At Injury Lawyers 4u, our experienced lawyers have handled thousands of personal injury claims and helped clients claim millions of pounds in compensation. When you contact us to pursue a claim, our No Win No Fee guarantee ensures that you won’t have to pay a penny upfront, and there is no financial risk if your case is unsuccessful.
At a glance
- No win, no fee agreements (CFAs) allow you to pursue injury claims without any upfront legal costs
- If your claim doesn’t succeed, you won’t pay your solicitor’s legal fees
- After the Event (ATE) insurance helps protect you against certain costs if your claim is unsuccessful
- If your claim succeeds, a success fee is deducted from part of your compensation
- Success fees are capped by law at 25% of certain compensation elements
- Your solicitor will assess whether your claim has a strong chance of success before taking it on
- Being honest throughout your claim is essential, as ‘fundamental dishonesty’ can affect your protection from costs
- Part 36 offers can significantly impact compensation and costs, so discuss them thoroughly with your solicitor
If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. But for many people, the biggest concern isn’t whether they have a claim. It’s whether they can afford to make one.
When you’re dealing with pain, time off work and financial pressure, the thought of paying legal fees can feel like another thing to worry about.
A no win, no fee agreement removes that barrier. It allows you to get expert legal support without paying legal fees upfront, so you can focus on your recovery while your solicitor focuses on your claim.
In this guide, we’ll explain how no win, no fee works, what happens if your claim succeeds or doesn’t succeed, and what you can expect from the process.
What types of claim are covered by No Win No Fee?
Our No Win No Fee lawyers will assist in a wide range of personal injury claims, including:
- Slips and trips
- Accidents in the workplace
- Sporting accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Cycling-related injuries
- Pedestrian injuries
- Clinical and medical negligence
- PTSD
- Dog bites
- Poisoning
- Asbestos/Asbestosis
As a basic rule, if someone else’s carelessness or negligence has caused you to suffer an injury, you’re probably eligible for compensation. Our initial consultation is totally free and without any obligation to proceed. Tell us about your injury claim case and we’ll let you know if it’s in your interests to proceed.
Whether yours is a specialist case, you’ve suffered an injury in extraordinary circumstances, or you’re unsure whether you have a legitimate personal injury claim case, get in touch and we can help.
What is no win, no fee?
A no win, no fee agreement is a funding arrangement that allows you to make a claim without paying legal fees upfront.
The legal name for this type of agreement is a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).
The main benefit is simple. If your claim doesn’t succeed, you won’t pay your solicitor’s legal fees.
This makes legal support accessible to people who may otherwise feel unable to pursue compensation.
If your claim succeeds, your solicitor receives a success fee from part of your compensation. This fee is agreed in advance, so you’ll know exactly how the arrangement works before you decide to proceed.
How does a no win, no fee agreement work?
No win, no fee is designed to make the claims process as straightforward as possible.
Your solicitor takes on the financial risk of running the claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery rather than worrying about legal costs.
Initial assessment and eligibility
Every potential claim starts with a thorough assessment. We’ll carefully review your injury, how it happened and its impact on your life. We’ll look for strong evidence of fault or negligence from another party.
For a claim to proceed on a no win, no fee basis, there must be a reasonable prospect of success. The initial consultation is crucial, as it helps us determine if your claim has the necessary legal merit and if this funding method is right for you.
Understanding the Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA)
If your claim is suitable, you’ll receive a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) with us. This formal document clearly outlines the terms, including what happens if you win or lose, and any associated costs.
Crucially, it details the success fee if your case is won. Alongside the CFA, you’ll have the option to take out After the Event (ATE) insurance. This policy protects you from paying the other side’s legal costs if your claim is unsuccessful.
The claims process
Once your claim begins, your solicitor will:
- Gather evidence
- Obtain medical reports
- Contact the other party
- Value your claim
- Negotiate a settlement
Most claims settle without the need for a court hearing.
Throughout the process, your solicitor will keep you updated and explain any important decisions. We’ll be with you every step of the way, handling the complexities so you don’t have to.
What happens if you win your claim?
If your claim succeeds, you’ll receive compensation for the injuries and losses you’ve suffered.
The defendant will normally pay a large proportion of the legal costs associated with the claim.
Certain deductions may then be made from your compensation:
Success fee
The success fee is payment for the risk your solicitor took by handling the claim without charging legal fees upfront.
The fee is capped by law at 25% of:
- General damages
- Past financial losses
It does not apply to compensation awarded for future losses.
ATE insurance premium
If ATE insurance was arranged, the premium is generally payable when the claim succeeds.
Your solicitor will explain the cost before you proceed.
Disbursements
Disbursements are expenses incurred while investigating and progressing your claim.
Examples include:
- Medical reports
- Court fees
- Expert reports
Many of these costs are recovered from the defendant. Where they aren’t, your solicitor will explain how they’re dealt with.
What happens if you lose your no win, no fee claim?
