You’ve been injured but can’t afford the fees and expense that accompany the assistance of a lawyer, so you’ve decided to hire a no win no fee lawyer. But before you begin your search for the right man or woman for the job, you should know which questions to ask to ensure that you’ve hired a real winner to represent you.

Five questions you should ask

You should always work with a solicitor that makes you feel comfortable and that encourages you to ask them questions that are directly related to your case, or any others that you may have. While you should also come up with questions on your own, here are a few must-haves that can really help you.

Can you review the agreement and return it later- It’s often stated that, "the devil is in the details" and this is often true when it comes to legal documents. Don’t sign anything that you have not had the opportunity to review at your leisure.

How long have they been practicing law and offering their services in the no win no area of specialization?-Experience is important when you are attempting to win high dollar claims for individuals. Insurance companies hire lawyers that are highly skilled and at the top of the field in winning no win no fee compensation claims, so it’s important that you find a lawyer who can hold their own against them.

What are their fees and expenses?- Although you won’t have to pay unless you win, you’ll need to be clear on the amount of money you’ll owe for other expenses like research, exams, and testing.

Who pays, if you lose? - No one wants to lose, but unfortunately someone will. And if that person is you, you’ll need to know beforehand what expenses you could be potentially facing. In most no win no fee cases, the losing party is responsible for paying the costs of the winning side. Many lawyers carry insurance to prevent their party from having to take on these expenses, but some do not. So make sure to ask.

How long will the process take?- It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly how long it will take for your claim to be settled, but an experienced lawyer should be able to provide you with an estimated time frame. Knowing how long it may take for your settlement is important because it can affect when you are able to return to work, your finances, and even your health.