If you have suffered an injury in an accident that was not your fault, you may be considering making a personal injury claim in Ireland. One of the most common concerns for people seeking legal advice is the cost of bringing a claim. You may have heard the phrase “no win no fee” and wondered what it means.
A no win no fee arrangement can help some people access legal advice and representation without having to pay their solicitor’s professional fees upfront. However, it is important to understand exactly what the arrangement covers before proceeding with a personal injury claim.
What is no win no fee?
“No win no fee” generally means that, subject to the terms of the agreement with your solicitor, you will not be required to pay your solicitor’s professional fees if your personal injury claim is unsuccessful.
If your claim is successful, the costs associated with your solicitor’s work will depend on the terms agreed with you and the circumstances of your case.
A no win no fee arrangement does not necessarily mean that making a personal injury claim is completely free or without financial risk. There may be other expenses or legal costs that need to be considered. Your solicitor should explain these to you before you proceed.
How does a no win no fee personal injury claim work?
The first step is to speak to a personal injury solicitor in Ireland about your accident and injuries. Your solicitor will assess the circumstances of your case and advise you on whether you may have grounds to pursue a claim.
This may involve considering how the accident happened, who may be legally responsible, the nature of your injuries and the evidence available to support your claim.
If your solicitor is prepared to act on a no win no fee basis, they should explain the arrangement and its terms before you instruct them. You should understand what happens if your claim succeeds, what happens if your claim is unsuccessful and whether you could be responsible for any additional costs.
Does no win no fee mean there are no costs if I lose?
Not necessarily. This is an important point to understand when considering a no win no fee personal injury claim.
Although the arrangement may mean that your solicitor’s professional fees are not payable if your claim is unsuccessful, other costs or liabilities may arise depending on the circumstances of your case.
For example, a personal injury claim can involve expenses such as medical reports, expert evidence or other outlays. There may also be circumstances in which legal costs are payable to another party.
Before making a personal injury compensation claim, you should therefore ask your solicitor to explain the potential costs and financial risks involved.
Can anyone make a no win no fee personal injury claim?
No. Whether a solicitor can offer this type of arrangement will depend on the individual circumstances of your case and its prospects of success.
Personal injury claims can arise from a range of accidents, including road traffic accidents, workplace accidents, accidents in public places and other circumstances where someone else’s negligence may have caused an injury.
It is important to seek legal advice promptly because personal injury claims in Ireland are subject to time limits. The applicable time limit can depend on the circumstances of the claim.
Speak to a personal injury solicitor
If you have been injured and believe someone else may be responsible, obtaining advice from an experienced personal injury solicitor can help you understand your legal options.
Every personal injury case is different. Before proceeding with a claim, make sure you understand the terms of any costs agreement and the potential financial implications of your case.
We meet with clients throughout Ireland, including in counties such as Galway, Mayo, Clare, Limerick and Dublin.
Contact us now for further advice at 091 820630, by email at m.kerrigan@kerrigansolicitors.ie or visit our website at kerrigansolicitors.ie.