If you have been injured or made ill because of someone else’s actions, some of the first questions you may ask are: do I have a claim, how do I make a claim, and do I need a solicitor?
These are all fair questions and often determine what people do next.
Many people are hesitant to instruct solicitors in personal injury matters due to concerns about cost and a lack of awareness about the benefit solicitors will bring. That uncertainty is reflected in research from the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers which suggest that people in the UK who may have valid claims never pursue them at all[1].
In many cases, the issue is not whether a claim exists, but whether people feel confident enough to seek advice in the first place. Understanding what a solicitor does, and when their involvement can make a difference, can help you decide how best to proceed.
Can you make a personal injury claim without a solicitor?
In short, for less serious injury claim, yes. That doesn’t always mean it is the best idea.
There has been a shift in recent years to make certain low value claims more accessible without legal representation. For straightforward cases, this can work well. Even claims that appear simple at first can become more involved. It is not just about explaining what happened. There is also the need to gather evidence, obtain medical input, and assess what the claim is worth, both now and in the future.
In situations where serious injuries have been sustained or there are long term consequences mean you cannot return to work or need extensive care, then having expert legal advice and representation is key.
In catastrophic case, it is vital that you instruct a lawyer with the right expertise and the network to put together a team of advisors and experts. This will enable the right rehabilitation and care package to be established as early as possible to improve your recovery and quality of life. Having an expert team on your side also ensures that your claim appropriately compensates you for the harm and losses you experience. Having an early conversation with an experienced, expert team and finding the right fit for you and your family will help you to feel reassured and supported through the process. Many of these claims will take several years to conclude, sometimes to allow the full extent of the harm to be known. A close relationship is built up over the course of the claim, and clients need to know they can talk openly, share their worries and needs to navigate through what are often life changing events. My advice is to reach out early and find a solicitor you can connect with and where you feel comfortable asking questions.
Understanding what your claim is worth
This is often where matters become more complex than expected.
Valuing a personal injury claim is not limited to the injury itself. In more serious cases, it can involve detailed consideration of loss of earnings, future impact on work, ongoing treatment, care requirements, and the wider effect on day-to-day life. Reaching the right valuation requires careful analysis and experience.
It is easy to get this wrong. If a claim is undervalued, you may settle for significantly less than you are entitled to. If it is overvalued, it can create unrealistic expectations, complicate negotiations, and risk undermining the credibility of the claim.
There is also established case history demonstrating the importance of complying with procedural rules and properly presenting a claim. Even seemingly minor missteps can have significant consequences[2]. Understanding the complexities and risks associated with litigation, particularly in more complex and technically involved claims, is essential.
Having experienced support helps ensure that the claim is handled correctly, complies with the relevant legal framework and that its value is properly assessed and appropriately quantified.
Managing your claim alongside your recovery
If you are dealing with an injury, your priority should be recovery.
At the same time, pursuing a claim requires attention. Being open and accurate about your symptoms is important, as insurers will often look closely at consistency across medical records, reports, and day-to-day activities. Even small inconsistencies can be identified and questioned.
There can also be financial pressures. If your income has been affected, or you require treatment or equipment, interim payments may sometimes be available before the claim concludes. For many people, this kind of support makes a real difference, with around 48% reporting that compensation helped them access equipment needed for recovery.
Balancing recovery with a legal claim is not always straightforward, and having support in place can make that easier to manage.
A sensible way to approach the decision
Whether you choose to instruct a solicitor is ultimately up to you.
It may feel manageable to proceed independently. However, for many people, the challenge is not starting a claim but ensuring it is handled properly and resolved fairly.
Taking advice does not mean committing to a claim. It can simply help you understand your position and the options available, allowing you to make an informed decision.
If you have suffered injury or illness as a result of someone else’s negligence, it is worth considering what level of support would assist you in navigating the process.
As a firm, we review every enquiry we receive. Where appropriate, we can offer an initial consultation with no obligation, so you can understand your position before deciding how you would like to proceed. It also best to do this as soon as possible after the injury occurs so that you don’t jeopardise your claim by leaving it too long.
Key questions to think about when choosing a solicitor to advise on your claim:
Do they have relevant experience in your type of claim?
- Check whether the solicitor regularly handles cases similar to yours, particularly in relation to complexity and any long-term implications.
How do they approach costs and funding?
- Make sure you understand how the case will be funded, what deductions may apply, and that fee arrangements are explained clearly and transparently from the outset.
How will they manage your case and communicate with you?
- Consider how accessible they are, how regularly you will receive updates, and whether you feel confident they will support you throughout what may be a lengthy process.
These points can help you make a more informed decision when choosing the right solicitor for your claim.
[1] APIL Industry Report. March 2026.
[2] Ogiehor v. Belinfantie [2018] EWCA Civ 2423