Brain Injury Claim Solicitors

Specialist traumatic brain injury solicitors with over 40 years’ experience in adult and child brain injury claims.
Experts in securing early interim payments to fund urgent rehabilitation, additional care and adapted accommodation while a claim continues.
Ranked and recommended as a leading firm for traumatic brain injury claims by the independent Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 guides.

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Expert support after a brain injury

If you are reading this while trying to make sense of a world changed overnight by a brain injury, we understand how overwhelming this moment feels. When a family member experiences a severe brain injury, your immediate focus is simply on their survival and care. In these early days and weeks, you are likely balancing long hours in hospital, speaking with consultants and nursing staff, seeking clarity on future care arrangements and discharge planning.

It is natural to feel unsure about seeking legal help, especially when your priority is rightly on your loved one’s care and recovery. However, legal support after a serious brain injury is not about taking focus away from their immediate needs. It is a practical tool to support them. Early legal involvement allows us to secure interim payments as soon as possible, funding essential private neurorehabilitation, speech and language therapy, specialist equipment, and home adaptations right when they matter most.

We stand beside you at every step, providing clear, steady guidance so you can give your full attention to being there for your loved one. Our specialist brain injury solicitors handle every legal detail, giving you peace of mind and working to ensure your relative has the dedicated care, rehabilitation, and long-term security needed to flourish and enjoy the best achievable quality of life.

At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we specialise in serious brain injury claims. We are listed in the Headway Head Injury Solicitors Directory, recommended by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, and appointed to the Law Society Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury panels. When you get in touch, you will speak directly with a specialist solicitor who will listen with warmth, answer your immediate questions, and guide you on the next steps at a pace that feels right for you.

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Your Key Contact

Caroline Klage

Head of Brain Injury

Caroline leads our Brain Injury Division, known for her compassionate approach and outstanding results in complex child and adult brain injury claims.

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Can I claim compensation for a brain injury?

To bring a successful claim, we need to prove the brain injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, meaning another person or organisation failed to take reasonable care and that failure caused the injury.

This often involves gathering evidence such as medical records, accident reports and expert opinions. Because brain injuries can have complex and long-term effects, it is also important to understand how the injury has affected the person’s life and what support they may need in the future.

A brain injury may happen on the road, at work, through medical negligence, during a sporting incident, or while abroad. You do not need to know who was responsible before speaking to us. That is something we can help investigate.

If a brain injury has changed your life, or the life of someone you love, it is worth understanding whether a claim may be possible and the difference it can make to their recovery and quality of life.

What happens when you contact us?
The first step is a conversation. We will take the time to understand what has happened, what support is already in place, and what may be needed next. Many people contact us for a loved one who cannot yet tell their own story, and we are used to working that way too.

You do not need to have every document ready. It helps to know roughly when the injury happened, where it happened, and what medical treatment has been needed so far. With your permission, we can request GP records, hospital notes, scan reports, accident records and other relevant documents to build a clear timeline.

If you already have a solicitor and something does not feel right, perhaps because there is a lack of updates, limited brain injury experience, or little progress on funding rehabilitation, we are happy to talk that through. This usually starts with requesting your file at no cost, so we can see what evidence and expert opinion has been gathered. We will then explain your options clearly.

If there are grounds to investigate, we will explain the next steps simply and clearly. Uncovering the full impact of a brain injury takes time. To ensure nothing is overlooked, we bring in independent medical specialists, such as neurologists, neuropsychologists and occupational therapists, alongside experts in care, housing and financial planning to build a complete picture of your future support.

Many brain injury claims are funded through a no win, no fee agreement. Where appropriate, we will also look early at whether an interim payment can help meet urgent costs while the claim continues, including rehabilitation, additional care, specialist therapies, equipment or adapted accommodation.

Brain injury claims we support

Brain injury claims can arise in many settings, and we act for people at every stage of life. We support adults, children and young people whose lives have changed because of a serious brain injury, as well as families trying to understand what help is available.

