No-Cure No-Pay: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Meaning

Definition & Meaning

No-cure no-pay is a type of contract commonly used in salvage operations. Under this agreement, the salvor, who is responsible for recovering property, will not receive any payment if they are unsuccessful in saving the property. Payment is only made if the salvor successfully claims or recovers the property in question.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A company specializes in recovering sunken ships. They enter into a no-cure no-pay contract with the ship owner, agreeing to recover the ship for a percentage of its value. If they do not find the ship, they receive no payment.

Example 2: An individual hires a salvor to recover a lost yacht. The salvor agrees to a no-cure no-pay contract, meaning they will only be compensated if they successfully locate and retrieve the yacht. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Notes
California No specific regulations on no-cure no-pay contracts, but general contract law applies.
Florida Commonly used in salvage operations, with established case law supporting these contracts.
Texas Recognizes no-cure no-pay contracts, but enforcement may vary based on specific circumstances.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
No-Cure No-Pay Contract where payment is contingent on successful recovery of property. Payment only if successful; no obligation if unsuccessful.
Fixed Fee Contract Contract with a predetermined payment regardless of outcome. Payment is guaranteed regardless of success.
Contingency Fee Agreement Common in legal cases, where payment is based on winning a case. Typically used in legal contexts, not salvage operations.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are considering entering into a no-cure no-pay contract, it is essential to:

  • Clearly define the terms of success in the contract.
  • Discuss potential costs and responsibilities with the salvor.
  • Consult with a legal professional if you have questions about the contract or its implications.
  • Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can help you draft or understand such contracts.

Quick facts

  • Payment is contingent on successful recovery.
  • Commonly used in maritime salvage operations.
  • No upfront fees unless specified in the contract.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

If the salvor does not successfully recover the property, they will not receive any payment under a no-cure no-pay contract.