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Using this Guide

SIA is keen that all spinal cord injured people should get the best possible legal advice
after an accident. This is why we produce a guide listing all the solicitors firms we believe
can provide this. We have also produced an App, which can be viewed on a mobile
phone or tablet, listing all the firms in this printed guide. You can download it and install it
either from the Apple iStore or the Google Play store. Search for SIA Solicitor.

Each firm listed has met a number of criteria, set by SIA, so we feel confident that you are
dealing with the best qualified and experienced people. We ask questions about:

• The number of spinal cord injury and other high-value cases the firm has dealt
with in the recent past;
• The types of cases they have dealt with;
• The number of years experience of the lawyers who handle spinal cord
injury cases;
• The level of professional indemnity insurance held by the firm;
• Membership of professional associations;
• How they will keep in touch with you;
• What professional development training staff have received.

We take up references from past clients and the content of the guide is reviewed
annually by the SIA Solicitors Advisory Panel.
• Each firm listed has agreed to abide by the SIA Code of Conduct, which is
backed by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. A copy of this Code is
available on the SIA website www.spinal.co.uk/how-we-help/find-solicitor/
• All the firms listed will provide a free initial interview that will allow enough time
to explore whether you have a claim for compensation or not.
• The printed guide and the App give information about physical access to the
firm’s premises and show their areas of experience by the allocation of various
symbols. (see page 15).
• All the personal injury solicitors featured will be prepared to visit you at home or
in hospital if it’s easier for you and many travel great distances to visit their
clients.
• SIA provides training courses on spinal cord injury for the solicitors
listed in the Guide, so they understand your condition and what you
need, to ensure the best outcome from your rehabilitation. You will
be able to see at a glance who has attended a specialist solicitors
training course.
• Always meet with two or three solicitors before you make your choice of who to
entrust with your compensation claim. It is important you feel you can get along
with the person as well as believing they will fight hard to get the best possible
outcome for you.
• Never entrust your case to the local firm who did your conveyancing or handled
your divorce – you need a specialist personal injury lawyer.

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