When you or a loved one is diagnosed with a serious dust-related illness like mesothelioma or silicosis, your focus should be on your health and your family. The potential cost of legal action should never be a barrier to seeking the justice and compensation you deserve.
That is why at Segelov Taylor Lawyers, we handle all asbestos and dust disease claims on a No Win, No Fee basis.
This arrangement, also known as a conditional costs agreement, is designed to provide access to expert legal representation for everyone, regardless of their financial situation. However, it’s important to understand exactly what this promise means for you.
Our No Win, No Fee guarantee ensures you can pursue your rights against large companies and insurers without financial risk, allowing you to concentrate on what truly matters.
Our No Win, No Fee Promise: The Core Principles
The fundamental promise of a No Win, No Fee agreement is simple: you do not pay our professional legal fees unless your claim is successful. This removes the financial burden and risk from your shoulders.
Let’s break it down in a simple Q&A format.
Q: Do I have to pay anything for my first meeting with a lawyer? A: No. Your initial consultation with our expert team is always free, completely confidential, and carries no obligation to proceed. We can meet you where you are most comfortable—at home, in the hospital, or online.
Q: Will I receive bills for your legal work as the case progresses? A: Absolutely not. You will not receive a single bill for our time or professional services while we are working on your case. We carry all costs related to our legal work until your claim is successfully resolved.
Q: What about other expenses, like medical reports or court filing fees? A: These are known as “disbursements.” They are the necessary out-of-pocket expenses required to build a strong case. As part of our commitment to you, we pay for all disbursements on your behalf. You will never have to fund these yourself. These costs are only recovered from the final compensation amount if your case is won.
Q: What happens if my claim is unsuccessful? A: In the unlikely event your claim does not succeed, you owe us nothing for our professional legal fees. It is that straightforward. The risk is ours, not yours.
Not All Agreements Are Equal: What You Need to Know
While No Win, No Fee arrangements are common in dust disease litigation, the details can vary significantly between law firms. Transparency is crucial, and it’s vital you understand the specific terms of any agreement before you sign.
Here are the key issues to consider:
1. A Comprehensive, Written Agreement Before any work begins, you must be provided with a clear, comprehensive costs agreement. This legal document outlines the terms of the arrangement. You should take the time to read it carefully and ask your lawyer to clarify anything you don’t understand.
2. Does the Agreement Cover Disbursements? This is a critical point. Many firms’ No Win, No Fee policies only cover their professional fees for legal work. This means you could still be left to pay for expensive disbursements like expert reports, even if you lose. Our guarantee covers both our professional fees and all disbursements. We fund your entire case from start to finish.
3. Understanding Overall Costs A No Win, No Fee agreement relates to when you pay, not necessarily how much you pay. If your claim is successful, the final legal costs will be deducted from your settlement. The rates and efficiency of law firms can vary dramatically. As a specialised firm without the significant overheads of many larger competitors, we are confident that we provide the highest quality legal services at a reasonable cost. We encourage you to discuss this with us frankly.
4. The Risk of an ‘Adverse Costs Order’ No Win, No Fee agreements apply only to your legal costs. They do not cover the other side’s legal costs. In the Australian legal system, if you pursue a claim in court and lose, there is a risk that the court will order you to pay the defendant’s legal fees. This is known as an “adverse costs order” and can be a significant amount.
This is why it is absolutely essential to have true experts on your side. Our deep experience in asbestos and dust disease litigation means we can provide you with a realistic, honest assessment of your claim’s prospects from the very beginning, minimising any potential risks to you and your family.
Your Path to Justice Starts with a Conversation
Our No Win, No Fee promise is designed to give you peace of mind and the confidence to seek what you are owed. It allows our expert lawyers to fight for you, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
If you have questions about a potential dust disease claim, contact us today for a free, no-obligation discussion about your situation.