What Percentage Do No Win No Fee Solicitors Take?
If you are trying to understand how no win no fee arrangements usually work, the short answer is that in many UK personal injury claims a solicitor may charge a success fee if the claim succeeds, and the figure people most often hear is up to 25% of certain parts of compensation. In plain English, that is usually the percentage people mean when they ask what no win no fee solicitors take when you win. That said, the exact amount still depends on the agreement you sign, the type of claim, and whether any other costs are involved. This page is general information only, not legal or financial advice.
What a no win no fee agreement usually means
A no win no fee arrangement is a general label for an agreement where a lawyer or claims firm is only paid if the claim succeeds. Readers may also see terms such as Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) or Damages-Based Agreement (DBA). These are not always identical arrangements, so it helps to check which model is being offered, how any fee is described in the paperwork, and whether the percentage is explained as a success fee or another kind of deduction.
What is a success fee?
A success fee is the fee a solicitor may charge if a claim succeeds. In plain English, it is the part that may be taken from compensation for handling the claim on a no win no fee basis. This is one of the main figures readers should look for in the agreement before signing anything, because it often answers the question of how much no win no fee solicitors take when a case is won.
What percentage may be taken from compensation?
For UK personal injury and medical negligence claims, the most common rule of thumb is up to 25% of certain parts of the compensation. That does not mean every no win no fee arrangement works in exactly the same way, and it does not automatically mean 25% of everything received. The important point is to check what percentage is stated, what it is calculated on, and whether the agreement is talking about a success fee, a percentage of damages, or something else.
Why the 25% figure is only a rule of thumb
The 25% figure is most closely associated with personal injury claims, which is why it is often quoted in answers to questions about no win no fee percentages. Other claim types can be structured differently, and different agreement models may not follow the same simple rule. That is why it is safer to treat 25% as a common personal injury guide rather than a universal answer for every no win no fee case.
Other costs readers should know about
- Disbursements, which are case expenses such as medical reports or court fees
- Insurance premiums, where insurance is used to cover certain risks or costs
- Any fee wording that explains whether the percentage applies to all damages or only certain parts
- Examples in the agreement showing how deductions may work in practice
What to check before signing
Before agreeing to a no win no fee arrangement, readers should look for the exact wording that mentions the success fee or percentage of damages, what that percentage is calculated on, and whether any other costs or insurance are mentioned. It can also help to look for clear examples showing how deductions may work in practice. A general information page can explain the common language, but the contract itself is what matters in a real case.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage do no win no fee solicitors take?
In many UK personal injury claims, the common rule of thumb is up to 25% of certain parts of compensation. The exact amount still depends on the agreement and the type of claim, so it is important to check the paperwork rather than assume every no win no fee arrangement works the same way.
How much can be deducted from compensation?
That depends on how the agreement describes the success fee, whether any other deductions are mentioned, and what costs or insurance may also apply. Readers should check both the percentage and what it is calculated on, because those details affect how much may actually be taken.
Is the success fee always the same?
No. Different firms, claim types, and agreement models can work differently. The term no win no fee is a broad label, so it is worth checking the exact wording instead of assuming the same percentage applies in every case.
What should I check before agreeing to a no win no fee arrangement?
Check the line that explains the success fee or percentage of damages, what it is calculated on, and whether there are any other costs such as disbursements or insurance. If anything is unclear, ask for the wording to be explained in plain English before you agree, especially if the agreement does not show clearly how deductions may work when a claim succeeds.
Important: This page is general information only and should not be taken as legal or financial advice.