A word of caution from Shaun Burke, Partner at Close Thornton, who has specialised in personal injury claims for over 17 years.

None of us can predict when we might get injured, but when we do, the stress and trauma caused can be very great.

Nowadays, as long as the accident or disease is not caused by ones own actions, legal help is available to ensure that an injured person receives compensation. This could be a work-related injury or disease, a motor accident or a just a simple slip up in the street. Whatever the cause, it is very important that a qualified professional is contacted for help.

Personal injury lawyers not only deal with accidents, but also with Occupational Diseases. These can range from the often fatal diseases related to asbestos exposure, to other conditions connected to people's work such as vibration white finger caused by vibrating machinery. It is worth bearing in mind that when making a claim for work related injuries there are very strict time limits. It is therefore vital that the person affected contacts an appropriate solicitor straight away.

"If you need legal advice after an accident, make sure that you contact a qualified solicitor who is a member of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel and a professional association, such as the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers," says Shaun Burke, a partner at Close Thornton who has specialised in personal injury claims for over 17 years.

"Lawyers on the Personal Injury Panel have to complete an accreditation process. The Law Society regularly reviews the number and types of cases to assure they are experienced in this very specialist area of the law."

Shaun advises claimants to check that the individual assigned to them is properly qualified. This can be done by asking about their specific experience in handling their type of case.

There are many organisations that offer to handle personal injury claims. However, it is wise to be cautious. Often claimants are referred to lawyers who are located hundreds of miles away and who may not be fully qualified or experienced.

"One of the benefits of being based in Darlington is that our clients can come to see us face-to-face at what is often a stressful time," says Shaun Burke. "Explaining medical reports and guiding clients through an often complex legal process is often much easier and more efficient in a face-to-face situation. Our firm has been based in Darlington for 60 years and our clients value that personal contact ".

For further information contact Shaun Burke at shaun.burke@close-thornton.co.uk or call on 01325 466461

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