If you suffered injuries because someone caused a car crash or didn’t clean up a spill in a store you were in, you likely qualify to recover damages from those responsible. A personal injury lawyer can help you obtain compensation, but you’re probably worried about the cost. You may have seen ads from a lawyer promising a no-win, no-fee guarantee. But what is a no-win-no-fee lawyer, and how can they help you seek justice and compensation from those responsible for your injuries and losses?
No-fee lawyers work on what’s called a contingency fee basis. This arrangement makes it easier for everyday people to stand up to big insurance companies and large businesses. You don’t need to be wealthy to hire a qualified personal injury lawyer. The reason is that you don’t have to pay anything upfront to retain the lawyer’s services. They only receive a fee if they help you recover compensation. That fee is a pre-determined percentage of the settlement or court award they obtain for you. You agree to the percentage in writing before they even start your case.
While this sounds straightforward, there are certain things you need to keep in mind as you search for an attorney to take your case. No-win, no-fee doesn’t always mean the same thing to all lawyers. You could be on the hook for expenses if you don’t know what to watch out for.
Read on to learn more about contingency fees and typical arrangements lawyers use. You’ll also learn the red flags that may indicate the lawyer is not on the up-and-up regarding fees.For specific advice about your case and to discuss the attorney’s contingency fee schedule in more detail, contact a personal injury attorney near you for a free consultation.
What Exactly Is a No-Win-No-Fee Arrangement?
As mentioned, no-win-no-fee agreements—also called contingency fee agreements—give people access to legal help without needing to pay upfront legal bills. These arrangements are common in personal injury cases because they reduce the financial burden on injury victims.
Instead of billing by the hour, the lawyer gets a percentage of the money recovered for the client. This is the “contingency fee,” and it’s based on the outcome.
Fees vs. Costs: It’s important to separate attorney fees from case costs. Fees pay the lawyer for their work. Costs are out-of-pocket expenses—like court filing fees, medical records, expert witnesses, or postage. Most law firms cover these costs upfront and get reimbursed from the settlement or judgment.
Typical Percentages: Most contingency fees range from 33% to 40%. For example, if your case settles for $90,000 and the fee is 33%, the lawyer receives $29,700.
Why Lawyers Offer Contingency Fee Arrangements
Contingency fees aren’t just convenient—they help level the playing field.
- Legal Help for Everyone: You don’t need savings or a big paycheck to get legal representation. That means more people can hold wrongdoers accountable, even without money to spare.
- Shared Goals: Since the lawyer’s pay depends on the result, both client and attorney want the same thing: the best possible outcome.
- Common Practice: Most personal injury firms work this way. It’s the industry norm, especially in cases involving injury or wrongful death.
What Types of Cases Do No-Win-No-Fee Lawyers Handle?
Lawyers who work under contingency arrangements typically take on cases where someone has been hurt and someone else is responsible. These lawyers often focus on personal injury claims.
Personal Injury Cases
- Car Accidents: From rear-end crashes to freeway pileups, these cases often involve proving driver negligence and recovering insurance compensation.
- Bicycle Accidents: Injured cyclists may be able to recover damages when hit by careless drivers or unsafe road conditions.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Riders are vulnerable, and even minor accidents can cause serious injuries.
- Slip & Fall / Trip & Fall: Property owners who don’t keep their premises safe may be held accountable when people get hurt due to spills, uneven pavement, or poor lighting.
- Truck Accidents: These cases can involve multiple parties—truck drivers, companies, or even maintenance crews. They often require detailed investigation.
- Bus Accidents: Injuries from public or private bus crashes may lead to claims against companies or government entities.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Drivers who fail to yield or speed through crosswalks can be held responsible for injuries to pedestrians.
- Rideshare Accidents: Uber and Lyft passengers and other motorists involved in these crashes may be eligible for compensation from insurance policies.
- Sexual Abuse: Survivors may bring civil claims against individuals or institutions that failed to prevent or stop abuse.
How Do I Know If I Qualify for a No-Win-No-Fee Arrangement?
Not every case qualifies for a contingency fee agreement. Lawyers review several factors before agreeing to take on a claim.
Case Merit Assessment
- Initial Consultation: Most personal injury firms offer a free first meeting. During that time, the attorney learns about what happened, reviews any evidence you’ve gathered, and asks questions.
- Evidence Requirements: Key details—like police reports, medical records, photos, and witness statements—help a lawyer decide if the case is strong enough to pursue.
- Case Strength: The attorney looks at who’s at fault, the seriousness of the injury, whether insurance is available, and how clearly the harm can be connected to the incident.
Financial Qualification Considerations
- No Income Check: These arrangements don’t depend on how much money you earn. You won’t need to submit tax returns or financial documents to qualify.
- Contrast with Hourly Billing: Traditional lawyers often charge hundreds of dollars per hour. A contingency arrangement removes that barrier, giving more people access to quality legal help.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a No-Win-No-Fee Lawyer?
This setup isn’t just convenient—it offers real advantages for injury victims.
Financial Advantages
- No Upfront Costs: You don’t need to pay a retainer or monthly bills. That’s especially helpful when medical expenses or lost income are already piling up.
- No Risk If Case Doesn’t Lead to Compensation: If the lawyer isn’t able to recover money for you, you don’t owe legal fees. That removes the worry of spending money on a case that doesn’t succeed.
- Legal Help Without Budget Stress: Even if you're living paycheck to paycheck, you can still get help from a legal team that’s ready to advocate for you.
