Choosing a Solicitor

To download a copy of our brochure 'Choosing a Solicitor for your Spinal Cord Injury Claim' click here.

A spinal or other serious injury is life altering. We understand that you are frightened, worried about your future and unsure of what to do next.

"We are passionate about helping people who have suffered life changing injuries."

Jon Rees
Partner - Life Changing Injury

Call Jon on 01788 557617
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When it comes to choosing a solicitor to handle your compensation claim it is imperative that you make the right choice. There are very few firms of solicitors in the country who are genuinely experienced in dealing with catastrophic injuries, and even fewer who have any significant experience of spinal cord injury claims, and that’s because there are relatively few, about 300, claims made each year.

Spinal injury claims are legally complex and require a very broad range of skills, knowledge and experience that would be beyond most firms. Just as there are many specialisms within the medical environment so too are there in the legal profession. Before making your choice, you need to be confident that whoever you choose has the right experience, knowledge and expertise AND that you will be able to work with them over the coming months and years. It’s good idea to find someone that you can get on with on a personal level.

You need an expert solicitor who is capable of securing what you need for the rest of your life; someone who knows their way the minefield of legal matters and who will fight your corner to achieve the very best outcome for you. Above all remember that it is YOUR choice and yours alone. What follows are some Dos and Don’ts to bear in mind before instructing your solicitor.

Do:

Seek recommendations from people you trust but remember that choosing a solicitor must be your choice rather than anyone else's.
Make contact with a few solicitors and meet with them to find out how they can help you. You can then assess whether you feel comfortable with them. You should not be charged for that.
Do take your time to ensure you are making the right choice – your solicitor will be one of the most important professionals in your life. Ask how many spinal injury cases the solicitor has dealt with, what the outcomes were and how quickly the cases were resolved. You should look for a solicitor who handles only serious injury compensation claims and in the case of a spinal injury, has a track record of at least ten claims. Ask questions about your solicitor's experience, expertise and connections with the various experts who will be needed to assist with your case.

Don't:

Don't assume that you have to go with the first solicitor who is mentioned to you. Make contact with a few solicitors to see which you prefer. You are likely to be closely involved with the solicitor for 2 years or more and it is important you find the right chemistry with the solicitor who will help you.
Don't feel you must restrict your search to local solicitors. Catastrophic and spinal injury claims are extremely specialised cases and good solicitors will have a national reach.
Similarly, don't assume that bigger, brasher firms trump smaller niche firms. They don't.
Don't be afraid to interview the solicitor. A good solicitor will expect and welcome it; a less suitable solicitor is unlikely to give a positive account of him or herself.

Please read the profiles of the members of our team which you can find on the serious injury or spinal injuries pages of our website.

