At RK&L, serving the Buffalo community from our downtown office overlooking Lafayette Square, we understand that legal fees can feel overwhelming. Many Western New Yorkers hesitate to pursue valid legal claims because they worry about the cost. That's why we offer no win no fee arrangements, also known as contingency fees, to make justice accessible to everyone from Elmwood Village to South Buffalo.

What is a No Win, No Fee (Contingency Fee)?

A No Win, No Fee agreement, also called a contingency fee arrangement, means you only pay your lawyer if they win your case. The lawyer's payment comes as a percentage of the money awarded to you (typically 25-40% of the settlement or verdict). If your case is unsuccessful, you don't owe legal fees, though you might still be responsible for certain court costs or administrative expenses depending on your agreement.

Think of it like this: Instead of paying your lawyer an hourly rate upfront, they essentially invest their time and resources in your case. Their compensation depends entirely on achieving a successful outcome. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to people who couldn't otherwise afford to hire a lawyer, since there's no upfront cost.

For example, if your lawyer wins you a $100,000 settlement with a 33% contingency fee, they would receive $33,000, and you would get $67,000 (minus any case-related expenses). If they don't win your case, they don't get paid for their time and effort.

How Does No Win, No Fee Work with Lawyers?

We believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. We want to explain how our no win no fee arrangements work, making it easier for you to understand this payment structure and decide if it's right for your case.

• Initial Consultation: Your first meeting with our lawyers is free, where we evaluate your case and discuss whether a no win no fee arrangement is suitable for your situation.
• Payment Structure: Under a no win no fee agreement, you only pay legal fees if we successfully win your case or secure a settlement on your behalf.
• Success Fee: If we win your case, our fee is calculated as a percentage of your compensation, typically ranging from 25% to 40% of the total amount recovered.
• No Upfront Costs: You don't need to pay any legal fees while your case is ongoing, removing the financial barrier to pursuing your legal rights.
• Risk Assessment: We carefully evaluate each case before accepting it on a no win no fee basis, ensuring there's a reasonable chance of success.
• Case Expenses: While legal fees are contingent on winning, some case-related costs like court filing fees or expert witness fees may still apply, which we'll discuss upfront.
• Written Agreement: All terms of the no win no fee arrangement are clearly outlined in a written contract, including the exact percentage we'll receive if successful.
• Case Types: This arrangement typically applies to personal injury, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and similar cases where compensation is being sought.
• Time Investment: Our lawyers dedicate their time and resources to your case without immediate payment, sharing the risk of pursuing your claim.
• Settlement Handling: When your case settles, we receive our agreed-upon percentage directly from the settlement amount, with the remainder going to you.

At RK&L, we're committed to making legal representation accessible through our no win no fee approach. This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without the worry of upfront legal costs or ongoing fees. Contact us today to discuss whether a no win no fee agreement could work for your case.

Why Does RK&L Offer the "No Win, No Fee" Promise?

At RK&L, we believe that quality legal representation should be accessible to everyone in our Buffalo community, regardless of their financial situation. Our no win no fee promise stems from a deep commitment to justice and fairness in the legal system.

When someone suffers an injury or faces a legal challenge, they're often already dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and other financial pressures. Having to pay substantial legal fees upfront creates an additional barrier that prevents many people from pursuing legitimate claims. This particularly affects working families throughout Western New York, from factory workers in Lackawanna to small business owners on Hertel Avenue.

By offering no win no fee arrangements, we remove the financial risk from pursuing justice. This approach means we share the risk with our clients – we only succeed when they succeed. If we take your case, it means we truly believe in its merit and are willing to invest our time and resources to fight for your rights.

This promise also aligns our interests directly with yours. Since our payment depends on securing compensation for you, we're motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. We work diligently on every case, whether it's a slip and fall at the Walden Galleria or a workplace injury at the medical campus.

Think of it as a partnership – we invest our legal resources and time in your case, while you focus on recovery and rebuilding. This arrangement has helped countless Buffalo residents access the legal system and receive the compensation they deserve, making our community stronger and fairer for everyone.

Benefits for Clients of No Win No Fee Lawyers

We believe in making legal representation accessible to everyone in the Buffalo community. Here's how our no win no fee arrangements benefit our clients, ensuring justice is available regardless of their financial situation.

