Jamie Rhind has joined Manchester law firm JMW Solicitors as a support manager for catastrophic injury clients in the personal injury and medical negligence departments.

The newly created role will see Jamie provide a peer-led support service to clients who have suffered a severe injury, such as a brain or spinal cord injury, due to an accident or something that has gone wrong with their medical care. He will also support JMW’s relationships with key charity and healthcare partners.

Jamie sustained a spinal cord injury 25 years ago and understands the complexities of rebuilding a life after catastrophic injury. He has worked in the charitable sector for the last 15 years, the majority of which was with the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), where he headed up its services department.

The knowledge and experience he has accumulated over the years will enable him to offer an insight into living well with a disability, as well as provide information and advice to help clients navigate statutory support services, particularly for those who will not receive compensation until years after their injury happened.

Jamie also has a background in broadcast journalism and has previously worked on BBC 2’s Dragon’s Den as part of the production team in Manchester.

Jamie commented: “JMW does amazing work supporting clients who have sustained a catastrophic injury by helping them to receive the rehabilitation and compensation that will aid them in rebuilding their life. My role will enhance that offering and make it more holistic, so that we can ensure that clients who are at the start of their journey have the support they need. That might be ensuring they have access to the benefits payments they are entitled to while their legal case is ongoing or advising them on accessible housing and options around care.

“I believe everyone with a disability should be able to live a fulfilling life. In the 25 years since my injury, I have completed my studies, carved out a career, gotten married and become a dad, travelling the world in the process. In fact, I am just back from a brilliant holiday in Colorado and Texas, where I even got the chance to watch armadillo racing! I am incredibly excited about making a difference to the lives of JMW’s most seriously injured clients and their families. Gaining an insight into living with a disability was incredibly important to me after my injury and I hope I can have a similar impact.”

Cathy Leech, a partner at JMW and head of the personal injury catastrophic injury department, added: “We are thrilled to have Jamie on board and his role will greatly enhance the service that we provide to our most seriously injured clients. Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him that will make an immediate impact on our clients’ lives on both a practical and emotional level.”