Strategic Advantages
- Motivated to Maximize Outcome: Because their payment depends on the amount recovered, contingency lawyers have a reason to push for every dollar you deserve.
- Firm Resources Committed to Your Case: Many cases need help from investigators, medical professionals, and other experts. Reputable firms are willing to front those expenses.
- Real-World Experience with Similar Cases: Lawyers who regularly take contingency cases know how to handle insurance companies that stall, delay, or deny valid claims.
What Costs Might I Still Need to Pay?
Contingency fees don’t mean the entire process is free. There are still costs involved in filing and handling a case.
Court Filing Fees and Expenses
- Fees vs. Costs: The contingency fee covers the lawyer’s time. Costs include things like filing fees, medical records, postage, and court reporters.
- Timing of Payment: Many firms advance these costs and take them out of your final settlement. Others might expect some payment later if the case doesn’t produce a financial recovery.
- Reputable Firm Practices: Trustworthy firms discuss costs in writing, explain how they’ll be paid, and won’t surprise you with hidden charges.
Settlement Distribution Breakdown
Let’s say you settle a case for $100,000. A breakdown might look like this:
- $35,000 – Attorney’s fee (35%)
- $4,000 – Case costs (filing, records, experts)
- $61,000 – Amount paid to the client
Transparency Matters
You should receive a written summary of where every dollar goes. If you have questions, the firm should be ready to explain.
How Do I Choose the Right No-Win-No-Fee Lawyer?
Not every lawyer is a good fit. Choosing the right one makes a difference in your experience and outcome.
Experience and Track Record
- Look for Relevant Case History: Ask whether the lawyer has handled similar types of cases—like car crashes, slip and falls, or truck accidents.
- Ask About Results: Find out how much the firm has recovered in past cases and how often they reach favorable outcomes.
- Red Flags: Be cautious if a lawyer guarantees a certain amount or pushes you to sign paperwork before you’ve had a chance to read it carefully.
Communication Style and Availability
- Regular Updates: You should know what’s happening in your case. Ask how often you’ll hear from your attorney or team.
- Access to Your Lawyer: You deserve to speak with the person handling your case—not just a receptionist or assistant.
- Fast Responses: The firm should return calls and emails quickly. If they’re slow to respond before you hire them, that’s a bad sign.
What Should I Expect During My No-Win-No-Fee Case?
Every case is different, but most follow a general timeline.
The Legal Process Timeline
- Initial Consultation: You tell your story, and the lawyer explains your options.
- Investigation Phase: The firm gathers evidence, speaks with witnesses, reviews records, and may bring in outside experts.
- Negotiation Phase: The attorney presents the claim to the at-fault party’s insurance company. If they delay or make a lowball offer, your lawyer will push back.
- Possible Trial Preparation: If the other side refuses to settle fairly, your attorney may prepare to take the case to court.
- Resolution: Most cases settle at some point, but some go to trial. Either way, you’ll be involved in key decisions.
Client Responsibilities
- Honest Communication: Share accurate information about your injury, background, and the incident itself.
- Follow Medical Advice: Gaps in treatment can hurt your case. Keep up with appointments and follow doctor instructions.
- Stay in Touch: Update your lawyer about any changes—like moving, changing phone numbers, or new medical treatments.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your No-Win-No-Fee Case?
Our law firm puts clients first and works hard to get real results.
Our Success Rate
- Proven Results: We’ve recovered millions for people injured in accidents throughout Chicago.
- Strong Track Record: We consistently achieve favorable outcomes through settlements and verdicts.
- What Clients Say: Our past clients appreciate our communication, honesty, and results. Their testimonials speak for themselves.
Our Client-First Approach
- Clear Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way and respond to your questions fast.
- Dedicated Team: From investigators to case managers, we assign resources to help build your claim.
- Tailored Legal Strategy: We don’t take a cookie-cutter approach. Your case gets the individual attention it deserves.
FAQs About No-Win-No-Fee Representation
Is a no-win-no-fee the same as pro bono representation?
No. Pro bono means free legal help with no expectation of payment. Contingency means the lawyer gets paid if money is recovered. Both help people afford legal help, but they work differently.
What happens if my case takes a long time to resolve?
Some cases take months—or even years—if the other side stalls or fights back. Your lawyer stays with you the whole way and keeps working until there’s a resolution.
Can I switch lawyers mid-case if I'm not satisfied?
Yes, you can. If you change lawyers during a contingency case, both firms may need to share the fee. Your new attorney can explain how that works and make the switch smooth.
Are there cases your firm won't take on a contingency basis?
We focus on helping injury victims and take all personal injury cases on contingency. However, we may not accept every case type. Check our practice areas page to see what we handle.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Illinois?
Illinois law allows you only two years to file a personal injury claim in civil court. Missing that deadline could prevent any recovery at all. Some exceptions exist, and claims against government entities have shorter deadlines and additional legal complexities. Contact an attorney for advice about your case.
Contact Our Skilled Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers Now
If you’ve been injured and don’t know where to start, reach out today. We offer a free consultation with no pressure and no upfront costs. You don’t pay legal fees unless we recover money for you.Call us anytime—24/7—at (312) 924-7575. Let us help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
David Abels
Partner
David Abels has carved a niche for himself in the personal injury law sector, dedicating a substantial part of his career since 1997 to representing victims of various accidents. With a law practice that spans over two decades, his expertise has been consistently recognized within the legal community.
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