal representatives might take the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) route to try and mediate any disputes before a claim has to go to trial.
Please reach out to one of our trained advisors for further information about claim durations and how our No Win No Fee solicitors could help you. Keep reading as we continue to answer the question of “What does No Win No Fee mean?” for your compensation claim.
What Percentage Do Solicitors Take For No Win No Fee?
A question we are often asked is, “What percentage do solicitors take for No Win No Fee claims?”
There is no definitive answer to this, because it can vary. If you start a claim with us, your solicitor would discuss their success fee before the case begins. This ensures that you’re fully aware of the terms and can confirm that you’re happy with the arrangement.
At most, a solicitor can collect 25% of the compensation payout as their success fee.
This doesn’t mean that this amount is taken every time. In some cases, a solicitor could recommend a lower percentage as their success fee. For example, a solicitor might base their success fee on the amount of work they predict the case will need.
While the percentage is figured out purely on a case-by-case basis, you can still learn more about the terms our No Win No Fee solicitors offer generally by calling our helpful advisors today.
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What Is 'After the Event' (ATE) Insurance?
After the Event Insurance ATE, covers your solicitor’s fees and costs in case the claim fails. It will usually be recommended by your solicitor to take this out when you seek to start a claim. This helps to ensure that the solicitor is still paid for the work they have done on your case and receives costs for disbursements, such as your independent medical assessment if the claim should fail.
If you have any questions regarding No Win No Fee claims or acquiring legal representation for your case, you can contact our advisors.
Which Types Of Claims Could You Make On A No Win No Fee Basis?
A solicitor can help with many different types of compensation claim, all under a No Win No Fee agreement. Whether you have a personal injury claim for an accident, have received negligent medical care, were affected by a data breach or suffered injuries in the course of a crime, a solicitor could help you get the settlement you deserve.
Personal Injury Claims
Our No Win No Fee solicitors are experts in handling three of the most common forms of personal injury claims, covering:
- Road traffic accidents. Road users have a duty to follow the rules and regulations found in the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code to ensure they avoid causing harm to themselves or others. Therefore, you could claim road traffic accident compensation if a road user breaches their duty and causes an accident that leads to you being injured. For example, a cyclist could make a bicycle accident claim if a driver hits them while breaking the legal speed limit.
- Accidents at work. Employers must take reasonably practicable measures to maintain employee safety in the workplace in order to uphold the duty laid out for them in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. You could claim for anything from back injury suffered in a fall to an eye injury caused by harmful substances if it occurs because an employer didn’t uphold their legal duty.
- Public place accidents. Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, those who manage public places are responsible for accidents on the premises if they did not take steps to keep visitors reasonably safe. For example, you could sue a restaurant if you slip and fall because staff did not provide any warning about a wet floor.
Medical Negligence Claims
The professionals who provide medical treatment, whether they are a GP, doctor, pharmacist or otherwise, must give care to the correct standard. If a medical practitioner’s care deviates from what is expected of a competent professional, they could make an error that leads to their patient suffering harm that would have otherwise been avoided.
Negligent care could lead to the likes of:
- Medication errors.
- A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.
- Mistakes during surgery.
You may be able to make a medical negligence claim against a healthcare provider if you’ve suffered avoidable harm.
Data Breach Claims
You may be able to make a No Win No Fee claim for the effects of a personal data breach. As defined by the Information Commissioner’s Office, which acts on reports of incorrect data protection practice, a personal data breach is a security incident which affects the confidentiality, integrity or availability of information that could be used to identify an individual.
It could be possible to make a data breach claim against an organisation that caused a data breach, or allowed one to happen, because they did not follow the legal guidelines provided by the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). For example, the Central Tickets data breach. You can claim compensation for the emotional or financial effect a data breach has on you.
Criminal Injury Claims
Violent crimes can have a significant and long-lasting effect on their victims. For example, an assault could leave someone with physical injuries, bodily scarring and psychological damage. It is possible to claim criminal injury compensation through one of three potential routes:
- Suing the perpetrator directly.
