Top Tips for Finding the Right Serious‑Injury Solicitor
A calm, educational guide to help you choose the right support after a catastrophic injury.
Choosing a solicitor after a serious injury can feel overwhelming. This guide is designed to help you understand what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to feel confident that the person supporting you has the right experience.
This page is informational only. It does not offer legal services.
1. Be cautious of unsolicited approaches in hospitals
After a serious injury, people are vulnerable — and unfortunately, some organisations know this.
It is not uncommon for:
- individuals linked to charities
- representatives connected to law firms
- third‑party introducers
to appear in hospital corridors or waiting areas, offering “help” or “support”.
This can feel intrusive at a time when families need privacy, calm and space to process what has happened.
A good solicitor will never approach you in a hospital or medical setting. Any conversation about legal support should happen only when you choose, in your own time.
2. Choose a solicitor who specialises in serious injury
Serious‑injury work is highly specialist. It involves:
- rehabilitation
- case management
- adapted housing
- specialist equipment
- long‑term care
- future‑needs planning
- interim payments
- complex medical evidence
A general personal‑injury solicitor may not have the depth of experience needed for life‑changing injuries.
Look for:
- APIL accreditation
- Legal 500 recognition
- partner‑level experience
- a clear focus on catastrophic injury
- involvement in rehabilitation‑led cases
3. Ask how your case will be handled day‑to‑day
Some firms operate large call centres. Some pass cases to junior staff with limited experience. Some rotate files between teams.
It’s helpful to ask:
- Will I have direct access to my solicitor?
- Will I get their mobile number?
- Will they be available when I need clarity?
- Will my case be handled by one person or passed around?
- How often will I receive updates?
Serious‑injury cases last years. The connection you feel with your solicitor — and their willingness to communicate directly — can make a significant difference to your experience.
4. Understand their funding model
Funding varies between firms.
Many solicitors take 25–45% of compensation through:
- success fees
shortfalls
liability deductions
Success fees reduce the overall net compensation payable to the injured person.
These deductions reduce:
- interim payments
- rehabilitation budgets
- care packages
- equipment funding
- long‑term security
It’s helpful to ask for a clear explanation of:
- success fees
- shortfalls
- ATE insurance
- what happens if the case is unsuccessful
- what deductions apply at the end
Understanding funding helps you make informed decisions.
5. Check their experience with your type of injury
Different injuries require different expertise.
You may want to ask whether they have experience with:
- brain injury
- spinal cord injury
- spinal injury
- amputation
- burns and scarring
- sensory loss
- chronic pain
- orthopaedic trauma
A solicitor who understands your specific injury can support you more effectively.
6. Consider communication skills — especially for children’s claims
If the claim involves a child, communication becomes even more important.
You may want to consider:
- Does the solicitor communicate gently and clearly?
- Do they have experience speaking with children?
- Can they explain things in a way your child understands?
- Do they have the patience and empathy needed for young clients?
Children’s claims often last many years. Feeling comfortable with the solicitor matters.
7. Independent networks and recommendations
Years ago, I helped set up a small network of four specialist serious‑injury solicitors called the "Injury Support Network" — a group of lawyers who, like me, did not charge success fees or shortfalls.
Although the network is no longer active in the way it once was, the original purpose remains relevant: to help people find experienced catastrophic‑injury solicitors who prioritise rehabilitation and long‑term recovery.
This information is provided for general understanding only.
8. Red flags to watch for
These points can help you identify when a solicitor may not be the right fit:
- • pressure to sign paperwork quickly
• unsolicited contact in hospitals
• communication only through call centres
• difficulty reaching the solicitor directly
• reluctance to give a mobile number
• vague answers about funding
• no mention of rehabilitation
• limited experience with your type of injury
• frequent staff changes
• feeling rushed or dismissed
• too quick to renegotiate 'the deal' – profit over your rehab?
If any of these feel familiar, it may be worth exploring other options.
9. Trust your instincts
You should feel:
- listened to
- understood
- supported
- informed
- never pressured
Serious‑injury cases last a long time. The better the connection you feel with your solicitor, the better your experience is likely to be.
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to explore other options.
If You’d Like More Information
If you’d like more information about anything on this page, you’re welcome to get in touch for general guidance. Contact is optional and purely informational.
This site is an educational resource and does not offer legal services.