the meaning of "nothing down" and "recover"

[kjc0123]

What isthe meaning of "nothing down" in the following sentences" and "recover"?

Mark heard a familiar voice, and suddenly there he was, Gill Teal himself, on television standing behind a hospital emergency entrance talking about injured loved ones and crooked insurance companies. Red lihgts flashed in the background. Raramedics ran behind him. But Gill had the situation under condrol, and <FONT color=#ff6666>he would take your case for nothing down</FONT>. No fee unless he <FONT color=#ff6666>recovered</FONT>.

[maxximus]

gill teal sounds like an ambulance chaser (accident claims insurance lawyer) he will take your case for no money down, but on a contingency fee basis, or in other words a percentage (usually about 30%) of whatever he can win from the insurance company on your behalf, depending on the severity of your injuries or loss.

[THECORBYLOON]

The phrase "unless he recovered" in this sense, means "unless he got better" (his injuries have been treated and he is able to leave the hospital.)

[Ethel]

No fee unless he won and recovered compensation.

[THECORBYLOON]

That could be the other meanining but surely it would have been "No win no fee?" Mind you that makes more sense, it's hot here and ma brain is frazzled......