How does ‘No win, no fee’ & legal costs work in accident claims?
PERSONAL INJURY
No win, no fee & legal costs in accident compensation claims – explained
Clients will understandably want to know what the legal costs are that they face in respect of their claim. This is why our Solicitors, Legal Executives and representatives of Ward & Rider Solicitors will clearly explain to you the various options at the initial free consultation.
Our specialist accident injury lawyers have a full understanding of accident law, which enables us to look at the merits of your claim and calculate your chances of success.
In most instances our client’s will be eligible and will wish to enter into a No Win No Fee Agreement. This is also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement.
Entering into a Conditional Fee Agreement
We work on the basis that our clients are honest and genuine and in such cases, under a No Win No Fee Agreement, you will not have to pay a penny to us if you lose your case. Furthermore, as part of this agreement you will not have to advance us any money to fund your claim.
The Small Print
Not every accident lawyer will tell you this, but at Ward and Rider, we believe in being totally clear and honest.
Basically, the claimant would only pay any legal fees if they cause us to lose a case by providing false information or did not engage with us appropriately, e.g. they did not attend necessary meetings. Normally, the only other reason you would need to pay costs would be where you request a second opinion. We accept that you may want to do this, but would expect you to cover these disbursements.
However, when we win your case, the defendants will pay the appropriate costs in accordance with the rules. We will charge a success fee but that cannot be more than 25% of the injury valuation and of the past losses. Future losses are not subject to the success fee.You will not pay us anything until you have won and the compensation is received. Any disbursements that we cannot recover from the defendant will be recovered from insurance.
Your compensation will include monies for lost wages, medical expenses, travel and treatment costs, help and assistance, damages to your career and loss of pension contributions amongst other things caused by the accident’
Giving Clients Confidence to make a Personal Injury Claim
Our belief is that the No Win No Fee Agreement, or Conditional Fee Agreement, gives our clients the peace of mind and confidence to pursue a personal injury claim arising out of an accident or medical negligence.
Alternatives to No Win No Fee Claims
Some individuals will prefer to proceed by paying legal costs as they proceed with a case. The disadvantage in proceeding in this manner is that if you are unsuccessful potentially you will face an exposure to the defendant’s costs as well as paying for the other lawyer’s legal costs and disbursements as you continue. The advantage is that there is not a deduction from any compensation which is awarded.
Another alternative is that people may have the benefit of pre-existing legal expense insurance cover which would cover your lawyer’s fees. However often such policies have caps in respect of charge out rates and what could be charged and consequently there may still be a charge to your compensation to cover short fall in costs.
Legal expense insurance policies also often have a limit to the amount of work which can be done in respect of such a case
Injured in an accident? You can claim for personal injury for a whole range of reasons
The type of accidents and personal injury compensation claims covered by No Win No Fee claims include:-
- Slip and fall injury
- Workplace accidents, including those on construction sites
- Medical negligence
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Motorcycle accident
- Whiplash claims
- Pedestrian injuries
- Injuries caused by defective products
- Manual Handling Injuries
So, if you have been injured by something that was not your fault, perhaps for something as simple as a dog bite, or as complex as a medical malpractice case, then we at Ward and Rider are ready to provide you with the necessary legal representation.
Remember the compensation you could receive will vary greatly depending on the level of injury you have sustained.
Car Accident Claims
A road accident for instance could result in a serious injury, such as a spinal injury, or a head injury. Back and Brain injuries can result in long term problems, something that will have a big impact on the level of compensation awarded.
Accidents at Work
We also offer legal representation if you have sustained a workplace injury, your employer having a duty of care which has to be adhered to.
Industrial-Disease
Medical conditions caused by incorrect workplace practices, such as the failure to provide personal protective equipment, or safety training can also be claimed for. One of the most well known and devasting is Mesothelioma. However this is just one disease you can claim compensation for.
Let us handle your Personal Injury Case
The vast majority of our clients opt for the No Win No Fee Agreement to help them pursue their claim, our knowledge of personal injury law making us the best choice for anyone who has been injured by another party when it is not their fault.