We also provide guidance and support for people and families living with the impact of brain injury. If you want to understand more about the claim process, rehabilitation, family support or what compensation may help with, our brain injury help and support resources can guide you through some of the key issues.

You can also read our brain injury success stories to understand the type of support a specialist legal team can provide, without needing to know at the outset whether your circumstances are similar.

Brain injury claims we can help with:

Why choose Bolt Burdon Kemp?

Head & brain injury claims specialists

Brain injury claims need careful legal, medical and practical understanding, especially where the injury is serious and the person’s future needs are uncertain.

Our specialist personal injury team is recommended by The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, and The Times Best Law Firms.

The Legal 500 guide quotes Bolt Burdon Kemp as ‘dynamic, empathetic, caring and prepared to go that extra mile for the clients and professionals working with them. The solicitors take a genuine interest in the client and family and have an excellent bedside manner.’

We are also proud to be accredited by the Law Society’s Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence panels, as well as the Headway Head Injury Solicitors Directory.

We are listed as UKABIF Approved Lawyers and affiliated to The Silverlining Brain Injury Charity Solicitors Scheme. We are also connected with specialist organisations including Headway and the Different Strokes legal panel.

The rehabilitation and support you need

Early support can make a real difference after a brain injury. Where possible, we will look at whether rehabilitation funding or interim payments can be sought while the claim continues.

That support might fund private neurorehabilitation, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychological support, physiotherapy or a case manager to coordinate everyday care. It can also help with practical changes such as a move to more suitable accommodation, equipment, transport, and additional care at home.

For many families, the pressure is not only medical. A partner, parent or adult child may have taken on a caring role, reduced their working hours, or become responsible for decisions they never expected to make. We will focus on what the injured person and their family need now, while also looking carefully at what may be needed in the future.

No Win, No Fee

Many brain injury clients can be represented on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you will not pay our fees if the claim is unsuccessful, subject to the terms of the agreement. Where appropriate, we can also arrange insurance to protect you against the other side’s costs, so pursuing a claim does not add to your financial risk.

We will explain funding clearly before you decide whether to proceed, so you understand how costs work in practice.

A service built around your family

When you are living with a brain injury, or supporting someone who is, you need a legal team that sees the whole picture. The claim matters, but so does home life, communication, financial pressure and being treated with dignity throughout.

We will work in a way that feels manageable for you and your family. That may mean visiting you at home or in hospital, keeping in touch by whichever method suits you best, arranging conversations around fatigue or medical appointments, or taking extra time to explain important decisions.

Meet your Brain Injury Solicitors

Clients select the firm they feel is right for them, but they stay because of the solicitor. Our people pride themselves on being approachable, empathetic and realistic.

We go beyond legal advice. Whether it’s visiting clients at home to ease the burden or being available at any hour for reassurance and support, we’re here when it matters most.

Why Bolt Burdon Kemp?

Caroline Klage

Head of Brain Injury

Cheryl Abrahams

Partner – Part of the Child Brain Injury Team

Claudia Hillemand

Head of Child Brain Injury

Ipek Tugcu

Head of Adult Brain Injury

Sally Simpson

Partner – Part of the Brain Injury Team

Deepti Patel

Senior Associate – Part of the Brain Injury Team

Tamsin Day

Senior Associate – Part of the Child Brain Injury Team

How to claim for a Brain Injury

Get in touch
Funding options
Medical records
Expert opinion
Letter of claim

See the full process

How long does a brain injury claim take?

We move claims forward as efficiently as we can, but most serious brain injury claims take years rather than months to settle. This is often because the full extent of the injury takes time to understand, particularly where recovery is still developing or future care needs are not yet clear.

Many of our clients come to us after being told by other solicitors that their case was too difficult or not worth pursuing. Where others see obstacles or push for a quick settlement, we look deeper.

