What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee means your lawyer takes on the risk of the case. If they win compensation for you—either through settlement or judgment—they’ll recover their fees from that payout. If not, you don’t pay for the legal work. This model removes financial barriers so you can pursue justice even without deep pockets.

Brisbane’s “No Win, No Fee” Landscape
Queensland law includes cost protections—often called the 50/50 rule—which caps legal costs at 50% of your net compensation . In simple terms, if your claim settles for $100,000, the maximum your lawyer can deduct is $50,000. That means you’re guaranteed at least half of your award, no matter how complex the case.

Carter Capner Law’s Approach: Fair, Transparent & Supportive
On the Carter Capner site, you’ll find a clear and client‑first breakdown:
• They don’t charge an uplift or success fee, avoiding hidden surcharges of up to 25%.
• If you win, their legal fees and documented expenses (like expert reports or court fees) are deducted from your compensation.
• If you lose, you pay nothing—no fees, no uplift, no loading.
• They use a scale fee structure where each task (e.g. drafting, mediation, expert liaison) has a clear, pre-agreed cost .

By structuring their costs this way, Carter Capner ensure clients can focus on recovery, not worrying about unpredictable bills.

Step‑by‑Step: Fee Journey in a Typical Claim

Initial Consultation (Free)
Many firms, including Carter Capner, offer a no‑cost first meeting. It’s a chance to assess if your case is viable—with no charge or commitment.

Signing a No Win, No Fee Agreement
You’ll sign a conditional costs agreement outlining exactly what work will be done and how much each item costs. This transparency is key.

Building the Case
Your lawyer coordinates medical experts, gathers evidence, and negotiates with insurers. You pay outlays (e.g., expert reports), which are documented and recoverable from your eventual award.

Settlement or Court Outcome
• If you win: compensation arrives, expenses and legal fees are deducted (but no extra “success” fee is added). You get the rest.

• If you lose: you don’t pay any legal fees. However, be aware that sometimes minor outlays—like medical reports—may still need coverage, depending on your agreement.

Why This Matters in Medical Negligence Claims
Medical malpractice cases tend to be complex: multiple health professionals, expert testimony, detailed timelines. Legal fees can be high, and proceeding without solid legal backing often disadvantages victims. A “No Win, No Fee” model means:

• Access to justice – You don’t need savings upfront.

• Aligned interests – Lawyers are motivated to win, since their payment depends on it.

• Cost certainty – With clear scale fees, you know what you’re agreeing to before proceeding.

Carter Capner’s firm even notes they accept cases only when confident of success—reflected in their 93% resolution rate without going to court.

Comparing Fee Models in Brisbane
In Brisbane, many law firms that offer “No Win, No Fee” services still include additional charges like uplift or success fees, which can add up to 25% more on top of their standard legal costs. While they may follow the legal requirement that limits fees to no more than 50% of your net compensation, those extra charges can significantly reduce what you take home. Carter Capner Law, however, takes a different approach. They don’t apply any uplift or success fees at all. Instead, they use a transparent, pre-agreed scale fee structure, so you know exactly what to expect from the outset. This commitment to clarity and fairness means fewer surprises, lower overall costs, and greater peace of mind for clients pursuing medical malpractice compensation.

Making Smart Choices: What to Ask in Your Initial Chat
• Are there any success or uplift fees? Ask upfront.
• How do you bill legal work? Fixed scale or hourly rates?
• Who covers expert and court expenses? And how are these tracked?
• What if the case doesn't succeed? Confirm you won’t owe legal fees.
• Do you cap your fees legally? Queensland max is 50% of your net payout.

Carter Capner’s approach speaks to all these questions: no uplift, scale-based costs, no win leads to no fees, and clear compliance with Queensland’s cost protections .

Medical negligence cases can dramatically affect your life—financially, physically, and emotionally. You deserve justice without added financial pressure. In Brisbane, contingency fee arrangements backed by transparent, scale-based billing and Queensland’s legal cost cap make claims manageable and fair.

Carter Capner Law exemplifies a client‑focused variant: no-win-no-fee, no hidden uplift, clear upfront agreements, and a strong track record. That means you can decide confidently, focusing on recovery while they handle the complexities.

Thinking of pursuing a medical negligence claim in Brisbane? A firm with this level of transparency and support ensures that your path to justice isn’t hindered by cost concerns.