How Does a No Win No Fee Lawyer Work?
When a lawyer agrees to act for you on a no win no fee basis, it means they will only charge you for their professional fees at the end of the process, and only if you succeed in your claim.
If you have a no win/no fee agreement with us, you pay no costs OR disbursements unless you receive damages, which means you have one less thing to worry about.
Personal injury litigation cost breakdown
In addition to professional costs other expenses are incurred by the lawyer when properly preparing a claim. These are known as disbursements, and includes such things as:
Obtaining medical records
Obtaining expert reports
Filing fees for court documents and the like
The actual amount of disbursements incurred in a particular matter can vary widely.
In a case where liability is not contested, no expert opinion is required as to the circumstances of the injury, or in relation to who was at fault.
However, in professional negligence claims where you are suing a doctor or any other professional, the court rules provide that expert opinion must be filed when the proceedings are commenced. The opinion must detail in what way the expert considers the professional has been negligent, and the consequences of that negligence.
In these circumstances, considerable amounts of money are often spent by way of disbursements before you are even able to start your case in court.
Once the case is started it will also be necessary to obtain medical evidence about the injuries and their long term consequences. In a situation where the damages are relatively minor this is usually one or two medical experts.
Serious injuries and damages
When the injuries are more widespread and serious, three or more experts are often required. At the extreme end of the scale in the case of catastrophic injuries, additional damages can be claimed for home modifications to house the injured person and his or her carers, and for equipment needs. Damages can also be claimed for the cost of managing the settlement sum.
Most injured people are not in a position to pay these disbursements upfront as the case progresses. This is particularly the case where the injuries mean that a person is unable to work for a period of time. This is why no win no fee agreements are standard in this area, and ensures that your case is properly prepared, resulting in the best possible outcome for you.
READ MORE ABOUT WHAT PERCENTAGE LAWYERS CHARGE IN OUR BLOG.
Is a No Win No Fee lawyer right for you?
Five questions to ask yourself before hiring a No Win No Fee lawyer…
Does this lawyer have the right expertise and experience to guide me through the litigation process?
Does the lawyer have a good reputation?
Do I feel comfortable speaking with this lawyer? Do they make me feel heard?
Is the lawyer accessible and communicative? Do they respond promptly?
Do I understand their fee structure, the terms of agreement and what work they will perform on my behalf?