Who are No win no fee solicitors?
If someone has been injured in an accident and needs the right advice to claim compensation for the injuries suffered in the mishap, he/she needs to approach a ‘no win no fee’ solicitor who holds expertise in such claims.
This kind of arrangement is highly beneficial, as such solicitors allow people to concentrate on their case rather than worrying about paying fees.
‘No win no fee’ means that claimants do not need to pay the fees if solicitors lose their case.
‘No win no fee’ solicitors are becoming increasingly popular and most people who desire to make a claim for their losses are resorting to this option as the claimants need not pay the solicitors if they lose the case.
However, the most important thing is choosing an appropriate ‘no win no fee’ solicitor.
People should spend a fair amount of time while researching and should not make any decision in haste. As many solicitors have now setup websites, people can also search the internet for ‘no win no fee’ solicitors in their area, get a fair idea about the process and services and then arrange a meeting with them.
Recently, a leading British law firm, fighting for 30,000 Africans who were victims of a massive pollution disaster in Ivory Coast, on a ‘no win no fee’ basis, got the victims an acceptable compensation from an oil trading company.
"Over the last few weeks we have been exploring with [the firm] the possibility of resolving the 30,000 claims,” a senior official at the law firm was quoted by The Guardian as saying.
“The claimants are very pleased and are keen to see the issue resolved. The sum being discussed is based on the range of short-term symptoms claimed by our clients," he added.
In case of a ’no win no fee’ agreement, the solicitors are not only paid when they win the case for their clients but also become eligible for an additional ‘success fee’. Both extra fee and the basic fee are usually incurred by the losing side, either in whole or part as decided by the court.
Other expenses like court or medical fees are called as disbursements and are also usually paid by the losing side. However, the claimant is liable to pay the solicitor the rest of the costs, if any, which the losing side is not ordered to pay.
One should keep in mind a few important things before pursuing a ‘no win no fee’ claim. In case of an accidental claim, the case should be filed within 3 years of the mishap. However, it is advisable to file for compensation as soon as possible, so that the solicitor can collect evidence supporting your case.
Moreover, one should not settle for compensation in haste as in such a situation one can end up getting just a fraction of what he/she actually deserves.
Choosing an appropriate ‘no win no fee’ solicitor is always essential as their expertise and guidance only can help you make a successful compensation claim.
Updated on 10/7/2009