After the accident, I didn’t know how to go on. Brethertons came in and helped me continue my life. They helped me with the emotional and financial side of things, and gave me reassurance everything would turn out well.
Client A
I thought the legal process might be confusing, but it was a doddle because I knew I could trust the team at Brethertons. They kept in touch regularly with updates and there was never an instance when I disagreed with what they advised me to do, because everything made perfect sense. I was in hospital for a long time, but now I live in adapted accommodation adjoining my parents’ house. Jon Rees, made this huge thing such a laid back and easy experience, which was perfect as I could concentrate on getting fit and well with full trust that everything was being taken care of.
Client B
From the time of my first meeting with Jon Rees while I was in hospital, he has been the most approachable, kindest and understanding person and remains so now. Nothing is too much trouble for him, I can contact him at any time on any matter and he keeps me 100% up to date with my ongoing case. I couldn’t wish for anyone better to be representing me.
Client C
From the get go Brethertons have always been very professional. The team helped me and my family along the way even if things were difficult. I always knew what was going on with my case and trusted their advice.
Client D
Jon and his team have helped me right from the beginning when I was first injured right up to my case settling and beyond. I felt really looked after and kept up to date with my case at all times. They have also put me in touch with people who have helped me outside of my claim. I cannot thank Jon and his team enough for all they have done for me.
Client E
I found Jon and his team to be very professional through the time we spent working together. They always had the focus on getting the most suitable result for myself and the primary focus was always on my health and wellbeing interests. When liaising with them they were always knowledgeable and polite, willing to offer their thoughts and listen to my concerns on any matter arising. It was a pleasure to work with Jon and his team. They would be my first port of call if I was ever to need legal help again.
Client F
Jon Rees and the spinal injuries team at Brethertons, made such a difference to me when I was injured. The damage to my spinal cord in an accident at work was not picked up by a number of specialists who had treated me. The team’s experience in recognising that my injuries were much more significant than they appeared to be, and their help in getting me seen by the right medical professionals so that the damage to my spinal cord was correctly identified, enabling it to be properly managed has made such a huge difference for me and my family. That was every bit as important to me in the long term as the fact the team were able to settle my case for an amount reflecting how much my life has been affected by being injured. I am now much more positive about my future and I cannot thank the team enough for that.
Client G
At the time of meeting Jon Rees I was paralysed from the neck down following a recent road traffic accident. Despite it being the most difficult time of my life I was quickly put at ease and reassured by his pleasant and professional manner. It was immediately apparent that he had a good understanding of spinal injuries and how they might impact my future. At all times throughout the case I have been consulted, kept informed and able to speak to Jon or a member of his legal team. Despite the ongoing litigation I always felt that my physical and mental wellbeing were the main priority and I would happily recommend Jon Rees and his team.
Client H
Thank you for the mountains you have all moved for me and for the ones we have to climb in the near future. I am sure we will reach the top with trust, dignity and most of all a happy ending.
Client I
The Bretherton’s Serious Injury’s team make a formidable team. They personify what I wish all legal teams would apply; professionalism and compassion in equal measure, and as a group of people they provide a service which is more than simply a ‘sum of the parts’. They maintain an open brief and it is rare for one not to know what the other has done, which in a time of increasingly rapid communication and change is most impressive.
Client J
I work with many large firms of solicitors who specialise in Spinal cord injury claims and I have to say if any family member of mine was injured I would recommend Jon Rees and the team on their case. They are a caring team whereas a lot of the other companies seem to be just about winning the most money. Brethertons seem to go that extra mile……
Client K
I have been instructed by Jon Rees of Brethertons in a number of complex, high value claims. His preparation and attention to detail are excellent and the quality of his instructions of the highest standard. He has sound judgment and involves counsel to the appropriate extent and at the appropriate time. He enjoys very good relations with his clients and their families and inspires their fullest trust and confidence. The outcome of all cases in which he has instructed me has been highly successful. I rate him extremely highly as a solicitor specialising in catastrophic cases.
A Leading Counsel
Brethertons is an exceptional firm that take great pride in delivering a first class service on behalf of its Clients. The catastrophic injury team impressively led by Jon Rees is outstanding. This is in terms of their technical expertise, commitment and drive to succeeding on behalf of their Clients who rely on them whole heartedly following life changing events. It is a pleasure to work with them and assist their team in any way we can for a much deserving and friendly group of exceptional lawyers. In a competitive market they are an impressive stand out team for the most difficult and challenging catastrophic injury work.
A Chief Clerk
I work for the Spinal Injuries Association charity as Peer Support Officer. I work with and support long term spinal cord injured patients and their families. I support those patients on many aspects of spinal cord injury. I am myself spinal cord injured so I relate very well to each person injured and the families. I trust and fully recommend the work that Jon Rees and his hard working team at Brethertons deliver. They provide an excellent service to clients who have cause to bring a claim for compensation after sustaining spinal cord injury. Jon and his colleagues deliver their expertise in a complex and difficult area of law. They support spinal cord injured patients through what is a daunting process at a time when they are coming to terms with having sustained a life changing injury.I’ve had close friends as well as patients that have needed the brilliant service, help and understanding Jon and his team provides. I see that Jon and the team never lose sight of the client and their needs ensuring that they are aware of and supported through the complexity of these claims at all times but without overwhelming them. I fully recommend the superb support and service given by Jon and his colleagues at Brethertons to those who have suffered spinal cord injuries. More than that though, working with Jon and his team is a fantastic pleasure for me. I see the total dedication that Jon brings to his work for clients, who do have a case, but also for those that may not where I know he does whatever he can to help them too.
Spinal Injuries Association
Ranked Lawyer (Band 1) Jonathan Rees of Brethertons Solicitors distinguishes himself in the realm of spinal cord injuries where he works on claims arising from catastrophic accidents. ‘He is very approachable and made me feel at ease, even when things go technical and hard to cope with’. Notable Practitioner Jonathan Rees really looks out for his clients and goes above and beyond to makes sure they are happy, say sources. He has formidable expertise on spinal injuries having advised on some of the most serious cases in the field. Interviewees admire his drive, communication skills and exceptional client care.
Chambers and Partners (Firm Ranking 1 (Birmingham and Surrounds), Ranked Lawyer Jonathan Rees 2019)