No idea of legal aid..

I really had no idea of legal aid after my tbi, so I got a solicitor that that pays for it and takes cash of ur award? I'm really annoyed now he or no one told me I was entitled to this, not even that this solicitor thinks I had no witnesses and even though I had like 20odd or so..

I was recently in a car crash which is how I have discovered legal aid.. I would like to change the solicitor dealing with my tbi but if I do then how is he paid? Ill get billed sure? :/

[headwayuk Partner Headway]

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for your post.

Legal aid is one way to pay for personal injury cases in Scotland if you qualify, but do note that it isn't always the best way. Funding a brain injury case in this way can place significant restrictions on the medical experts available to your solicitor. The Scottish Legal Aid Board will also not cover costs if you lose the case and costs are awarded to your opponent.

Because of this the decision isn't as simple as it might seem, and you will need to seek legal advice to decide what is best in your circumstances.

Our 'Claiming compensation in Scotland' booklet explains all of the funding options in detail. We do suggest you speak to one of the solicitors from our list to get advice specific to your situation - you can search these at headway.org.uk/legal-advice.... The initial free consultation with a firm should include advice on changing from another solicitor too, so they should be able to answer your question in a bit more detail.

I hope this helps, and do get back to us if you need any more information, or private message us with your address if you would like the booklet posting out.

Best wishes,

Headway.