Do I need a local solicitor for a work injury claim?

Updated: 3 Oct, 2025
By Chris Salmon

If you have been injured at work, a solicitor can advise you on your options and help you pursue a claim for financial compensation. With thousands of personal injury firms across the UK, you may be wondering whether to choose a local solicitor or a larger national firm.

At a glance

You do not usually need a local solicitor and most claims are handled by phone, email and video call.
Since COVID-19, many solicitors now work remotely and rarely meet clients in person.
The most important factor is finding a solicitor with expertise in your type of injury.
National firms may offer broader expertise, while smaller firms may offer a more personal service.
If one solicitor rejects your claim, seek a second opinion. Assessments vary between firms.

Does location matter?

Injury claims are almost always handled remotely. Communication is typically by phone, email or video call, and it is rare to meet your solicitor in person. Even with a local firm, your solicitor may be working from home or in another office.

You do not need a local solicitor. Choose experience and clear costs. Most things are done by phone or online, and your medical can be arranged near you.

John Kushnick

Legal Operations Director (NAL)

In a post-COVID world, what does local mean?

The shift to remote working means location is less important than ever. Choosing a local firm does not guarantee your solicitor is based nearby. Video conferencing has replaced most in-person meetings.

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Expertise matters most

The key factor in choosing a solicitor is expertise. A solicitor with experience in work injury claims will increase your chances of success and help secure the best compensation.

Some firms handle a wide range of cases, from road traffic accidents to medical negligence. Others specialise in specific areas, such as industrial disease or workplace accidents. Larger firms usually have broader expertise but may feel less personal. Smaller firms may offer a closer service but with a narrower focus.

Don’t be deterred if the first firm says no

Solicitors sometimes reject valid claims. Reasons may include workload, lack of specialist expertise, or the financial risks of a case. Under No Win, No Fee agreements, solicitors must assess the likelihood of success before taking on a case. Risk assessments vary, so another firm may accept your claim even if the first does not.

If your claim is rejected, the firm should explain why. If not, you should always seek a second opinion.

How do I find the right solicitor?

A claims management company (CMC) can match you with a solicitor who specialises in your type of claim. CMCs manage national panels of solicitors and track acceptance rates and outcomes, giving you a better chance of being matched with a solicitor who can help. You are not obliged to use the solicitor they recommend.

Real-world example

For example, someone injured in a factory accident may first approach a small high street solicitor, who declines the case because they lack experience with industrial injury claims. A CMC then refers the claimant to a national firm with a specialist workplace accidents team. The case is accepted, and the claimant secures compensation they might otherwise have missed out on.

Have you been injured at work?

If you have been injured at work in the last 3 years, you may be able to claim financial compensation.

Find out more about making a work accident claim:

Do you qualify?
How much compensation could you get?
How does No Win, No Fee work?

About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon