How do No Win, No Fee injury solicitors get paid?

Updated: 7 Oct, 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.

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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 specifics 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
National Accident Law

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.

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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.

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Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon