Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Why aren't all specialist clinical negligence solicitors listed?
We have chosen only to list firms who employ a specialist solicitor accredited by ourselves. The firms concerned also have to pay the charity a fee for the annual inclusion of their firm's details. This helps raise much needed funds for the charity. Very few firms who have a panel solicitor are not listed. Their details are available through our helpline/casework service who can refer people to them.
What does 'special interest' mean?
Firms have been invited to have the special interests held by one or more of their AvMA panel solicitors featured in our advanced search facility. This is designed to help you find the solicitor most likely to meet your needs. However, this is not definitive. Firms self-determine the special interest and pay a small fee to be listed under each category.
Do you (AvMA) receive any payment if I go to a firm of solicitors or if they take on my case?
No. AvMA receives no 'referral fees' or payment linked to referrals or enquiries. We simply want people to get the best help available. We do however charge the firms for their listing(s). This income supports our charitable work and stops it being spent on disreputable websites/marketing.
What if a solicitor won't take on my case?
It is in no-one's interest for a solicitor to take on a case which is likely to fail or which they are not capable of handling. The ability to 'screen' cases for the chances of success is a key skill required of specialist solicitors. If your case is declined, ask for an honest and detailed reason why. Feel free to seek further opinions, but be prepared to accept that legal action is not appropriate if that is the case. This does not mean that your health treatment was appropriate or you are not right to feel aggrieved - it may have more to do with legal technicalities and weaknesses in the system. Ask AvMA or your solicitor for alternative actions (which do not deliver compensation, but which may result in acknowledgement of the errors and action to help others).
