How do No Win, No Fee injury solicitors get paid?
Updated: 15 Sep, 2025 By Chris Salmon
Most personal injury claims are funded through a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), more commonly known as a No Win, No Fee agreement. This arrangement allows injured claimants to pursue compensation without the risk of paying legal fees upfront.
What happens if you win your claim?
If your claim is successful, your solicitor will charge a success fee. This fee is deducted from your compensation award.
By law, success fees cannot exceed 25% of your compensation. The 25% cap is set by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). In addition, the defendant (your employer’s insurer) will usually pay your solicitor’s basic legal costs.
What happens if you lose your claim?
If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not pay any legal fees to your solicitor. In most cases, legal expenses insurance is taken out at the start of your claim to cover the other side’s costs. This means you can pursue a claim without financial risk.
CFAs vary between firms. Ask your solicitor about the specfics of the no win, no fee agreement on offer. The CFA should set out all costs, including success fees and disbursements. Don't sign anything until you are happy with the terms.
John Kushnick
Legal Operations Director (NAL)
Do I lose 25% of my compensation?
Not exactly. In 2013, legal funding reforms known as the Jackson Reforms introduced a 10% increase to general damages (compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity) in No Win, No Fee cases.
This uplift was designed to offset the impact of success fees. For many claimants, the increase in general damages helps to balance out the 25% deduction, so the final amount they receive is closer to what they would have been awarded under the old rules.
About the author
Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.
Last reviewed September 2025 by Chris Salmon
Have you been injured at work?
If you have been injured at work in the last 3 years, you may be able to claim financial compensation.
Find out more about making a work accident claim:
- Do you qualify?
- How much compensation could you get?
- How does No Win, No Fee work?
Read more: Work accident claim guide
One quick call can give you clarity and confidence about your options after a work accident. A specialist advisor will:
- Give free, confidential and impartial advice
- Explain clearly how No Win, No Fee works
- Connect you with the right solicitor for your case
You're under no pressure to claim. We'll get you the right advice, when you need it.
External references
- GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury - official overview of compensation and funding legal help.
- Citizens Advice: Personal injury compensation - explains how solicitors are paid in personal injury cases.
- The Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013 - legislation that governs success fees in No Win No Fee cases.
- GOV.UK: Legal aid - explains when legal aid is available for injury or related claims.