The No Win No Fee Model
"No win, no fee" describes contingency fee arrangements in personal injury cases. The attorney takes the case with the understanding that their fee is contingent on winning — if no recovery is obtained, no attorney fee is charged. This makes legal representation accessible to people who cannot afford hourly legal rates.
What "Winning" Means
In personal injury, "winning" means obtaining a monetary recovery — through settlement or verdict. It does not mean obtaining the exact amount you asked for. Even a settlement lower than your original demand is a recovery on which the contingency fee applies.
Case Costs Are Separate
Case costs — filing fees, expert witness fees, deposition costs, records retrieval — are separate from the attorney's fee. Review your agreement carefully. In many no-win-no-fee agreements, costs advanced by the attorney are still repaid from the recovery. In some arrangements, the attorney absorbs costs if the case is lost.
Why This Model Benefits Injury Victims
- No upfront payment required — accessible regardless of financial situation
- Attorney's financial interests aligned with client\'s — both benefit from maximizing recovery
- Attorney screening process — attorneys who work on contingency evaluate cases before accepting, which filters out weak cases
- Risk shared between attorney and client
Get Legal Help in Your City
InjuryClaimSource is an educational resource. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. Consult a qualified personal injury attorney for advice about your specific situation.