What does No Win No Fee mean?
1. Financial protection for clients
Many personal injury solicitors in Ireland offer legal services under what is commonly referred to as a No Win No Fee arrangement.
This generally means that if your claim is unsuccessful, your solicitor may not charge professional legal fees for the work carried out on your case, subject to the terms of your retainer.
Where a claim is successful, some or all of the legal costs may be recoverable from the defendant as part of the settlement or court order.
The purpose of this arrangement is to help individuals pursue a personal injury claim without having to pay legal fees upfront.
2. Removing financial barriers
A No Win No Fee arrangement helps make legal representation more accessible by allowing injured individuals to pursue a claim without paying professional legal fees at the outset.
This enables many people to seek legal advice and pursue compensation who might otherwise be unable to do so because of the potential cost.
3. Conditions and agreements
Many personal injury law firms in Ireland offer this type of arrangement.
However, the exact terms and conditions vary between firms and will be fully explained before your claim begins.
Your solicitor will provide you with a written retainer outlining how fees, outlays, and any other costs are dealt with so that you can make an informed decision before proceeding.
4. Liability for certain costs
Even where a No Win No Fee arrangement applies, you may still be responsible for certain outlays incurred during your claim.
Outlays commonly include:
- Medical reports and medical records.
- Expert witness reports were required.
- Court stamp duty.
- The Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) application fee, where applicable.
- Other reasonable expenses incurred in progressing your claim.
In some circumstances, you may also be liable for legal costs awarded to the defendant, although your solicitor will explain any potential risks before your claim proceeds.
5. Making an informed decision
Before your claim begins, your solicitor will explain the terms of the retainer, including any legal fees, outlays, and potential liabilities.
This ensures you understand how costs are dealt with and allows you to make an informed decision before instructing a solicitor.
Choosing the right solicitor
Personal injury claims are commonplace in the Irish legal system.
So, if you have been involved in an accident or suffered an injury at the hands of another person, it is essential to choose a solicitor you trust to represent you fairly in your claim.
When choosing the right solicitor, it is recommended that you carry out your research to ensure you find the best fit for you factors to keep in mind are
1. Is the firm ethical?
Have they fully explained the terms and conditions for taking a claim with them? Do they follow the Regulations and Standards the Law Society of Ireland set out?
2. Is the firm experienced?
Do they have positive outcomes from similar cases taken on? Are their solicitors experts in specific fields?
3. Do you feel welcome?
During your initial consultation, you can trust the firm to take on your case and represent you fairly to the best of their ability.
You should contact a trusted and experienced personal injury solicitor as soon as possible to keep your claim from being statute-barred.
It is essential to choose practising solicitors who are members of the Law Society’s injury and clinical negligence accreditation schemes and those who abide by the Law Society of Ireland’s Regulations.
We at Coleman Legal LLP understand that pursuing this type of legal action can be distressing, and we handle each case on a personal, one-to-one basis with expertise, compassion, and empathy.
Our personal injury solicitors represent clients in a range of personal injury claims, including road traffic accidents, workplace injuries, serious injuries, medical negligence, and public liability claims.
We have the knowledge and experience to handle these claims to ensure our clients receive fair compensation.