- Making a claim against a vicariously liable third party that negligently failed to prevent a crime from occurring.
- Submitting a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), a government-sponsored body that provides a last-resort compensation option for victims of crimes of violence.
A No Win No Fee solicitor could help you with any of these claims. You can learn more about our expert legal service by calling the free helpline number at the top of this page.
We pride ourselves
on providing the best service
possible for our clients.
We pride ourselves on providing the best service possible for our clients.
Can No Win No Fee Solicitors Help Me Claim On Behalf Of Someone Else?
Yes, in some cases, you can work with No Win No Fee solicitors to claim on behalf of someone else. To do this, you need to be appointed as their litigation friend by the court.
A litigation friend makes a claim on behalf of someone who is legally unable to claim for themselves. This might include minors under the age of eighteen or those who lack the mental capacity to make their own claims.
When you make a claim as a litigation friend, you are responsible for acting in the best interests of the claimant. This means keeping them informed of the claim’s progression, staying in contact with their solicitor, and ensuring that your interests do not conflict with theirs. Additionally, you will need to make decisions about their claim in a fair and competent manner.
To learn more about claiming on behalf of someone else, get in touch with our team today.
What Happens If You Lose Your Compensation Claim?
How Much Compensation Will I Be Awarded?
If you make a successful medical negligence or personal injury claim, your compensation could consist of two types of loss. The first is known as general damages, which compensates you for any harm or injuries suffered, including the pain and suffering they have caused you.
As part of the claiming process, you may be invited to undergo an independent medical assessment. This may be arranged by your solicitor if you decide to work with one as part of their services. Following this assessment, a medical report will be made. This report may then be used alongside the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) by those calculating your general damages.
Within the JCG is a list of compensation guidelines for various mental and physical injuries and illnesses. We have used some of these when creating the following table, except for the first entry. Please only refer to this table as a guide.
Compensation Guidelines
| Injury | Severity | Compensation Guidelines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Serious Injuries With Financial Losses | Serious | Up to £1,000,000+ | This award reflects multiple serious injuries and the associated financial losses they cause, such as lost earnings, care costs and medical expenses. |
| Paralysis | Tetraplegia | £396,140 to £493,000 | At the top end of the bracket will be cases where physical pain is present or where there is a significant effect on senses or ability to communicate |
| Paralysis | Paraplegia | £267,340 to £346,890 | The person’s life expectancy, age, extent and presence of pain and the degree of independence will all affect the amount awarded. |
| Brain Damage | Very Severe | £344,150 to £493,000 | Some remaining ability to follow basic instructions but hardly any meaningful awareness of environment, with little to no language ability and double incontinence with full time nursing care required. |
| Brain Damage | Moderately Severe | £267,340 to £344,150 | Substantial degree of reliance on others for personal care with limb paralysis or impaired intellect. A reduction in life expectancy also. |
| Back | Severe (i) | £111,150 to £196,450 | The most severe cases involving damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots that create severe pain and disability, combined with incomplete paralysis, and impaired sexual function. |
| Neck | Severe (i) | In the region of £181,020 | Neck injuries that cause incomplete paraplegia or permanent spastic quadriparesis. Or cases where, despite the person wearing a corrective collar constantly there is no neck movement and intractable headaches. |
| Leg (Amputations) | Above-Knee Amputation of One Leg | £127,930 to £167,760 | Awards here depend on the level of amputation and how severe phantom pain and psychological anguish are. |
| Leg Injuries | Severe (i) The Most Serious Injuries Short of Amputation | £117,460 to £165,860 | Injuries include extensive degloving and gross shortening of the limb and fractures that do not heal properly despite bone grafting. |
| Pelvis | Severe (i) | £95,680 to £159,770 | Extensive pelvic fractures that may also rupture the bladder, causing intolerable pain and requiring spinal surgery. |
| Foot | Very Severe | £102,470 to £133,810 | Permanent and severe pain or really serious disability that is permanent. For instance, traumatic amputation of the forefoot. |
Claiming For Special Damages
The second head of loss that can form part of your settlement is referred to as special damages. Any financial harm you have suffered due to your injuries could be compensated under this head of loss, such as:
- A loss of past or future earnings.
