No Win No Fee Injury at Work Claims – What You Really Pay
If you have been injured at work, one of the first questions you are likely to ask is:
“How much will it cost to make a claim?”
Many people avoid seeking legal advice because they are worried about legal fees, hidden costs, or being left with a large bill if the case does not succeed.
At Aston Knight Solicitors, we believe injured workers should have access to specialist legal representation without the worry of upfront legal costs or financial uncertainty. That is why the majority of workplace accident claims we handle are funded through a No Win No Fee agreement.
But what does “No Win No Fee” actually mean in practice?
What do you really pay if your claim succeeds?
And are there any hidden costs you should know about?
In this guide, we explain exactly how No Win No Fee injury at work claims work, what deductions may apply, and what you should expect before starting your claim.
What Is a No Win No Fee Agreement?
A No Win No Fee agreement is formally known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).
It allows you to pursue a compensation claim without paying legal fees upfront.
Under a No Win No Fee agreement:
- You do not pay legal fees at the start of the case
- You do not pay monthly solicitor fees while the claim is ongoing
- If the claim is unsuccessful, you generally do not pay your solicitor’s fees
- If the claim succeeds, a pre-agreed success fee is deducted from your compensation
This funding arrangement helps injured employees access specialist legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
What Types of Workplace Accident Claims Can Be Made on a No Win No Fee Basis?
Most workplace injury claims can be pursued under a No Win No Fee agreement, including:
- Slips, trips and falls at work
- Falling objects and warehouse accidents
- Construction site injuries
- Machinery accidents
- Forklift truck accidents
- Manual handling injuries
- Back injuries and lifting accidents
- Injuries caused by unsafe equipment
- Electric shock injuries
- Accidents caused by lack of training or supervision
- Exposure to hazardous substances
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Work-related fractures and orthopaedic injuries
- Serious or catastrophic workplace injuries
At Aston Knight Solicitors, we regularly act for employees whose claims were previously rejected elsewhere because liability was denied or the case was considered too difficult.
What Do You Actually Pay If You Win?
This is the part many people worry about.
The reality is that No Win No Fee agreements are designed to make claims affordable and transparent.
If your claim succeeds, there are usually two potential deductions:
1. Success Fee
The success fee is a percentage deducted from your compensation.
This fee is agreed in advance before the claim begins.
In personal injury claims, the success fee is legally capped at 25% of certain parts of your compensation.
At Aston Knight Solicitors, we explain all deductions clearly before you proceed so you understand exactly where you stand.
2. Insurance Premium (If Applicable)
In some cases, an After the Event (ATE) insurance policy may be taken out.
This insurance helps protect you against certain legal costs and disbursements if the case is unsuccessful.
The premium is usually only payable if the claim succeeds.
Again, this is discussed with you in full before any agreement is signed.
It is also important to understand that in some cases there can be a difference between the legal costs recovered from the opponent and the total legal costs incurred during the case. Depending on the terms of the agreement, clients may in certain circumstances be responsible for part of that shortfall.
However, at Aston Knight Solicitors, we believe in complete transparency from the outset. Any potential liability for unrecovered costs, deductions, or additional expenses will be explained clearly before you proceed so you fully understand the funding arrangement and there are no unexpected surprises later in the claim.
Are There Any Upfront Costs?
In most workplace accident claims, the answer is no.
You should not have to pay:
- Upfront solicitor fees
- Hourly legal charges
- Court fees at the start of the claim
- Medical report fees upfront in most cases
Your solicitor usually funds the progression of the case and recovers eligible costs at the conclusion of a successful claim.
What Happens If You Lose?
One of the biggest benefits of a No Win No Fee agreement is financial protection.
If your claim is unsuccessful, you generally do not pay your solicitor’s legal fees.
This allows injured workers to pursue legitimate claims without the fear of a large legal bill.
However, every case is different, and your solicitor should explain any potential risks clearly before you proceed.
At Aston Knight Solicitors, we make sure clients understand the funding arrangement in straightforward language before the claim begins.
Can Your Employer Sack You for Making a Claim?
Many employees worry about bringing a claim against their employer because they fear losing their job.
In reality, the law protects employees from unfair treatment for pursuing a legitimate workplace accident claim.
Employers are legally required to have insurance in place for workplace injury claims.
Most claims are handled by the employer’s insurers rather than directly by the business owner.
If an employer dismisses or mistreats an employee because they made a genuine injury claim, this could potentially give rise to additional legal issues.
