Presidential role for injury lawyer Martin

6:45pm Tuesday 14th August 2007

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Pudsey lawyer Martin Bare has been appointed head of a national organisation which helps secure compensation for people whose lives have been ruined by injuries.

Mr Bare has been elected as president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).

The organisation is made up of more than 5,000 lawyers and often helps consult government committees on issues involving the law and personal injury.

Mr Bare has worked with APIL for several years and recently worked with the Government's Department for Work & Pensions to ensure that victims of asbestos induced disease get a fair deal.

Mr Bare and APIL contributed to changes to the law for asbestos cancer victims which are currently working their way through Parliament and assisted with the recent changes introduced in the Compensation Act 2006.

He said: "It is a great privilege to be called upon to represent the interests of the innocent victim on a national, high-level basis.

"At a time where there is much unjustified criticism of the role of the lawyer it is important to remember the importance of independent legal advice where a person and their family has suffered the trauma of an avoidable injury.

"Injury victims should always seek out a fully accredited APIL lawyer."

Mr Bare also praised the work of Pudsey MP Paul Truswell to help bring in regulations to help govern the area of personal injury law. He said: "Local MP Paul Truswell is to be commended for the part that he played on the Delegated Legislation Committee in the House of Commons in bringing in regulation to govern the activities of so-called claims companies'."

Mr Bare, who lives in Farsley, is head of personal injury with Yorkshire solicitors Morrish & Co, which includes Pudsey firm, Lindley Clough.

APIL is an independent not for profit organisation, established in 1990, which provides accreditation to lawyers and firms who have achieved a specific standard of personal injury law.

Among the firms in Bradford who have APIL accredited lawyers are Gordons, Eatons and Last Cawthra Feather, while Kenningham Underwood Armstrong is an APIL accredited firm.