One of the most common questions people have after an injury or disability is simple:
Can I even afford a lawyer?
The answer, in most cases, is no—you don’t have to pay anything upfront.
In New York, many Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury, and Social Security Disability cases are handled on a “no win, no fee” basis. That means your attorney only gets paid if you recover benefits or compensation.
But here’s where it gets confusing:
That phrase doesn’t mean the same thing in every type of case.
- In Personal Injury cases, attorneys typically work on a contingency fee, meaning they receive a percentage of any recovery.
- In Workers’ Compensation cases, fees are set and approved by the Workers’ Compensation Board and come from your award—not your pocket.
- In Social Security Disability cases, fees are capped by federal law and are only paid from back benefits if your claim is approved.
Understanding these differences is important because it helps you know what to expect—and avoid unnecessary stress about cost.
The bottom line:
Concerns about legal fees should never stop you from getting help.
If you’re dealing with a work injury, accident, or disability, the best first step is to get clear answers about your situation.
To learn exactly how legal fees work and what to expect during a free consultation, read our full guide here: https://mcvlaw.com/no-win-no-fee-lawyer-in-syracuse-free-consultation-and-how-legal-fees-work-at-mcv-law/
About the Author: Christopher Stringham, Esq. is a Partner at MCV Law. He helps clients get their lives back after life-altering events, serving communities across Syracuse and the greater Central New York region. Chris graduated from Western New England University School of Law and serves as the President of the Injured Workers' Bar Association (IWBA) and the Chair of the Syracuse Occupational Health Clinic Advisory Board. Contact Christopher: [email protected]