Chani Dhaliwal

• Securing a £10.4 million settlement for a client who sustained a catastrophic brain injury in an accident at work.
• Securing a £9.8 million settlement for a motorcyclist who sustained a spinal cord injury after being struck by a van.
• Securing a £9.6 million settlement for a client who sustained a spinal cord injury in a fall from height.
• Achieving a £4.5 million settlement for a senior accountant who sustained a severe traumatic brain injury in a road traffic collision.
• Securing a seven-figure settlement for a client who underwent an arm amputation following a dog attack.
• Securing a £2.7 million settlement for a client who required a leg amputation after being struck by a car.
• Achieving a settlement comprising a £1.82 million lump sum and annual payments of £55,000 for life for a client requiring lifelong care following a severe brain injury.
• Representing a client during a 10-day trial concerning brain injuries sustained in a road traffic collision.
• Representing a client at trial in the Royal Courts of Justice after she sustained a severe brain injury when struck by a taxi.
• Securing a substantial interim payment to fund a ReWalk exoskeleton, enabling a client with paraplegia to walk.

Although the financial outcome is important, compensation is only one part of the result. In serious injury cases, the greatest difference can often be made by obtaining early rehabilitation, establishing a suitable care team, securing appropriate accommodation, and giving the client and their family confidence about the future.

I begin by listening. I want to understand what happened, how the injury has affected my client and their family, and what their immediate and long-term needs are.

Serious injury claims are rarely solved by looking at just the legal issues. I build a specialist team around each client, drawing on medical experts, rehabilitation professionals, case managers, therapists, care experts, architects, financial advisers, employment specialists and leading barristers when needed.

For clients with significant earnings or business losses, I work closely with forensic accountants and appropriate industry experts to present a detailed and properly evidenced claim.

My approach is proactive. Wherever possible, I seek early admissions of responsibility and substantial interim payments so that rehabilitation and support don’t have to wait until the end of the case. This may include:

• Appointing an experienced case manager
• Arranging private rehabilitation and therapies
• Establishing a professional care or support package
• Obtaining specialist equipment and technology
• Securing suitable interim or adapted accommodation
• Supporting a return to education or employment
• Putting appropriate financial and professional arrangements in place for the future.

I prepare every case thoroughly and test the evidence carefully. I’m known for taking on challenging cases and being willing to pursue difficult legal points where it’s in my client’s best interests. I negotiate firmly, but I also recognise when constructive engagement can secure an earlier and better outcome. If court proceedings or a trial are necessary, I ensure my client’s case is presented clearly, persuasively, and with the supporting evidence required to withstand scrutiny.

Throughout the claim, my priority is to make sure my client and their family understand what’s happening, why particular decisions are being made, and what the next steps will be.

Clients have described my approach as professional, patient, creative and meticulous, and have valued feeling informed and supported during both the claim and rehabilitation process.

At our first meeting, I’ll listen to you and your family, learn what happened and identify your immediate concerns. There’s no expectation that you’ll arrive with every document or be able to answer every question. I understand that the period after a serious injury can be overwhelming.

We will usually discuss:

• The circumstances of the incident
• The injuries and treatment received
• The effects on your daily life, work and family
• Your immediate needs
• The information and evidence that may be needed
• How the claim could be funded
• The likely next steps
• How we’ll communicate with you throughout the case.

Where appropriate, I can meet you and your family at home, in hospital, at a rehabilitation unit, at one of our offices, or remotely. If you choose to instruct us, my team and I will begin gathering the available evidence, investigating responsibility for the incident and considering whether early rehabilitation support or an interim payment can be obtained.

I’ll explain the process in straightforward language and give you an honest initial assessment. If an issue can’t yet be answered, I’ll explain what information is needed and how we’ll obtain it. My aim is for you to leave the first meeting knowing that your concerns have been heard, that there’s a clear plan, and that you have an experienced team standing by you.