No Win No Fee
Cost is one of the first things people worry about; often before they even mention their injury. Here's how our fee approach works, in plain English.
What does No Win No Fee mean?
We act for most injury compensation clients on a No Win No Fee basis. Broadly, that means our professional fees are not payable unless your claim is successful. It is a conditional costs arrangement, and the specific terms are set out in a written costs agreement you receive before any work begins.
It does not mean that a claim is free in every sense, and it does not mean that every claim will succeed. We'd rather set that out clearly at the start than have it come as a surprise later.
When might legal fees apply?
Professional fees generally become payable if your claim is successful, and are usually paid from the compensation recovered. If your matter does not succeed, our fee arrangement is designed so that you are not left owing our professional fees.
What costs might still exist?
Separate from professional fees, most claims involve outlays (sometimes called disbursements). These are amounts paid to third parties in order to run your claim, and can include:
- Medical records and specialist medico-legal reports
- Court and filing fees, where a claim is litigated
- Barristers' fees, where counsel is briefed
- Investigation and expert reports
- Refunds required to be repaid to Medicare, Centrelink or an insurer
You should always receive this in writing
Before we start, you receive a written costs agreement and disclosure explaining how fees and costs work in your matter. Take the time you need to read it, and ask us anything that isn't clear.
What should you ask about fees?
- What exactly counts as a "win" under this agreement?
- What happens to outlays if my claim is unsuccessful?
- Is there an uplift fee, and if so, how is it calculated?
- Are there any costs if I end the retainer partway through?
- Could I be liable for another party's costs in any circumstance?
- How will I be kept updated on costs as the matter progresses?
These are reasonable questions and any lawyer should be comfortable answering them directly.
How Andrews explains costs in your matter
Every claim is different, so we explain the costs that apply to your particular matter during your free case review and confirm them in writing. If circumstances change during the claim, we tell you what that means for costs at the time — not at the end.
Common questions
Related pages
Draft content: this page is general information only and requires review and approval by Andrews Injury & TPD before publication. It is not legal advice.
Want to know what your claim would cost?
Ask us during your free case review. We'll explain it plainly, in writing.