An Islington solicitor is stepping into the top role of a national group which campaigns to prevent needless injuries and to preserve the rights of those who are injured.
Jonathan Wheeler is the new president of the not-for-profit Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
“APIL has been fighting hard for people who have been injured or killed and, of course, their families, for 25 years this year,” said Jonathan. “So I’m proud to lead the way on some big issues. The need for change in the law on who is entitled to compensation for bereavement, for example, is currently very restrictive and excludes many grieving relatives from the justice system. The law is old and needs review.
“But I’m also passionate about raising professional standards, so that injured people and grieving families can find the best legal help available. People with a need for a solicitor are often going through a stressful time and can be feeling quite vulnerable, and an accreditation scheme like APIL’s helps to make things easier for them by showing them how to find lawyers who are continuing to raise the bar, keeping up-to-date with developments in the law, and who have their best interests at heart.
“Lastly I want to see fewer needless injuries. If there was an end to needless injuries and negligence in workplaces, on roads, in schools and hospitals, then APIL’s work would be done”.
Jonathan specialises in child abuse compensation claims at Bolt Burdon Kemp.
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