Being involved in an accident that was not your fault can be distressing enough without worrying about legal costs. For residents of Weymouth and the surrounding areas, a no win, no fee personal injury solicitor can offer peace of mind and access to justice without the burden of paying upfront legal fees.
In this guide, we explain how no win, no fee arrangements work, what you can expect from the claims process, and why working with a local firm like Marley Solicitors could make a real difference to your outcome.
What is a no win, no fee agreement?
A no win, no fee agreement, officially known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), is a legal contract between you and your solicitor. It means that you will only pay legal fees if your case is successful.
If you do not win your case, you will not owe your solicitor anything for their time or legal services. This type of arrangement makes pursuing a personal injury claim accessible to anyone, regardless of their financial situation.
When can you use a no win, no fee solicitor?
You can use a no win, no fee solicitor in most personal injury claims, where someone else is legally responsible for your injury. These might include:
- Road traffic accidents (cars, bikes, and pedestrians)
- Accidents at work
- Slips, trips, and falls in public places
- Faulty product injuries
- Injuries in shops, restaurants, or other commercial premises
- Construction and industrial site accidents
- Claims on behalf of someone who has died as a result of negligence
If you live in or near Weymouth and you have been injured in the last three years, you may be eligible to make a claim through a no win, no fee agreement.
How do no win, no fee injury claims work?
Here’s what typically happens when you instruct a no win, no fee solicitor:
Step 1: Free case assessment
You’ll start with a free consultation to assess whether your claim is likely to succeed. This can often be done over the phone or in person at a local Weymouth office.
Step 2: Agreement and paperwork
If your case has merit, your solicitor will explain the terms of the no win, no fee agreement. You’ll also discuss ATE insurance (more on this shortly) to protect you from additional costs.
Step 3: Evidence gathering
Your legal team will gather evidence, which may include medical reports, witness statements, accident records, and photographs. They may also arrange an independent medical assessment.
Step 4: Liability and negotiation
The other party will be notified of the claim. Most cases settle through negotiation, but if necessary, your solicitor will take the case to court on your behalf.
Step 5: Settlement or compensation award
If your claim is successful, compensation will be awarded for pain and suffering, medical costs, loss of earnings, and other damages. Your solicitor’s success fee (capped at 25% of your compensation) and ATE premium will be deducted.
If your claim is denied, you won’t be responsible for paying your lawyer’s fees.
What is a success fee?
The success fee is a percentage of your compensation that your solicitor receives for taking the risk of working under a no win, no fee model. By law, this cannot exceed 25% of your final compensation amount.
All fees and deductions will be explained upfront. You will never be charged hidden or unexpected costs.
What is ATE insurance?
After the Event (ATE) insurance is a specialist policy designed to protect claimants if a no win, no fee case is unsuccessful. It typically covers:
- The other side’s legal costs
- Court fees
- Expert witness costs
- Disbursements
You only pay the ATE premium if your case is successful, and it is usually deducted from your compensation. Your solicitor will help arrange this cover before your claim is formally submitted.
Is a no win, no fee claim really risk-free?
When properly arranged, yes; a no win, no fee claim offers a low-risk, cost-effective route to seeking justice. With the right solicitor and ATE insurance in place, you are protected from legal fees even if your case fails.
It’s crucial to work with a reputable legal firm that will be transparent about the process, explain all costs clearly, and support you from start to finish.
Why choose a local solicitor in Weymouth?
While large national firms often advertise aggressively online, there are key advantages to working with a local Weymouth-based personal injury solicitor:
Face-to-face support
Having the option to visit your lawyer in person means better communication, clearer explanations, and a more personalised experience.
Local knowledge
A Weymouth-based solicitor is familiar with local accident blackspots, NHS trusts, employers, and regional insurers, all of which can benefit your claim.
Quicker turnaround times
Working with a local firm usually means faster communication and fewer delays. There’s no need to chase a distant office for updates.
Community reputation
Local solicitors rely on trust and reputation within the community. You’re more likely to receive honest, attentive service compared to a large call centre operation.
Common myths about no win, no fee personal injury claims
“I’ll have to pay hidden charges”
This is a common misconception. Reputable solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and must be transparent about all costs.
“The solicitor will take most of my compensation”
By law, the success fee cannot exceed 25% of your final award. Many firms take less than this. You’ll be told in writing exactly what to expect.
“My case isn’t serious enough to claim”
Even relatively minor injuries can result in compensation if someone else was at fault. Don’t dismiss your case without speaking to a solicitor first.
How much compensation could I receive?
Compensation is calculated based on:
- The severity of your injury
- Recovery time
- Loss of income
- Medical expenses
- Future care needs
- Psychological impact
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Your solicitor will use official guidelines and case precedents to provide an estimate early in the process.
Can I switch solicitors if I’ve already started a claim?
Yes. If you are not happy with your current solicitor or feel they are not handling your case properly, you can transfer your claim to a new firm. Marley Solicitors regularly take over claims from larger firms where clients feel neglected or underrepresented.
Start your no win, no fee claim in Weymouth today
If you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, you deserve answers and fair compensation without worrying about legal costs. At Marley Solicitors, our Weymouth personal injury specialists are here to guide you every step of the way.
We’ll handle your case with care, clarity, and a commitment to results. You won’t pay us a penny unless your claim is successful.
