UK NO WIN NO FEE CLAIM ADVICE
There are a number of different ways in which solicitors finance compensation
claims. In the past the usual methods were by the client
privately funding the claim and paying sums on account of
legal costs as the claim proceeded in the hope that the
case was won and those costs could be claimed back from
the losing side. If the clients claim was lost then so were
the legal costs which were often a substantial loss to the
client. There was also the possibility of pursuing a claim
using Legal Aid however only a minority of people, mainly
those who were in receipt of Social Security payments, would
qualify. In 1998 legal aid for accident compensation claims was
withdrawn and replaced by the no
win no fee scheme which has now also almost
totally displaced the private funding of claims.
The no win no fee claim scheme came fully into effect in 1998 and a solicitor
acting in a claim for personal
injury compensation is only entitled to be paid his
legal fees if he wins the case and payment is then made
by the losers or their insurance company effectively leaving
the amount of damages received in tact and available for
payment to the client in full. Not all solicitors pay compensation
in full and some solicitors agreements allow for a percentage to be
retained by the solicitor and not all solicitors will pay
for disbursements as the case proceeds thereby leaving the
client at risk of paying these in the event that the case
is lost. Our solicitors pay for all disbursements as the
case proceeds and do not ask for any financial contribution
from the client. All compensation received is paid in full
with absolutely no deductions. Win or lose there is no charge.
There is however one area of risk that applies to all cases, including no win no fee claim, that needs careful consideration. In the event of a loss, after the issue of court proceedings, then the loser is usually ordered to pay the other sides legal costs and disbursements which can be a very substantial sum. Almost all litigated claims therefore require insurance to cover against the possibility of a costs order. Our solicitors finance this policy of insurance themselves and do not expect the client to pay or contribute to the costs. This insurance policy is only required if it becomes necessary to issue proceedings in a court of law which only occurs in a very small percentage of cases. If you instruct our solicitors to pursue a compensation claim you can rest assured that it is completely risk free and that you will receive the full amount of any compensation that is agreed by the insurance company or is awarded by the court. Win or lose there is no charge.
If you have Legal Expenses Cover which is a policy of insurance that is usually attached to home contents insurance or motor insurance then you may be able to ask your insurer to finance your claim.
Some Trade Unions offer private legal aid for their members and will often have an official solicitor who will give free advice. Enquiries should be made directly to a union representative.
Accident Lawyers UK is a network of specialist personal
injury solicitors who deal with compensation claims
on a risk free basis and compensation is paid in full. Do
yourself justice and use thehelpline or complete the contact form and we will
immediately put you in touch with a specialist solicitor. If after talking to that solicitor
you decide to proceed no further you will not be charged
for any advice.
HELPLINE 0845 890 4092
In the case of CICA claims terms will vary and in the case of MIB claims terms may vary.