• Zero Upfront Costs: You don't need to pay any legal fees to start your case, allowing you to pursue justice without financial strain during the legal process.
• Financial Risk Protection: If your case is unsuccessful, you won't owe legal fees, eliminating the worry of mounting attorney bills during challenging times.
• Aligned Interests: No win no fee lawyers only get paid when you win, ensuring we're fully committed to securing the best possible outcome for your case.
• Quality Legal Representation: Access top-tier legal services regardless of your current financial situation, leveling the playing field against well-funded opponents.
• Peace of Mind: Focus on recovery while we handle your legal matters, knowing exactly how fees will be structured with no surprise costs.
• Clear Fee Structure: Understanding exactly what percentage will be paid from your settlement upfront, with no hidden charges or unexpected expenses.
• Access to Resources: Benefit from our firm's full investigative and legal resources without worrying about hourly billing or additional costs.
• Equal Standing: Stand confidently against large corporations and insurance companies, knowing you have strong legal representation backing your case.
• Thorough Case Evaluation: Receive honest assessment of your case's merit, as we carefully evaluate each matter before accepting it on contingency.
• Ongoing Communication: Stay informed about your case's progress without worrying that every phone call or email will result in additional charges.

What Kinds of Lawyers Work on Contingency?

At RK&L, we offer no win no fee arrangements for several types of legal cases, making justice accessible to everyone in the Buffalo community. Here's a comprehensive look at the practice areas where contingency fee arrangements typically apply:

• Personal Injury Lawyers: Handle cases from slip-and-falls in downtown Buffalo to vehicle accidents on the 190, helping injured clients receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Workers' Compensation Lawyers: Assist employees injured at workplaces throughout Western New York, from construction sites in Larkinville to manufacturing facilities in the First Ward.
• Medical Malpractice Lawyers: Represent patients who have suffered harm due to healthcare provider negligence, working with families to secure compensation for additional medical care and long-term support.
• Product Liability Lawyers: Take on cases involving injuries caused by defective products, protecting consumers and holding manufacturers accountable for unsafe items.
• Employment Lawyers: Address workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage disputes, helping employees from South Buffalo to North Buffalo stand up for their rights.
• Class Action Lawyers: Represent groups of people affected by the same issue, such as neighborhood-wide environmental concerns or widespread consumer fraud.
• Disability Lawyers: Help clients navigate the complex Social Security disability benefits system, ensuring they receive the support they need and deserve.
• Civil Rights Lawyers: Protect constitutional rights and fight discrimination, ensuring equal treatment for all Buffalo residents regardless of background.
• Wrongful Death Lawyers: Support families who have lost loved ones due to negligence or misconduct, helping them seek justice and financial security.

How a Buffalo No Win, No Fee Lawyer Can Help

At RK&L, we understand that seeking legal help can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with injuries or other challenges. Here's how our no win no fee lawyers serve the Buffalo community, making justice accessible while eliminating financial barriers.

• Case Management and Investigation: Our personal injury lawyers handle every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence in North Buffalo to collecting medical records in the Medical Corridor, allowing you to focus fully on recovery.
• Insurance Company Negotiations: Our personal injury attorney team stands strong against insurance companies, using our proven track record to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve, whether your injury occurred downtown or in the First Ward.
• Financial Protection and Support: With our no win no fee agreement, pursue justice without worrying about legal expenses while we cover all upfront costs of building your case.
• Local Knowledge and Dedication: As lifelong members of the Buffalo community, we understand the unique challenges from winter accidents on Delaware Avenue to workplace injuries in Larkinville, giving your case a true hometown advantage.

Ready to Discuss Your Case? Let's Talk.

At RK&L, we believe everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. Our no win no fee contingency basis approach means you can pursue your case without worrying about upfront legal costs. Contact us today to discuss your case.

No Win, No Fee Lawyer FAQs

At RK&L, we want to address some important questions about our no win no fee arrangements that we haven't covered elsewhere. Here are additional details to help you better understand how this process works.

What documents should I bring to my initial consultation?

Bring any relevant photos, police reports, medical records, witness contact information, and insurance correspondence. Having these documents ready helps us evaluate your case thoroughly during our first meeting in our downtown Buffalo office.

Will my case have to go to court?

Most cases settle outside of court through negotiation, but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This thorough preparation often leads to better settlement offers and shows insurance companies we're serious about fighting for your rights.

Can I still pursue a case if the accident happened months ago?

New York State has specific time limits (statutes of limitations) for filing different types of personal injury claims. Contact us as soon as possible to ensure your case falls within these deadlines and to preserve important evidence.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

New York follows comparative negligence rules, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your percentage of fault would reduce your compensation, but you maintain the right to pursue your claim.

Do I have to accept a settlement offer?

You have the final say in accepting or rejecting any settlement offer. We provide guidance based on our experience but respect that it's ultimately your decision to make.

What if the insurance company contacts me directly?

Direct all insurance company communications to our office. Insurance adjusters may try to record statements or obtain information that could harm your case, so it's best to let us handle these interactions.