[joglynne]

As far as I am aware you have 3 years in which to take your employers to court in this type of situation so you have some breathing space. Once you set a solicitor in action you are committing yourself to the possibility of large legal expenses. It is up to you but personally I would hang fire on the solicitor until you have at least spoken to the union rep as your union should be able to provide legal advise/representation free of charge.

I would also be keeping a detailed log of all that happens, dates, phone calls, names and anything thing else that is said or done. Your employers seem to be under the erroneous assumption that they are the people who get to decide what happens following an Industrial Accident. They will learn otherwise.