Why Some Injury at Work Claims Are Worth More Than People Expect
Many injured workers underestimate the true value of their claim.
Compensation is not just about the initial injury.
A claim may also include:
- Loss of earnings
- Future loss of earnings
- Overtime losses
- Pension losses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Medical treatment expenses
- Care and assistance
- Travel expenses
- Psychological injuries
- Future treatment costs
Serious workplace injuries can have long-term financial consequences, particularly where someone cannot return to their previous role.
That is why obtaining specialist legal advice early is important.
What Evidence Helps an Injury at Work Claim?
Strong evidence can significantly improve the prospects of success.
Helpful evidence may include:
- Accident book entries
- Photographs of the accident scene
- CCTV footage
- Witness details
- Medical records
- GP or hospital evidence
- Health and safety reports
- Training records
- Risk assessments
- Wage slips showing loss of earnings
Even if you do not currently have all of this evidence, a solicitor can often help obtain it.
How Long Do You Have to Make a Workplace Injury Claim?
In most cases, you have three years from:
- The date of the accident, or
- The date you became aware your injury was linked to your work
There can be exceptions, particularly involving children or individuals lacking mental capacity.
It is always better to seek advice sooner rather than later while evidence remains available.
Why Choose Aston Knight Solicitors?
Aston Knight Solicitors acts for injured people across England and Wales in serious and complex workplace accident claims.
We are known for:
- Taking on difficult and disputed liability cases
- Pursuing claims others may reject
- Providing direct solicitor access
- Offering clear advice without legal jargon
- Fighting for maximum compensation
- Supporting clients through rehabilitation and recovery
We understand that after a workplace accident, clients are often worried about money, employment, and their future.
Our role is to guide you through the claims process clearly and professionally from start to finish.
A Comment from Our Managing Director, Mr Khan
“Our clients are often worried about legal costs before they even ask whether they have a claim. One of the biggest misconceptions we see is people believing they cannot afford specialist legal representation after a workplace injury. No Win No Fee agreements exist to remove that barrier.
At Aston Knight Solicitors, we are committed to being transparent about costs from the very beginning. We explain exactly how the funding works, what deductions may apply, and what clients can realistically expect throughout the claims process.
We regularly help injured workers pursue claims that other firms may have rejected, particularly where liability is disputed or the injuries are serious. Our focus is always on securing the best possible outcome for our clients while supporting them through what is often a very difficult period in their lives.”
Frequently Asked Questions – No Win No Fee Injury at Work Claims
Is No Win No Fee really free if I lose?
In most cases, yes. If the claim is unsuccessful, you generally do not pay your solicitor’s legal fees under the agreement.
How much is the success fee?
The success fee is agreed before the claim begins and is legally capped in personal injury claims.
Will I have to go to court?
Most injury at work claims settle without a trial. However, court proceedings are sometimes necessary if liability or compensation is disputed.
How long does an injury at work claim take?
Straightforward cases may settle within months, while complex or serious injury claims can take longer.
Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?
Potentially, yes. Even if you were partly responsible, you may still recover compensation, although the amount may be reduced.
Can agency workers make workplace accident claims?
Yes. Agency workers, temporary workers, contractors, and employees may all have rights depending on the circumstances.
What if my employer says the accident was my fault?
Employers and insurers often deny liability initially. A specialist solicitor can investigate the evidence properly.
Can I claim for a back injury at work?
Yes. Back injuries caused by lifting, repetitive tasks, unsafe systems of work, or manual handling failures are extremely common workplace claims.
Will making a claim affect my future employment?
A legitimate compensation claim should not prevent future employment opportunities.
Do I need medical evidence?
Yes. Independent medical evidence is normally required to value and support the claim.
Speak to Aston Knight Solicitors
If you have suffered an injury at work and want clear advice about making a No Win No Fee claim, Aston Knight Solicitors can help.
We offer straightforward advice on:
- Whether you have a claim
- What your case may be worth
- What deductions may apply
- The likely timescales involved
The next steps to take
Our team understands that clients want clear and straightforward advice about legal costs, funding arrangements, and the claims process from the very beginning.
We are committed to providing transparent guidance throughout the claim while working tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation possible for our clients.
If you have been injured at work and require some advice contact our specialist accident at work solicitors today on 0161 399 1232.
Get Free Legal Advice

The Aston Knight Difference
Learn more
Road Traffic Accident
Learn more
Medical Negligence
Learn more
Serious Injury
Learn more
Injury at Work
Learn more