One of the main reasons people choose no win, no fee is the protection it offers if a claim doesn’t succeed.
If your claim is unsuccessful:
- You won’t pay your solicitor’s legal fees
- ATE insurance may cover certain costs and expenses
- You won’t face the same financial risk associated with privately funded litigation
This gives many people the confidence to pursue compensation they might otherwise avoid.
Fundamental dishonesty and why honesty matters
Being truthful throughout your claim is essential.
If a court finds that a claimant has been fundamentally dishonest, cost protections can be removed.
Here are a few examples that could be deemed fundamentally dishonest:
- Exaggerating injuries
- Inventing symptoms
- Misrepresenting financial losses
- Making fraudulent claims
In these situations, a claimant could become responsible for costs and face serious legal consequences.
The best approach is always complete honesty and transparency throughout the process.
Part 36 offers and their impact on your no win, no fee claim
A Part 36 offer is a formal settlement offer made by either side in a legal claim. It’s governed by Part 36 of the Civil Procedure Rules.
These offers are designed to encourage settlement and avoid unnecessary court proceedings.
Accepting or rejecting a Part 36 offer can have consequences for costs and compensation.
That’s why it’s important to discuss every offer carefully with your solicitor before making a decision.
We’ll explain:
- Whether the offer is reasonable
- The risks of rejecting it
- The potential impact on your compensation
This helps you make an informed decision based on the facts of your case.
Is no win, no fee right for your injury claim?
No win, no fee can be used for many different types of personal injury claim, including:
- Road traffic accidents
- Accidents at work
- Slips, trips and falls
- Medical negligence claims
- Public liability claims
Claims are more likely to be suitable where there is:
- Strong evidence of fault/negligence — Clear proof that another party was responsible for your injury.
- A clear link between negligence and injury — A direct connection between the actions of the at-fault party and the harm you suffered.
- A reasonable chance of success — Your solicitor believes your case has a good chance of winning.
The best way to find out if this arrangement is right for your specific situation is through a free, initial consultation. We’ll assess your individual circumstances, explain your options clearly, and advise you on the best path forward.
Start a no win, no fee claim with Injury Lawyers 4u
Making a claim shouldn’t feel like a financial gamble.
A no win, no fee agreement gives you access to expert legal support without paying legal fees upfront. It allows you to focus on your recovery while we focus on building your case.
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we’re committed to being clear, compassionate and credible in everything we do.
We’re here to help.
Get in touch today for a free, confidential conversation about your claim.
No win, no fee FAQs
What is a no win, no fee agreement and how does it work?
A no win, no fee agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), allows you to pursue a personal injury claim without paying legal fees upfront. Your solicitor only gets paid if your claim succeeds.
If you receive compensation, a success fee and any agreed insurance costs are deducted from your settlement. If your claim doesn’t succeed, you won’t pay your solicitor’s legal fees, helping to reduce the financial risk of making a claim.
What happens if I win my ‘no win, no fee’ claim?
If your claim succeeds, you’ll receive compensation for your injuries and any related financial losses. The defendant will normally pay a significant proportion of the legal costs associated with the claim. Your solicitor will then deduct a success fee from part of your compensation, which is capped by law at 25% of certain damages.
If After the Event insurance has been arranged, the premium may also be deducted. Your solicitor will explain all deductions clearly before you agree to proceed.
What happens if I lose my no win, no fee claim?
If your claim doesn’t succeed, you won’t pay your solicitor’s legal fees under the terms of the no win, no fee agreement. In many cases, After the Event insurance will also protect you against certain costs and expenses incurred during the claim. This means you can pursue compensation without worrying about facing large legal bills if the outcome isn’t successful.
Your solicitor will explain any exceptions and ensure you understand the agreement before your claim begins.
What is After the Event (ATE) insurance and why is it important?
After the Event insurance is a policy designed to protect you from certain costs if your claim doesn’t succeed. Depending on the policy, it may cover expenses such as medical report fees, expert witness costs and, in some circumstances, the other side’s legal costs. The premium is generally only payable if your claim succeeds.
ATE insurance provides valuable financial protection and can give you greater confidence when pursuing a personal injury claim.
Are there any hidden costs with a no win, no fee agreement?
No. Your solicitor should explain all potential costs and deductions before you agree to proceed. This includes the success fee, any insurance premiums and how claim-related expenses are handled.
You’ll receive written information setting out the terms of the agreement, so you understand exactly what may be deducted from your compensation if your claim succeeds. There should never be unexpected costs or charges that haven’t been discussed with you in advance.
What types of claims can be handled on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis?
Many personal injury claims can be funded through a no win, no fee agreement. This includes road traffic accidents, accidents at work, slips, trips and falls, public liability claims and some medical negligence cases.
The key factor is whether there is evidence that someone else’s negligence caused your injury and whether the claim has a reasonable chance of success. A solicitor can assess your circumstances and advise whether no win, no fee funding is available.