The History Behind the Credo, “Only Pay If You Win!”

Published: June 4, 2011 | Last Reviewed: August 13, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Contingency fee arrangements for personal injury claims were prohibited in Ontario until the provincial government lifted the restriction in October 2004 to improve access to justice.
• Regulations accompanying the change require a written fee agreement, prohibit the lawyer from taking more than the client actually recovers, and exclude criminal and family law matters from contingency arrangements.
• A “no win, no fee” structure means the lawyer only gets paid if the case succeeds, letting clients pursue a claim without upfront legal costs while giving the lawyer a direct financial incentive to maximize the result.
• Preszler Injury Lawyers operates on this model under the principle “You Don’t Pay Unless We Win.”

Some types of legal matters, including personal injury claims, can be dealt with on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee is when the lawyer is paid only if the plaintiff wins or if there is a settlement of the case. If the client doesn’t get any money, then the lawyer doesn’t get paid a fee.

There Is Comfort In Knowing That Your Lawyer Believes In Your Case Enough To Put Their Fee On The Line.

Contingency fee agreements have not always been allowed in Ontario. In October of 2004, the Ontario Government further improved access to the province’s justice system by lifting the prohibition on contingency fee agreements. Rules and regulations were also created in order to protect the client. These new rules require that all contingency fee agreements be made in writing, they prohibit lawyers from getting paid more than the client recovers, and they also prohibit contingency fee agreements in cases related to criminal and family matters. These regulations make this type of agreement a viable option for the public to seek justice and compensation for their claims in court.

Don’t fear the cost of taking legal action when you need it. The “no win, no fee” agreement between a client and their lawyer is a way the lawyer may assure you they will work to the best of their ability to achieve the fairest outcome in your case. Remember, they won’t get paid until you do! At Preszler Injury Lawyers, our credo is “You Don’t Pay Unless We WIN,” and we stand by this day in and day out. This credo illustrates our confidence in ourselves and our ability to deliver results in your personal injury case.

We’re here to help.