Spinal Injury Claims Solicitors

To download a copy of our brochure 'Choosing a Solicitor for your Spinal Cord Injury Claim' click here.

A spinal injury can disrupt your life, and that of those around you, in an unimaginable way. Our spinal injury solicitors are here to help you restore the balance.

With the help of trusted medical experts, we’ll take time to assess your condition and prognosis and get to the bottom of how your injury happened and who was responsible. Once we have those facts, we’ll work hard to get the best result for you – one which helps make life more secure.

Most claims can be funded on a no win, no fee basis and, in some cases, we can ensure interim payments so that you can pay for the care, equipment and adaptions you need as soon as possible.

For a free consultation with our spinal injury solicitors, please call 01788 557617 or fill out our simple consultation request form and we will get back to you quickly.

"We are passionate about helping people who have suffered life changing injuries."

Jon Rees
Partner - Life Changing Injury

Call Jon on 01788 557617
Meet the team

Get in touch

Your name Please enter your full name

Phone Please enter your telephone number

Email Please enter your email address

How can we help you? Please enter the details of your enquiry

Which department relates to your enquiry?

Please choose which department you would like to contact

Preferred office location

Please select your office

How did you hear about us?

Please let us know how you heard about us

Please enter the verification code

Lexcel Accreditation
Cyber Essentials
Conveyancing Quality

Why choose Brethertons for your spinal injury claim?

Reasons to work with our specialist spinal injury lawyers include:

The team is ranked by leading client guides Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 for our Personal Injury law expertise.
Personal Injury Partner Jon Rees is personally ranked Band 1 by Chambers & Partners for Personal Injury, recognising him as one of the UK’s top experts in this field.
We’re proud to be accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
We have worked for many years in partnership with the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) and have sponsored the SIA’s Community Peer Support Worker programme which supports people who have sustained spinal injuries through accidents or illnesses.
No win, no fee funding available, so that there is no financial risk to you in the event your claim is unsuccessful.
Our spinal injury claims solicitors have helped people all over the country secure compensation after suffering injuries caused by others.
We can help whatever the nature of the accident or how it occurs.
Our team only deal with the most serious life changing injury claims, handling smaller caseloads so you can be sure your lawyer really understands your individual circumstances and gets to know you personally.
We also work as a team, and every member of the team will know about your case and be able to help you if the solicitor you normally speak to is unavailable.

Take a look at this video featuring Ify, one of our clients, who talks about the impact of his spinal cord injury.

Ify also talks about the adaptations made to his house in this video.

How we can support you with spinal injury claims

We’re experienced in all types of spinal cord injury, from high-level cervical injuries to lower-level thoracic injuries. Our support goes above and beyond helping you to secure compensation, our spinal cord experts will also work closely with you to make sure you can access the very best support for your needs.

In each case, we will work with you and your loved ones to help you adjust to your new circumstances, from the early post-accident stages through to when your compensation is paid. We can assist you in navigating the state benefits system, helping you find the right financial advice and setting up a Personal Injury Trust, should you wish.

We travel all over the country on a no-obligation basis to meet with you at home or in the hospital and have offices in Oxfordshire and the Midlands. We don't charge for coming to visit you and, if we're able to take your case on, it will almost always be on a no win, no fee basis.

Spinal injury claims FAQs

What is classed as a spinal injury?

A spinal injury generally refers to damage to the spinal cord, which is a long, thin tube of nerve tissue that runs through the centre of the spinal column.

For the purposes of making a compensation claim, you need to be able to show that a spinal cord injury was either caused by someone else’s negligence or by their deliberate action (e.g. criminal injury).

Spinal injuries are distinct from the more generic term ‘back injuries’, which is more commonly used to refer to musculoskeletal injuries that tend to be less serious. Our team only deal with serious spinal injuries, so for a more general back injury, you would need to find a team of back injury solicitors to assist you.

What is a serious spinal injury?

Exactly what is considered a ‘serious’ spinal injury will depend on who you ask. When we refer to serious spinal injuries, we mean those that have a life changing impact on people and these are the kinds of injuries with which we can assist.

What is the most common way to injure the spine?

Most spinal cord injuries are due to preventable causes such as road traffic accidents, falls and violence, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). They can also be caused by issues such as cancer, degenerative diseases and medical negligence.

What is the average payout for a spinal injury in the UK?

The amount of compensation paid for spinal injury claims will depend on the needs of the injured party and the level of liability of the person or organisation responsible. As this is so dependent on the specifics of each case, discussing the average payout for all spinal injury claims would be misleading as this would include everything from minor injuries up to the more serious spinal cord injuries of the type that our specialists deal with.

For an insight into how much compensation you might potentially be able to secure, please arrange a consultation with a member of our team by calling 01788 557617 or filling out our simple consultation request form and we will get back to you quickly.

Is there a time limit for making a spinal injury claim?

You will normally have three years to make a spinal injury claim from the ‘date of knowledge’ which is the date on which you were aware that an injury had occurred and that someone else was partially or wholly to blame.

In some circumstances, you may have longer to claim. For example, if the injured person was under the age of 18 at the time of their injury, then the three-year time limit only applies from the date on which they turn 18. Therefore, they would effectively have until their 21st birthday to make a claim.

If you need to claim spinal cord injury compensation on behalf of someone without the mental capacity to bring a claim themselves, then there is no time limit for doing so.

How long does a spinal injury claim take?

As with claiming compensation for any kind of life changing injury, spinal injury claims do tend to take time. The reality is that it might take years to secure compensation. While this might sound concerning, it is often possible to secure interim payments while your claim is ongoing to help meet any immediate needs a person living with a spinal injury has.

Interim payments may be an option where there is an agreement in principle that compensation is owed but the final amount is yet to be determined. These payments are intended to make sure people living with spinal cord injuries can get the support they need so that their long-term health outcome is not impacted by having to wait for funding.

What is the cost of a spinal cord injury claim?

The cost of making a spinal cord injury claim will vary depending on the specifics of each individual case. The good news is that, in the vast majority of cases, it is possible to offer a ‘conditional fee agreement’ i.e. ‘no win, no fee’ funding.

With no win, no fee funding, you do not have to pay anything upfront to start a claim for spinal cord injury compensation. Any legal fees would only apply if and when your claim succeeds. If your claim does not succeed, you will not owe anything. In many cases, it may also be possible to claim a contribution towards your legal fees from the other side following a successful claim.

Our team will be happy to discuss the potential cost of a spinal cord injury claim with you during your initial consultation.

Recognition for our spinal injury solicitors

Our team has been listed in the Chambers and Partners legal directory as follows:

What the team is known for: Highly skilled in complex claims involving spinal cord and brain injuries, and offers wide-ranging experience, including RTAs, falls and accident at work claims. Also handles public liability claims and claims from dependents. Additional experience in clinical negligence matters.

Strengths "I was impressed by the attention and timeliness of their approach," reports a client, adding: "The lawyers follow up on any query and take the time to explain matters in detail, including the time frames involved."

Another describes the team as "very reassuring, friendly and excellent at explaining the processes involved throughout."

Image for video

Spinal Cord Injury - watch Ify's story

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)