How much does it cost to make a work injury claim?

By Chris Salmon | Updated: September 15, 2025

One of the main worries for anyone thinking about claiming is the cost. Thanks to No Win No Fee agreements, there is no financial risk in starting a work injury claim. But what exactly do you pay if your claim is successful, and are there any hidden costs to be aware of?

At a glance

No upfront fees – you pay nothing to start a claim
Solicitors charge a success fee only if you win
Success fees are capped by law at 25% of compensation
ATE insurance covers costs if your claim is unsuccessful

No Win No Fee explained

The majority of work injury claims are made under a No Win No Fee agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This allows you to claim compensation without paying anything upfront. If your claim is successful, your solicitor will receive a success fee. If it is unsuccessful, your solicitor is paid nothing.

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What will it cost me if I win?

Success fees are calculated as a percentage of your final settlement. By law, the maximum success fee is 25% of your compensation. Your solicitor will explain their success fee at the start of the claim, along with any other deductions such as Legal Expenses Insurance.

To balance this deduction, since 2013 general damages awards in No Win No Fee cases have been increased by 10% under the Jackson reforms.

What about other costs?

If you lose your claim, you are technically responsible for the defendant’s legal costs. This is where After the Event (ATE) insurance comes in. ATE insurance protects you from these costs, making a No Win No Fee claim genuinely risk-free. The policy usually costs between £100 and £200, and the cost is only deducted from your compensation if you win. You do not pay for it if you lose.

Could there be hidden fees?

Your CFA should make all costs transparent. However, some solicitors include clauses that could trigger fees in limited circumstances, such as if you stop cooperating, reject your solicitor’s advice on a fair settlement, or if the defendant cannot pay. Always read the CFA carefully and ask questions before signing.

When do I pay?

With No Win No Fee, you never pay anything upfront. If your claim succeeds, the solicitor’s success fee and ATE insurance premium (if applicable) are deducted from your compensation before you receive it. If your claim fails, you pay nothing at all.

Key Points

No upfront fees to start a work injury claim.
If you win, a success fee capped at 25% and any ATE premium are deducted from your compensation.
If you lose, you pay nothing because ATE insurance covers the other side’s costs.
All costs should be clearly set out in your CFA. Check before signing.

External references

GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury - official guidance on compensation and legal funding.
Citizens Advice: Personal injury compensation - explains solicitor fees, costs, and deductions.
The Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013 - legislation setting rules for No Win No Fee success fees.
GOV.UK: Legal aid - explains limited circumstances where legal aid is available.

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.

More about Chris and WAAC

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?