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Client Journeys

Multi-million pound award for pedestrian hit whilst crossing the road

Our client, a young successful professional, was crossing at a pedestrian crossing when she was involved in a collision with a motorcycle being driven at excessive speed. She sustained a severe traumatic brain injury as well as multiple fractures to her legs, arms, ribs and pelvis.

View all success stories

Kind words from our clients

I am so grateful to Hokman and the rest of the team at BBK. They were so patient, understanding, kind, calm and explained everything to me so I could understand. My expectations were definitely exceeded.

– IS, Adult Brain Injury client
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional service provided by Claudia, who demonstrated deep empathy and professionalism during a particularly challenging time for my partner and I. Following our traumatic birth experience, her compassionate and personable approach was invaluable in helping us…

– Child Brain Injury client
I just knew from the moment I met with Olivia and Suzanne that I was in excellent hands with my claim. The attention to detail and rapport we built over the last 4 years, made me feel very grateful and ultimately so thankful I choose Bolt Burdon Kemp, to support…

– Christoper Currie, Adult Brain Injury client
Laura and the team were great - they were cohesive and diligent - nothing fell through the cracks!

– OG T, Adult Brain Injury client

Brain Injury FAQs

What is a brain injury?

A brain injury happens when the brain is affected by a traumatic event, such as a fall or road traffic collision, or by a non-traumatic event, such as a stroke, infection, lack of oxygen or complications during medical care.

Because the brain plays a part in almost everything we think, feel and do, the effects of a brain injury can vary widely from person to person. In serious cases, the injured person may spend time in hospital, need specialist rehabilitation, or require long-term care and support.

The effects may include problems with movement, speech, memory, concentration, behaviour, fatigue, mood, decision-making or independence. Some people need help with daily tasks. Others may be unable to return to work, education, driving or family life in the same way as before.

A brain injury can also have a profound impact on loved ones. Families may need to make urgent decisions about care, housing, finances and future support while still processing what has happened.
What is a brain injury claim?

A brain injury claim is a legal claim brought when you or someone you love has experienced a brain injury because another person or organisation failed to take reasonable care.

That might involve a road user, an employer, a healthcare provider, an occupier of premises, or another party who may have been responsible for what happened. To bring a successful claim, your legal team will need to show that the other party was at fault and that this caused injury and loss.

Compensation is not just about recognising what has happened. It is intended to put you back in the position you would have been in had the injury not occurred. To help rebuild your life, your compensation award can cover both financial losses and practical support for the future. This may include loss of earnings, rehabilitation, specialist therapy, ongoing care, equipment, and adaptations to your home.

A claim can also take account of the wider impact of the injury on your independence, relationships, work, confidence and quality of life. Every brain injury is different, so any claim should be carefully built around your individual circumstances and what you need to move forward.
How long do I have to make a brain injury claim?

There are strict time limits for bringing a claim for brain injury. Typically, the injured person has three years from the date of injury to issue a claim in court otherwise the right to bring your claim will be lost. The time limit will not apply if the injured person lacks mental capacity to bring a claim.

In some circumstances, it is possible to bring a claim within three years of the date on which the injured person ought reasonably to have become aware that they had a claim. This ‘date of knowledge’ test is subjective and needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. It is therefore important to get advice from a specialist solicitor as soon as possible to avoid falling foul of these time limits.

When bringing a claim on behalf of a child, you have to issue the claim in court before the child’s 21st birthday.
Can I claim on behalf of my child?

Yes. A parent or another suitable adult can usually bring a claim on behalf of a child as their litigation friend. A litigation friend makes decisions in the child’s best interests during the claim.

For most children, the usual three-year time limit does not begin until the child turns 18. Even so, it is often better to seek advice earlier, while evidence is easier to gather and support needs can be assessed.
Can I claim for someone who lacks mental capacity?

In many cases, yes. If someone cannot make decisions about a claim because of their brain injury, another person may be able to act as their litigation friend.