- Medical bills.
- Travel expenses.
- The cost of domestic help at home.
- The costs of any essential home adaptations.
Evidence will be required for special damages. For example, invoices could help with proving care costs, and payslips could help with proving a loss of earnings.
To receive a free valuation of your potential claim, you can contact our advisors. They could also help answer any persisting questions you may have about No Win No Fee claims.
Why Choose Our No Win No Fee Solicitors?
Now we have comprehensively answered the question, ‘How does No Win No Fee work?’, you may be wondering which No Win No Fee lawyers you should be working with to make your claim.
There are many good reasons why claimants around the country have chosen to work with our solicitors, allowing us to recoup millions of pounds in compensation for them. Those reasons include, but certainly aren’t limited to:
- Having a solicitor who can help you no matter where in the country you live, due to their availability over video calls, phone calls or email.
- Expert help with matters like evidence collection and organising an independent medical assessment.
- Free advice that cuts through the legal jargon.
- Knowing that the person negotiating your compensation is experienced and knows the fair value of a settlement.
Getting connected to one of our No Win No Fee solicitors is straightforward. Simply contact our advisors, share some details and get a free claim evaluation. An advisor can pass your case to a relevantly trained solicitor if you have a valid case. Remember, our free help service is available for whatever you need, so please don’t hesitate to call or get in touch online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below, you can find answers to some common questions on No Win No Fee agreements:
Is No Win No Fee the Same as a Conditional Fee Agreement?
Yes. No Win No Fee is the commonly used term for a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). It means your solicitor’s fees are only payable if your claim is successful, subject to the terms set out in the agreement.
Do I Pay Anything Upfront With No Win No Fee?
In most cases, no upfront payment is required. The solicitor takes on the financial risk of the claim, allowing you to pursue compensation without paying legal fees at the outset.
Is There a Cap on No Win No Fee Success Fees?
Yes. In personal injury claims, success fees are legally capped at a percentage of the compensation awarded for general damages and past financial losses, helping to protect claimants.
Can a Solicitor Refuse to Take a Case on a No Win No Fee Basis?
Yes. Solicitors may decline cases that have a low chance of success or where the legal risks are too high. Each case is assessed on its individual merits.
Can Medical Negligence Claims Be Made on a No Win No Fee Basis?
Yes. Many medical negligence claims are pursued on a No Win No Fee basis, although they often require detailed evidence and specialist legal assessment.
How Is Compensation Calculated in a No Win No Fee Claim?
Compensation is usually made up of general damages for pain and suffering and special damages for financial losses such as lost earnings, care costs, and expenses.
Can I Cancel a No Win No Fee Agreement?
Yes. You can usually cancel, but there may be terms covering costs already incurred. These will be clearly explained in the agreement before you proceed.
How Do I Start a No Win No Fee Claim?
You can start by seeking a free initial consultation. A solicitor will assess your case, explain your options, and confirm whether No Win No Fee is suitable.
Contact Us
Our legal team offers wide-ranging experience across complex and high-value claims, supporting clients in a broad range of legal matters. With a strong understanding of different legal frameworks and the practical challenges that cases can involve, the team works to make the claims process as clear and straightforward as possible.
Each case is handled with care, drawing on established knowledge, professional networks, and a structured approach to achieve the best possible outcome. The focus is always on reducing stress for clients while ensuring their case is progressed efficiently and thoroughly.
Where a case has reasonable prospects of success, representation may be offered under a No Win No Fee agreement. This means there are no upfront legal fees, costs are only payable if the claim succeeds, and there is nothing to pay if the claim does not go ahead successfully.
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