No Win No Fee | Legal Fees Explained
What Does No Win No Fee* mean for your Personal Injury Case?
No Win No Fee* A term used for a legal agreement commonly used in personal injury cases in Ireland. Under this agreement, solicitors cover the upfront costs of litigation, such as medical reports and court fees, making it possible for clients without sufficient funds to pursue their cases. Although the Law Society prohibits solicitors in Ireland from advertising these services. Therefore, clients should always verify directly with their chosen solicitor whether they operate on a “No Win No Fee” basis and ensure that this agreement is documented in writing. Irish Law on Injury Claims. Phone: 014537890 | Email: info@lawline.ie
No Win No Fee Explained
No Win No Fee* – A term for a legal agreement to describe how solicitors take on a case where they pay the costs of the litigation. Solicitors in Ireland who operate on this basis pay for the medical reports, stamp duty, experts fees and all other legal costs associated with the personal injury case. In the vast majority of cases, clients would not be in a position to fund the cost of litigation and thus it is quite a common practice for specialised personal injury firms to operate on a “no win no fee” basis.
The Law Society has strict rules in place regarding advertising and these prohibit any solicitor from advertising their services as no win no fee. It is important that you clarify with your solicitors before instructing them that they do operate on a no win no fee basis and ensure that this is also put in writing to you.
No Win No Fee* Explained by David Synnott – Principal Solicitor
What are the Rules for a No Win No Fee Agreement?
In Irish Law, No Win No Fee agreements between solicitor and client are legal. A No Win No Fee agreement means a solicitor cannot charge for their legal services unless they deliver a successful case outcome. The case can be successfully settled outside of court or in court by a Judge’s ruling.
How much will my case cost?
Legal fees will always vary depending on the injury case complexity. We provide our clients with an estimate of costs at the early stages of the case once we have a clear understanding of the accident type and injuries sustained.
Is it safe to use a No Win No Fee Solicitor?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to have a no win no fee agreement with your solicitor, as The Law Society are the regulatory body in Ireland for any practicing Law firm and they have strict rules in place for law firms to adhere to. See Law Society Regulations.
What are the Terms and Conditions of a No Win No Fee Agreement?
It’s important you clarify the terms of your No Win No Fee Agreement with your solicitor as these conditions may vary from law firm to law firm. In some unsuccessful cases, although the solicitor cannot charge any legal fees, there may be outlay costs that the client will be liable for such as medical reports, court stamp duty, etc. At Synnott Lawline, Once you Instruct us to take on your case, we ensure your agreement is in place in writing.
Personal Injuries Legal Services – Looking after clients for over 35 years
We are one of Irelands’ leading Nationwide Personal Injury Law Firms and have been providing expert legal advice on injury claims including: Road Accident Claims, Claiming for injuries in Public and Private Places and Workplace Accidents and all other personal injury types. Our team is dedicated to providing our clients with the very best level of service in a friendly and efficient manner for all aspects of injury claims. See our page on personal injuries services.
*Solicitors Advertising Regulations – Relating to Compensation Claims in Ireland
The regulations forbid the inclusion of any words or phrases which suggest that legal services relating to a compensation claim will be provided on a no win no fee basis as such prohibition is in line with the statutory ban on advertisements which encourage or induce claims for damages for personal injuries. It should be noted that there is no prohibition on solicitors in Ireland undertaking work on a no win no fee basis, and solicitors are perfectly entitled to offer their services on a no win no fee basis, and indeed many solicitors’ firms operate on a no foal, no fee basis. The restriction on solicitors is merely on the content of their advertisements.
The general right of solicitors to advertise is severely curtailed when it comes to advertising for personal injuries claims. The Solicitors (Advertising) Regulations, 2002 (S.I. No. 518 of 2002) introduced a ban on advertisements which refer to claims or possible claims for damages for personal injuries, the outcome of such claims or the provision of services by solicitors in conjunction with such claims. The regulations prohibit advertisements which “solicit, encourage or offer any inducement” to make such claims. The regulations specify that the advertisement may include, amongst other things, “factual information on the legal services and areas of law to which the services relate”. The regulations specify that the words “personal injuries” may be included in such factual information in a “list of services”.
Get our Free Injury Claims Guide – Helping you understand the Claims Process
We developed this Injury Claims Booklet to give our clients an understanding of the personal injury claims process. During the course of your injury case, we will make reference to the relevant sections of this guide by way of explanation of the particular aspect of your claim. The guide includes information about: The Claims Process, How to know if you have a case, Costs, Litigation, Outlay, Going go to Court? The Injuries Resolution Board, What you will be awarded and much more about the overall claims process. Booklet Produced by Synnott Lawline Solicitors.
No Win No Fee FAQs
Yes, a no win no fee agrement is highly attractive from the client’s perspective as they effectively will have had a completely free legal service in the event that the claim fails (subject to the proviso that a claimant may be held liable for the Defendant’s costs in the event that a claim is dismissed in Court, but this is a very rare outcome).
Yes, no win no fee is perfectly legal in Irish Law
There is no success fee as such. In most cases the bulk of a claimant’s legal costs are payable by the other side but there is usually a shortfall in recoverable costs which is payable by the claimant
Read More – Related Pages
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If you were involved in an accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and any financial losses you have incurred. We are here to help you begin your claim. Contact us 7 days a week by phone, email or fill out the callback form and a solicitor will contact you without delay. We are Here to Help.
Synnott Lawline Personal Injury and Medical Negligence Claims
Our firm provides legal assistance to individuals who have suffered injuries due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. Our services encompass a wide range of actions, including investigating the circumstances of the accident, gathering evidence for your case, advising you on your legal rights and options, and negotiating with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement. If necessary, we will also represent you in court proceedings if a settlement cannot be achieved. We aim to ensure that your medical expenses, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering are adequately addressed while navigating the complex legal landscape on your behalf. below is a list of some of our services. If you have a query on starting an injury claim, contact us today, we are her to help.
