What does no win, no fee mean?

The term no win no fee is literally describing the type of attorney payment arrangement that is applied, should you retain the attorney.

If your lawyer does not win your case, you do not pay any attorney fees. That is to say that you pay no up-front fees until your case reaches a verdict in court or settles in your favor.

Do all attorneys offer contingency fee agreements?

Business and contract attorneys typically do not use contingency fee agreements and work strictly on an hourly basis since the outcome of their services may not result in any type of financial outcome.

Personal injury lawyers most often work on contingency basis because this provides flexibility for any individual to hire the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys without worrying about fees. This way, a person who has been severely injured doesn’t have to choose between an attorney who specializes in personal injury and a recent law school grad that may have no experience whatsoever.

When you need the best legal representation, the no win no fee arrangement works in your favor.

Fees vs. Costs

What most people don’t realize when they search for a contingency fee attorney is that the attorney fees and incurred costs are two different things.

Court costs, investigative costs and other expenses associated with working on a personal injury case can be passed onto a client if the case is unsuccessful, leaving that person liable for making payments. Just because an attorney fee is waived doesn’t mean you are off the hook for paying anything.

Exception: Third Party Costs (Liens)

It is important to note however, that any costs incurred with third parties (such as chiropractors, doctors or any other medical providers) are responsibility of the client. This is standard practice no matter who you talk to.