What is a no win, no fee claim?

No win, no fee - also sometimes referred to as a conditional fee agreement (CFA) - is a legal arrangement that allows you to pursue a personal injury claim with minimal financial risk and without bearing the upfront costs of hiring a solicitor.

Essentially, if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay your solicitor's fees. This arrangement removes the financial risk associated with making a personal injury claim and ensures that you have access to justice following an injury that was not your fault, regardless of your financial circumstances.

How does a no win, no fee claim work?

When you choose to make a compensation claim with us, we will begin by assessing the circumstances of your case during a free, no-obligation consultation. If we believe your claim has a reasonable chance of success, and you want to pursue the issue with our guidance, we will enter into a no win, no fee agreement with you. This agreement will outline the terms and conditions of our legal representation, including how our fees will be calculated and charged in the event of a successful claim.

Throughout the claims process, our solicitors will work diligently to secure the compensation you deserve. We will gather evidence, liaise with insurance companies and other parties, and represent you in negotiations and, if necessary, in court. We will keep you informed and involved every step of the way, ensuring that you understand your options and make informed decisions about your case.

How will you need to pay your legal costs under a no win, no fee agreement?

If your claim is successful, our fees will be calculated as a percentage of the compensation awarded to you. This percentage, known as the success fee, will be agreed upon during our initial consultation, and will vary depending on the type and complexity of your personal injury claim.

It is important to note that you may be responsible for paying additional expenses, such as court fees, medical report fees, or other disbursements. We will discuss these expenses with you at the outset of your case and keep you informed of any changes throughout the process. We will not surprise you with any unexpected costs.

Who pays the legal costs following a successful no win, no fee injury claim?

In most cases, the party responsible for your injury will be required to pay the majority of your legal fees. This is typically done through their insurance company - if they have one. However, it is important to remember that the success fee will be deducted from your compensation award, so you will need to budget for this expense when considering the overall value of your claim. Compensation payouts are typically calculated with the legal costs in mind, so it is unlikely that you will have reason to make any adaptations due to this.

Why choose no win, no fee services over alternatives?

There are several reasons why a no win, no fee arrangement may be preferable to other options for funding your personal injury claim:

• Accessibility: our no win, no fee services ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to justice and can pursue compensation for their injuries.
• Reduced financial risk: since you are not required to pay any upfront legal fees, the financial risk associated with pursuing a claim is significantly reduced. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay your solicitor's fees, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
• Encourages efficient case handling: a no win, no fee arrangement incentivises your solicitor to work diligently on your case, as their payment is dependent on a successful outcome. This often results in more efficient case handling and better communication between you and your solicitor. Our personal injury solicitors understand the responsibility that is placed on their shoulders when they agree to fight your case, and they will do everything possible to ensure you get the best outcome for your situation.
• Bespoke service: at Ramsdens Solicitors, our no win, no fee service is tailored to your specific needs. Our team of experienced solicitors will dedicate their time and expertise to achieving the best possible outcome for your claim through regular consultations with you.

How much compensation will I receive for a successful personal injury claim?

The amount of compensation you may receive depends heavily on the specifics of your case. Several factors contribute to the final compensation amount, including:

• The severity of your injury: more severe injuries generally result in higher compensation awards due to the greater impact on your life, including pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.
• Loss of earnings: if your injury has caused you to lose income or has impacted your future earning capacity, this will be taken into account when calculating your compensation.
• Medical expenses: compensation may cover any medical expenses you have incurred as a result of your injury, including treatment costs, medication, and rehabilitation.
• Care and assistance: if your injury has required you to receive care or assistance, either temporarily or permanently, the costs associated with this care can be included in your compensation.
• Travel expenses: you may be compensated for any travel expenses related to your injury, such as attending medical appointments or court hearings.
• Future losses: in some cases, your compensation may include an amount to cover future losses or expenses related to your injury, such as ongoing medical treatment or adaptations to your home.

Given the numerous factors involved, it is difficult to provide a precise estimate of the compensation you may receive without assessing your individual circumstances. Our experienced team can provide you with a more accurate estimate following a thorough evaluation of your case during the initial consultation.

How long will my compensation claim take to settle?

The duration of personal injury claims can vary greatly depending on the unique circumstances of your case. If your case involves complex legal issues, multiple responsible parties, or disputed liability, it may take longer to resolve. Cases involving severe or long-lasting injuries may require additional time for medical assessments and gathering evidence to accurately evaluate the extent of your losses.

Additionally, the time taken to negotiate a settlement with the responsible party or their insurance company can vary. Some cases may settle quickly through negotiation, while others may take longer to reach a fair agreement.

The willingness of the responsible party or their insurance company to cooperate and provide information can also impact the time it takes to settle your claim. If your case cannot be settled through negotiation and needs to go to court, the process can take considerably longer due to court schedules and the time required for trial preparation.

Will I be required to attend court during my claim?

In most personal injury cases, court attendance is not required, as many claims are settled through negotiation between your solicitor and the responsible party or their insurance company. Our experienced solicitors will always strive to reach a fair settlement without the need for court proceedings.

However, in some cases, particularly those involving disputed liability or complex legal issues, it may be necessary to attend court to secure the compensation you deserve. If your claim does proceed to court, our solicitors will be there to guide and support you throughout the process. We will ensure that you are well-prepared and understand what to expect during court hearings.

It is important to note that even if your claim goes to court, there is still a possibility that a settlement may be reached before the trial concludes. Our team will continue to negotiate on your behalf and explore all possible avenues for reaching an agreeable resolution.

What are the risks of using Ramsdens' no win, no fee service?

While our no win, no fee service is designed to minimise the financial risks associated with pursuing a personal injury claim, there are some potential risks you should be aware of. Many of these come with any type of compensation claim, regardless of whether it is a no win, no fee claim or not:

• Partial compensation: if your claim is successful, you will be required to pay the success fee out of your compensation. This means that the amount you receive may be less than the full value of your claim.
• Insurance premiums: in some cases, you may be required to take out an 'After the Event' (ATE) insurance policy to cover the costs of disbursements and your opponent's legal fees in the event that your claim is unsuccessful. The premium for this insurance policy may be payable from your compensation if your claim is successful. For no win, no fee claims, this circumstance is rare, and we will inform you in advance if there is a chance of this occurring.
• Time limitations: personal injury claims in the UK are subject to strict time limits. Generally, you have three years from the date of your accident or the date you became aware of your injury to bring a claim. Failure to do so within this timeframe may result in your claim being time-barred and you being unable to pursue compensation. There are some exceptions to this, which our solicitors will explain if they apply to you.
• Emotional risks: pursuing a personal injury claim can be an emotionally challenging process, particularly if you are required to relive your accident or injury through evidence gathering and court proceedings. It is important to consider the emotional impact of pursuing a claim before deciding to proceed.