The usual three-year time limit may not apply while the person lacks capacity, but this is an area where legal advice is important. We can explain what capacity means in this context and what steps may be needed.
Can I get a second opinion on a claim I have already started?

If you’ve already started a claim with another solicitor, but are unhappy with the service, you can transfer your case to another solicitor. Going through the litigation process can be stressful, particularly if the relationship of trust and confidence has broken down with the solicitor dealing with the claim. If you’d like to discuss moving from your current solicitor firm to a solicitor from Bolt Burdon Kemp, just give us a call or send us a message using our contact form.

If you decide we could be a better fit for you, we can contact your old solicitor to get all the information we need and transfer your case. It is unlikely that you would have to pay your old solicitor for the time they spent on the claim, usually they agree to wait until the end of the claim to be paid. Find out more about this process in our article on the subject.
Can interim payments help with rehabilitation?

In some cases, yes. An interim payment is part of the compensation paid before the claim has finally settled.

For someone with a serious brain injury, an interim payment may help with urgent support while the claim continues. This could include private rehabilitation, additional care at home, therapy, equipment, adapted accommodation, case management or lost income. It is not available in every case, but we will consider it as early as we can.
What will brain injury compensation cover?

Compensation is intended to put the injured person back into the position they would have been in had they not been injured. In practical terms, a successful claim provides the financial foundation to help an injured person flourish, rebuild their independence, and enjoy the best possible quality of life.

A compensation award accounts for the physical and emotional impact of the injury itself, as well as its effect on everyday life. It can cover lost income, reduced future earning capacity, paid care, and specialist rehabilitation. In more complex cases, the claim may also include the costs of adapted housing, equipment, transport, therapies, case management, and the invaluable support provided by family members.

We will explain what can and cannot be claimed, ensuring you have a clear and realistic picture from the outset.
Will I have to go to court?

Most brain injury claims settle without a trial. Some cases do need court proceedings, especially where there is a dispute about responsibility or the level of compensation.

Starting court proceedings does not always mean there will be a trial. It can be a necessary step to keep the claim moving. We will explain each stage clearly and help you prepare if court involvement becomes necessary.
How much brain injury compensation will I receive?

Brain injuries have serious consequences for both the injured person and their loved ones. No amount of money can ever truly provide adequate compensation for the devastating effects of a severe head injury. However, compensation can help to manage some of the consequences by funding much needed professional care, accommodation, equipment, treatment and therapy, alleviating financial hardship and improving quality of life.

The amount of compensation awarded depends on the nature and severity of the injuries, as well as the impact they have on things like earnings capacity and the cost of meeting need post injury both now and in the future.
Who will pay my legal fees?

If we think you have a strong claim, we will find a way to fund it for you. The four main funding options available are:

1. ‘No win, no fee’ agreement, otherwise known as a Conditional Fee Agreement

2. Legal Expenses insurance

3. Legal Aid

4. Paying privately

Find out more about the funding options available and partner organisations who can help.
What should I do before contacting a solicitor?

You do not need everything ready before getting advice. A short note of when and where the injury happened can help. Photos or paperwork are useful if you have them.

Medical letters, accident reports and proof of lost income may also become relevant. If you do not have these documents, that should not stop you contacting us. We can explain what may be needed and help obtain evidence where appropriate.
What happens if my claim is successful?

Protecting your means-tested benefits

Your financial circumstances change when you receive compensation after becoming seriously injured. This means your means-tested benefits may be at risk. However, you can protect your entitlement to benefits by setting up a personal injury trust. Our specialist brain injury solicitors will be happy to advise you if this is relevant to your circumstances.

Investment advice

Investing your compensation requires careful thought and often specialist advice. We can recommend an appropriate adviser to help you, if you’d like to pursue this avenue.

Rehabilitation

In many claims for head and brain injury compensation, your recovery may be improved by receiving appropriate medical treatment including surgery, rehabilitation, therapy, aides or equipment and professional support at the earliest opportunity, rather than waiting for the claim conclude. We have arrangements with providers of rehabilitation services to ensure your recovery starts as soon as possible.

