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

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 a spinal cord injury claim 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 whomever 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 all that 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 spinal injury compensation claims and 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. 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.