Claiming Benefits for Spinal Cord Injury

In a spinal cord injury claim where liability is denied and we cannot secure an interim payment quickly, you may still need and be entitled to claim state benefits as a result of your injury.

Such an injury brings changes not only for the injured party but also for their family and friends as it can impact on their ability to work, and often evolves in such a way that their need for and entitlement to benefits can be overlooked. Claiming benefits can be complex and time-consuming; there may be delays, it’s all very bureaucratic and often there’s a complete lack of awareness.

"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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We have partnered with the team at Oxfordshire Welfare Rights to bridge the gap in the system where accessing benefits is concerned. Their expertise in assisting people who, though not claiming, may be entitled to benefits – benefits that can make a huge practical difference to them and their family – is much appreciated by our clients and their families.

Of course, it may well be that their situation cannot be improved upon, but just as often a review of their situation reveals that progress might be achieved using a different approach. Often, just undertaking the review helps everyone involved gain a better understanding of how the benefits system operates which can be helpful to clients and their families.

We help people from all over the country and the Oxfordshire Welfare Rights team are able to work with us on all our cases. The scheme is also one we make more widely available, to clients from across the firm and not just to those we are helping with spinal injury compensation claims.

Seven out of ten people who suffer a spinal cord injury do not have grounds to make a compensation claim and yet their need for this sort of service is possibly even greater than those who do have a claim. We want to help.

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)