Question 1

What does no win no fee mean in the UK?

Accepted Answer

No win no fee in the UK refers to a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). Your solicitor agrees to handle your case and charges no professional fees if your claim is unsuccessful. If you win, the solicitor charges their base costs plus a success fee — an uplift capped at 25% of your damages for personal injury claims.

Question 2

What is a Conditional Fee Agreement?

Accepted Answer

A Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) is a legally binding contract between a client and a solicitor. The solicitor agrees to act on the basis that their fees are conditional on the outcome of the case. CFAs are regulated by the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 and the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO).

Question 3

Do I have to pay anything if I lose my case in the UK?

Accepted Answer

For personal injury claims, Qualified One-Way Costs Shifting (QOCS) means you are generally protected from paying the defendant's legal costs if you lose. However, you may still be liable for your own disbursements (medical report fees, court fees) unless covered by After-the-Event (ATE) insurance.

Question 4

What is the success fee on a no win no fee claim?

Accepted Answer

The success fee is an uplift that the solicitor can charge on top of their base costs if the case is successful. It can be up to 100% of base costs but for personal injury claims it is capped at 25% of damages awarded for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (general damages) plus past losses.

Question 5

What types of cases can I bring on a no win no fee basis in the UK?

Accepted Answer

The most common types include personal injury, road traffic accidents, employer's liability, clinical negligence, industrial disease, housing disrepair, and certain employment tribunal claims. Not all case types are suitable for CFAs — your solicitor will assess the merits before offering one.

No Win No Fee in the United Kingdom

Understanding No Win No Fee

What Is No Win No Fee?

Conditional Fee Agreements

Damages-Based Agreements

After-the-Event Insurance

QOCS Explained

Costs Explained

Legal Glossary

Practice Areas

Personal Injury

Road Traffic Accidents

Employers' Liability

Public Liability

Medical Negligence

Clinical Negligence

Industrial Disease

Employment Law

Housing Disrepair

Fatal Accidents

Product Liability

Financial Mis-selling

Abuse Claims

Holiday Sickness

Data Protection

Criminal Injuries

Dental Negligence

Cosmetic Surgery

Professional Negligence

Military Claims

Frequently Asked Questions