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Returning to work following a brain injury

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Tony Short

Great people in here and very kind and helpful you kno

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phil bewley

Professional. Persononable. Expertise delivered with clarity. I left the meeting feeling completely reassured.

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Alexander Alexiou

Great staff, friendly and accommodating. Lovely premises

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Jennifer Brissett

I cannot thank Bolt Burdon Kemp enough for their help dealing with my medical negligence case against the NHS. Hannah Travis dealt with my case she was very patient, she really listened to what I had to say and showed me empathy. I was kept updated through every process via emails, post, phone calls, from day one to the end of my case. Everyone who dealt with me were very professional I would recommend Bolt Burdon Kemp to anyone who believes they have a negligence case. They certainly went above and beyond my expectations.

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Roger Good

Very good service from staff we deal with

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luke parry

They host our Silverlining meetings and are very accommodating!

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Laura Amos

Amazing firm. Ipek, Daria and Elly really heard me and understood my story. It felt like I was really heard for one of the first times ever. They didn’t take my case as they only take on the best! But my goodness this firm is amazing. They really do care. - Laura

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keith monaghan

I can say to this point in case they have been there surporting me. Julia very helpful and friendly. And have organised well to get us over the line. We won our part 36 .so technically the case is over. I did take advice from them but feel in my case. it right decision. I realise they are a business and have to earn money like everyone . Everything they said. They would do .. Case took a long time .but I think this quite normal under our circumstances. I have been awarded compensation and im hoping they deal with swiftly and put the cherry on the cake
It is important they make sure this is done after all the hard work they put in and what I had to go through. Julia allways ask me what I wanted to do. Yes she would give me advice but bottom line It my choice.
I would advice anyone out there who looking for a good solicitors firm to speak to these guys. I'm actually 24 hours away on flight
So that a big time difference but they managed it.
So well done big Thanks
Bolt burden Kemp .special thanks to Julia for she did for me.

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Scott Gadsby

Great, professional and positive

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Charlotte Carey

Incredibly helpful advice from Siobhan. Thank you so much.

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ke Mono

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Vincent Plumber

I contacted several so-called Army specialist solicitors, but most of them fobbed me off or didn’t seem to care. Then I found Natasha — and straight away, she had the answers that no one else wanted to give me. I was shot in Afghanistan and have completed five tours, so I know what it's like to face real challenges. Natasha, being ex-Forces herself, immediately put my mind at ease. She understood me without me having to explain everything. She’s firm, no-nonsense, and exactly the kind of person you want in your corner. If I had to go into battle again, I’d take her with me — no question.

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Brain Injury Claim Solicitors

Expert support after a brain injury

Caroline Klage

Head of Brain Injury

Can I claim compensation for a brain injury?

Brain injury claims we support

Brain injury claims we can help with:

Why choose Bolt Burdon Kemp?

Head & brain injury claims specialists

The rehabilitation and support you need

No Win, No Fee

A service built around your family

Meet your Brain Injury Solicitors

How to claim for a Brain Injury

How long does a brain injury claim take?

Multi-million pound award for pedestrian hit whilst crossing the road

Kind words from our clients

Brain Injury FAQs

What is a brain injury?

What is a brain injury claim?

How long do I have to make a brain injury claim?

Can I claim on behalf of my child?

Can I claim for someone who lacks mental capacity?

Can I get a second opinion on a claim I have already started?

Can interim payments help with rehabilitation?

What will brain injury compensation cover?

Will I have to go to court?

How much brain injury compensation will I receive?

Who will pay my legal fees?

What should I do before contacting a solicitor?

What happens if my claim is successful?

Protecting your means-tested benefits

Investment advice

Rehabilitation

Returning to work following a brain injury

Our Insights

Some kind words from our clients...

We’re here to help you.