Natasha Hall Law is a leading Wirral firm of solicitors. While we do not offer “no win no fee” arrangements, we recognise that many people search for this term when looking for ways to fund a claim. The correct alternative is a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), which works in a similar way by reducing the financial risk of making a claim.
What is No win no fee?
The phrase “no win no fee” is widely used to describe funding arrangements for claims such as personal injury or medical negligence. At Natasha Hall Law, we use Conditional Fee Agreements instead.
With a Conditional Fee Agreement, you will not usually have to pay our legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim is successful, our fees are paid through a success fee, which is normally up to 25% of the compensation you recover. We will explain all costs clearly at the outset so you know exactly what to expect.
“If your solicitor wins your case, their costs are covered through a success fee from your compensation. If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t usually pay your solicitor’s legal fees.”
What types of cases does no win no fee relate to?
Many people search for “no win no fee” when looking for ways to fund a claim. At Natasha Hall Law, we do not offer “no win no fee” arrangements, but we can often act under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), which works in a similar way.
During your initial consultation, we will determine if you have a potential claim in areas such as personal injury, medical negligence or dental negligence. These cases usually involve an injury or accident that was not your fault and where you wish to make a claim against the party responsible. We will advise you on the strength of your case before proceeding.
How does it work?
With a Conditional Fee Agreement, you will not usually pay our legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim is successful and you receive compensation, we will deduct a success fee, normally up to 25%, to cover the cost of our time and expertise. We will explain all funding options clearly at the outset so you know exactly what to expect.
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The agreement you have with your solicitor will usually cover things such as:
- Legal fees
- Medical reports
- Court fees
During your initial consultation, your solicitor will advise whether you have a case to pursue. Many people refer to this as a “no win no fee” claim, but the correct term is a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).
The conditional fee agreement
A Conditional Fee Agreement allows you to bring a claim for personal injury, medical negligence or dental negligence without paying upfront legal fees. You only pay the solicitor if your claim is successful, with their costs deducted from your compensation.
If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not usually pay our legal fees. However, there may still be certain expenses you are responsible for, depending on the nature of your agreement. These will be explained to you clearly before you proceed.
Are there any risks with no win no fee?
no win no fee pros and cons
- No need to pay legal fees upfront, with a Conditional Fee Agreement, your solicitor’s costs are usually paid through a success fee if your case is successful.
- Your solicitor has an incentive to advise you carefully at the start, as they are only paid if your claim succeeds.
- You’ll be guided through the process by a personal injury or negligence expert, improving your chances of a successful outcome.
- You may still be liable for certain costs, such as disbursements (e.g. medical reports or court fees) unless covered by insurance.
- If your claim is found to be fraudulent or you fail to cooperate fully, you may be liable for fees.
- If your claim is unsuccessful, the defendant may in some circumstances seek to recover their court and solicitor’s fees, your solicitor will explain whether you need insurance to protect against this risk.
What happens once you sign a conditional fee agreement with your solicitor?
Your solicitor will begin gathering evidence and details to support your claim, including witness statements, CCTV footage, medical records, and, where needed, expert opinions.
The next stage is to contact the insurance company or legal representative for the defendant (the person or party you are making the claim against).
Do I need to go to court?
In most cases, compensation settlements are agreed outside of court, saving both parties time and money. Once the evidence has been reviewed, the defendant may wish to negotiate a settlement. Your solicitor will advise you on whether the offer is fair and in your best interests.
What happens if your no win no fee case is successful?
If your claim is successful, you will be awarded damages. We have a separate guide to the medical negligence claims process which explains the difference between general damages and special damages that you may be entitled to receive.
A guide to medical negligence cases
Find out more about the different types of damages you may be entitles to.
General damages compensate you for the pain and suffering caused by your injuries, while special damages cover financial losses such as missed mortgage payments or lost earnings. In most cases, these damages will be paid by the defendant’s insurance company. Your solicitor’s fee (the success fee) is then deducted from your compensation total.
What happens if you lose a no win no fee case?
The main appeal of “no win no fee”, properly known as a Conditional Fee Agreement, is that if your claim is not successful, you will not usually have to pay your solicitor’s legal fees. However, depending on the terms of your agreement, you may still be liable for some costs if you abandon your claim or if the claim is found to be fraudulent.
What's the catch with no win no fee?
Your solicitor will explain exactly what is and is not covered by a Conditional Fee Agreement. For example, while the arrangement covers your solicitor’s fees, it may not cover additional costs such as medical experts, barristers’ fees, or court expenses. Make sure you fully understand the terms of your agreement before your claim begins.
Can I pull out of a no win no fee claim?
If you withdraw from a claim after legal work has already started, you may be liable to pay for the work carried out up to that point. Your solicitor will explain these circumstances clearly at the start so you know what to expect.
Is no win no fee a good idea?
Many people search for “no win no fee” when looking for a way to fund a claim. At Natasha Hall Law, we don’t offer “no win no fee” arrangements, but we do provide Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs). A CFA lets you pursue a claim without paying legal fees upfront. If your case is successful, a success fee is taken from your compensation. This can help make the process more affordable while ensuring you have clear advice on any costs before you start.
Are no win no fee solicitors any good?
The phrase “no win no fee solicitor” usually refers to a solicitor who takes on cases under a CFA. The important factor is not the label, but the solicitor’s expertise and track record. At Natasha Hall Law, your case will be handled directly by an experienced solicitor who will explain your funding options clearly, starting with a free consultation so you can make an informed decision.
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