No win, no fee agreements can make sense, as you don’t need to worry about any fees if you lose your case, but are they always the right option? Not every no win, no fee compensation lawyer works the same, and you need to ensure that they and their agreement are right for you before you sign and part with your money. But what should you be checking?
Knowing what to look for when signing a no win, no fee agreement can be tricky, but it doesn’t need to be! Today, we are here to help you, guiding you through the five key things you need to check before signing a no win, no fee agreement. Checking these will ensure that you are signing the right agreement for you, with no hidden charges or surprises.
Check if there is a bill if you lose your case
First, you need to check to see what happens if you lose your case. While advertised as no win, no fee, there can sometimes be hidden charges that leave you out of pocket. Sometimes, you might be liable to pay the following fees if you lose your case:
- Barrister fees – are charged if a barrister is required to represent you in court
- Disbursements – can include ongoing costs throughout your case, like court fees, medical reports, and administrative expenses
- Professional fees – usually cover your lawyer’s time and advice
Look for lawyers who cover all of these fees if you lose your case to avoid any unexpected charges. Typically, lawyers will only cover professional fees, so you should prepare to cover any barrister fees or disbursements.
Check the estimate of your fee if you win your case
Before moving forward, you want to know the fee you will pay if you win your case. Your lawyer should provide an upfront estimate of their costs, which is a percentage of your winnings from the case. Some lawyers operate on a flat fee basis; however, it’s essential to check this beforehand to ensure you are satisfied with the fee.
Check for any hidden charges
Hidden charges can rack up, so be sure you know what is covered and what you might need to pay for. These might be fees added to the legal fees if you win and can take up a large chink of your compensation. Look for those before singing and ask your lawyer about any charges or fees that you do not understand.
Check who is responsible for the defendant’s legal costs
When a case goes to trial, there is a chance you will be liable for the defendant’s legal costs if you lose your case. This is a common practice, but it should be clearly stated in your contract, so that you have a figure in mind and can prepare if you need to make a claim. Most lawyers won’t take on no win, no fee cases unless they are confident they will win, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore these costs.
Consult with your lawyer before signing a contract to determine if you will be responsible for the fees and how they will be paid. It’s worth checking whether these fees come with a deadline too, allowing you to better prepare.
Check your lawyer’s experience with this claim
Finally, you should check your lawyer’s experience to ensure they are the best person to help with your claim. You want an experienced and competent lawyer who has worked on similar cases to yours and has won them. Just because the lawyer is offering a no win, no fee basis, it does not mean they are the best lawyer for you!
Ask about previous cases they have worked on and the outcomes, along with their general previous experience. Reputable lawyers will be happy to share this with you and might even have details of prior cases and outcomes on their website. Look for a lawyer with an impressive success rate and history to assure you there is a good chance of a successful outcome with your case.
Find your no win, no fee compensation lawyer today
Using our checklist will help you ensure that the lawyer is the right choice for you and your case. Asking these questions will help you avoid any hidden charges or high fees that leave you with nothing or force you to struggle to pay. When looking for no win, no fee lawyers, we recommend Smith’s Lawyers, who have years of experience achieving positive results for their clients. Contact their compensation lawyers in Brisbane to see how they can help you!
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