We speak to Emma Zukowska of Nelsons about her career to date and her ongoing commitment to supporting clients
Hi Emma. Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Nelsons
I am a Partner and Solicitor in the specialist Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team at Nelsons, based in the Nottingham office, but supporting clients nationwide.
I am proud to be part of a celebrated team of individuals, which includes members of the Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel, AvMA panel members, and APIL-accredited specialists.
Our team is ranked in Tier One of The Legal 500, and I personally have been ranked in Chambers & Partners as being an expert on spinal cord injury, child and birth injury claims, and amputation arising from negligence.
What makes brain and spinal cord injury claims different from general personal injury claims?
Brain and spinal cord injury claims are inherently more complex due to the severity of the injuries involved.
These cases require extensive medical evidence and a larger team of experts to assess long-term impacts.
Settlements are typically much higher, and once liability is established, significant interim payments are often secured to fund urgent rehabilitation.
There is often a substantial need for specialist care—not just to improve the injured person’s quality of life, but also to support their families, who may struggle with caregiving responsibilities.
As litigation lawyers, our role extends beyond legal proceedings; we work to ensure that clients receive vital therapies, adapted accommodation, and assistive technologies to help them live as independently as possible.
In brain injury cases, we must also assess whether the claimant has the capacity to manage their affairs.
When a child sustains a brain injury, a deputy is required to oversee financial management. At Nelsons, we work closely with our dedicated Court of Protection team to provide seamless support in these situations.
These cases require a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), including case managers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and neuropsychologists.
There may also be a team of carers or personal assistants to provide daily support. If property adaptations are needed, we collaborate with property finders, architects, and conveyancing solicitors.
These claims can take several years to resolve, making trust and communication between lawyers and clients essential.
Litigation is highly intrusive, often delving into deeply personal and sensitive aspects of life, which is why clients need to feel comfortable with their legal team, knowing we are genuinely invested in their recovery and future.
How important is it to appoint a specialist lawyer for brain and spinal injury claims?
These cases are highly complex and require extensive experience to navigate successfully.
Brain and spinal injuries demand an in-depth understanding of medical records and identifying the red flags, as well as basic understanding of the anatomy and the progression of injuries.
Without this knowledge, key indicators—such as an abnormal APGAR score in a birth injury case—can be missed, potentially preventing a successful claim.
A specialist Personal Injury lawyer would also understand the Serious Injury Guide and the Rehabilitation Code, ensuring that clients receive the right rehabilitation and care from the outset.
Our Personal Injury team work closely with insurers to recover these costs.
Having an expert in your corner can mean the difference between securing the full compensation required for lifelong care and rehabilitation or missing crucial opportunities for financial and medical support.
Can you share an example of a particularly challenging case you have worked on?
It is difficult to pick just one, as every brain and spinal injury case presents unique challenges.
However, one of the biggest hurdles in these cases is the length of time it can take to establish liability and secure interim payments. This can be very difficult for clients.
As an example, I recall a client who had suffered a severe spinal cord injury and was trapped in an inaccessible home, confined to a single room, and reliant on family members for full-time care.
Their partner had to stop working, and the financial and emotional strain was immense.
Despite the denial of liability throughout the claim, I was able to secure a financial settlement for the client enabling them to purchase a more suitable property, seek rehabilitation and obtain appropriate equipment to increase their independence.
While most cases settle before trial, clients often face years of uncertainty, making it crucial to have a legal team that fights for early financial support wherever possible.
Can and should a client change their lawyer if they are unhappy with their case’s progress?
Absolutely. Clients should always feel in control of their legal representation. If they are unhappy with their lawyer’s service, they have the right to express concerns.
If those concerns are not resolved, they should be able to switch firms without fear of financial repercussions.
Whilst there will be a formal written agreement in place between the client and the lawyer, typically, when a client moves firms, the new firm provides an undertaking to the previous firm, ensuring that legal costs are recovered upon the successful conclusion of the case.
This should be a straight forward process and means that clients can transition to a specialist team.
What do you look for when appointing members of a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)?
Selecting the right MDT members is crucial, as they play a pivotal role in rehabilitation, care, and long-term recovery.
We often begin with a meet and greet with our client, so they can choose a case manager to support them.
With our support, the case manager will reach out to physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and any other relevant parties to secure the help they need.
When appointing an MDT, we often consider:
- Experience – Does the professional have expertise in spinal or brain injuries? For example, a child with a brain injury requires a case manager who understands paediatric neurological rehabilitation.
- Location – Local knowledge can be beneficial, especially for accessing resources and ongoing support. Visits are also needed, so being local is beneficial.
- Personality and approach – Case managers must be proactive and empathetic, as they will be helping clients and their families in a fragile emotional state.
It is important that the client and family feel comfortable with the case manager and that they have the support and trust that is needed, as the journey can be lengthy.
How vital is the role of an MDT in a client’s recovery?
The right MDT can be life changing.
Rehabilitation can mean the difference between a client regaining mobility without relying on others, using communication aids to regain their voice, or living in an adapted home instead of confined to a single room.
Access to proper rehabilitation, care, and housing significantly improves mental health, independence, and quality of life.
The MDT ensures that every aspect of recovery is covered, from medical needs to emotional and social reintegration.
Can you share a couple of your personal career highlights?
I have worked in clinical negligence for 23 years, specialising early on.
I have always enjoyed the analytical and investigative side of the work, piecing together the evidence to be able to pursue claims on behalf of my clients.
For many clients, it’s not just about financial compensation—it’s about getting answers and accountability, and this is something I am passionate about.
Being made Partner in 2013 was a defining moment in my career, as was joining Nelsons in 2024 and being ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for my expertise.
Tell us a little about your life outside of work
I love spending time with my husband and our son, as well as family and friends.
Whenever the weather permits, I try to get outdoors as much as possible, whether that’s gardening, reading outside, or going for walks.
For something a little more adventurous, I’ve been known to paddleboard, climb, and even try axe-throwing!
