A firm you can rely on

Fernstone Law sees every claim through to resolution. However long it takes. However complex

We're a Chester-based firm, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, handling personal injury claims across England and Wales.

Start your claim Or ring 0333 360 9696

SRA regulated, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (591916)
Rated 4.4 on Review Solicitors, from 48 client reviews
Over 20 years as a specialist claims practice, since 2005
A team of 22 people

What to look for in an injury claim solicitor

Most people instructing a solicitor after an accident have never done it before, and the differences between firms aren't obvious from the outside. These are ours, if you want to see who would actually be running your claim. These are the questions worth asking anyone you're considering.

Are they a regulated law firm, or a claims company?

A solicitor is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and personally accountable for the advice given. A claims management company is not a law firm and will usually pass your case to a solicitor anyway.

Who will actually handle your case day to day?

Ask whether you'll have a named contact, and whether that person changes as the claim progresses.

How is the claim funded, in specific terms?

Not "no win no fee" as a slogan, but the actual percentage, what happens to disbursements, and what you'd pay if the claim doesn't succeed.

Do they handle your type of claim regularly?

A firm that handles road accident claims every week is a different proposition on a road accident claim than a general practice.

Will they tell you if you don't have a claim?

The answer you want is yes. A firm that takes on everything isn't assessing anything.

How does a claim actually work?

The four stages of a claim, and what each one involves
Stage	What happens
1. Initial consultation	You tell us what happened. We listen, ask the right questions and give you a straight view on whether your claim has merit. This is free, with no obligation to proceed.
2. Investigation	We gather the evidence: medical records, witness statements, photographs, incident reports, and whatever else the claim needs.
3. Negotiation	Most claims settle without going to court. We negotiate directly with the other side's insurer.
4. Resolution	Once agreed, your compensation is paid. We'll explain exactly how our fee is calculated before you agree to anything.

Claim types we handle

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a solicitor to make a personal injury claim?

No. Low value road accident claims can be submitted through the Official Injury Claim service directly. For anything more complex, disputed liability, a serious injury, or a business on the other side, a solicitor generally makes a material difference.

What's the difference between a solicitor and a claims management company?

A solicitor is individually regulated and accountable for the advice given. A claims management company isn't a law firm, and typically refers your case on to one.

Can I switch to you from another firm partway through?

Often yes, though there may be cost consequences depending on the stage your claim has reached. Tell us where things stand and we'll advise.

Do you handle claims outside Chester?

Yes. We're based in Chester and act for clients across England and Wales. Most claims are run without you ever needing to visit an office.

What does SRA regulated actually mean?

It means the firm is authorised and supervised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, holds compulsory professional indemnity insurance, and is subject to a formal complaints process, with the Legal Ombudsman available if a complaint isn't resolved.

Ready to find out where you stand

Tell us what happened. We'll give you a straight answer, and we won't pressure you either way.