What is a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA)?
A Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), often referred to as a “No Win, No Fee agreement”, is a funding arrangement where you only pay legal fees if your claim is successful.
If your medical negligence case is unsuccessful and doesn’t result in compensation, you won’t owe us any legal fees, as long as you comply with the terms of your CFA, offering you financial peace of mind while pursuing justice.
How does a CFA work in medical negligence cases?
When you enter a CFA with us:
- No upfront costs: You won’t need to pay anything at the start of your claim.
- If you lose: You won’t pay our legal fees, which will be written off. Any third-party costs (such as expert reports or court fees) will be covered by After the Event (ATE) insurance, which we will help arrange on your behalf
- If you win: We will guarantee you will receive at least 75% of your compensation. This is the “Lime Guarantee Cap”. We will deduct a success fee from your compensation, along with a portion of the ATE insurance premium.
What is a success fee, and how is it calculated?
A success fee is a percentage uplift of your legal fees that we charge only if your case is successful. This fee reflects the risk we take in handling your claim on a No Win, No Fee basis.
In medical negligence claims, success fees are capped at 25% of the compensation awarded for general damages and past financial losses. We will clearly explain how the fee is calculated before you sign the agreement.
Will I have to pay anything if my case is unsuccessful?
If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t be required to pay our legal fees which will be written off (provided you have complied with the terms of your CFA). Any third-party costs (such as expert reports or court fees) will be covered by After the Event (ATE) insurance, which we will help arrange on your behalf.
We will discuss these costs and insurance options with you upfront to ensure you’re fully protected.
What costs are covered by a CFA?
Under a CFA, our legal fees are only payable if you win and will be covered by the Defendant(s), in any event.
Additional costs may include:
- Medical expert reports
- Court fees
- Barrister fees (if required)
- Travel expenses (if applicable).
We’ll explain all potential costs at the start and help you secure ATE insurance to cover these expenses.
Do all medical negligence claims qualify for a CFA?
Most medical negligence claims are eligible for a CFA, including cases involving:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Birth injuries
- Medication errors
- Dental negligence
- Negligent medical advice.
We’ll assess your case during a free initial consultation to determine if a CFA is appropriate for your situation.
What happens if I want to cancel the agreement?
You normally have a period of 14 days to cancel the CFA. If you cancel after this period, you may be responsible for paying the costs of your claim.
How do I start a medical negligence claim under a CFA?
- Free initial consultation: We’ll review your case and determine its likelihood of success.
- CFA agreement: If your case is suitable, we’ll offer you a CFA and explain the terms in full in writing and over the telephone.
- Case preparation: Our expert lawyers will carry out initial investigations, gather evidence, consult medical experts, and handle all legal proceedings.
- Compensation: If successful, the success fee and a portion of the ATE insurance premium will be deducted from your compensation. If successful, you will be guaranteed to receive at least 75% of your compensation.
Why choose us for your CFA medical negligence claim?
- Specialist expertise in UK medical negligence law
- Proven track record of securing settlements for clients – rated ‘Exceptional’ on Feefo
- No upfront costs or hidden fees
- Clear and honest advice throughout your case
- Access to leading medical experts and Barristers to strengthen your claim.
