Adaptions & Accommodation

A spinal cord or other life changing injury can disrupt your life, and that of those around you in an unimaginable way. The level of disability and the level of independence that can be achieved will determine what accommodation is suitable.

This involves assessment as to whether the accommodation allows sufficient access, room and ability to circulate around the house, space, reducing dependence on others and preserving privacy and dignity wherever possible.

"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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What might suit now might not be so suitable later as needs can change. Locality and availability of local amenities and a social life are also likely to need to be factored in as will the views of others who share (or perhaps own) the house.

Some need to organise only minor adaptations to the accommodation they were living in at the time of the injury or illness. Some will need moderate alterations and adaptation (lifts, conversion of downstairs toilets to wet rooms, door widening, access ramps, change of flooring). For others major alterations are necessary.

Sometimes a new property that can be adapted is needed or it might be that land is needed on which to build a new property specifically designed to meet needs identified. You should not have to pay VAT for some building work, and you may also be entitled to a Council Tax reduction. Mandatory disabled facilities grants for housing repair, adaptation and improvements are sometimes available from local authorities

A grant, which may involve making a financial contribution and will almost certainly take time to process (local authorities have six months to make a decision on the grant from the date of the application) can make some difference in making accommodation more suitable than it was. Sometimes home improvement agencies are also able to help.

Those who seek social housing assistance should ensure they are on a housing register. It is important to be clear about your requirements on that register. Most housing association properties are allocated via local authorities but some operate their own waiting lists and so it is worth contacting those directly. Aspire, a charity which supports those with a spinal injury to organise short term supported housing, might also be able to assist.

Wherever possible engaging with an architect specialising in accommodation, adaptation, and design for those with life changing injuries is vitally important. Equally working with a project manager to ensure the building work runs smoothly is worth exploring. Help from spinal centres, from case managers, disability rights specialists, and home improvement agencies is almost always going to be useful.

Take a look at our video on how we can help adapt your accommodation so it works best for you.

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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)