Chris-Marie Niemela has been acting for those suffering from catastrophic personal injuries - and never for those who cause injury - for over 18 years.

Having started her legal career in London she moved with her family to Cardiff and now works from our Cardiff office, where she was recognised as a key lawyer in the Legal 500 2021 .

Chris-Marie is part of the catastrophic injuries team, where she has specialised in serious injuries involving brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, claims where there are multiple and complex orthopaedic injuries and amputations. These claims may arise from accidents at work or road traffic accidents, or even criminal injuries. Chris-Marie has a specific knowledge of, and expertise, in motorcycle accidents and Functional Neurological Disorders (FND).

Chris-Marie is known for her determination to get the best possible outcome for her clients and looking at all aspects of the claim to maximise opportunities to secure rehabilitation and damages as early as possible.

Chris-Marie particularly enjoys working for Thompsons as she shares the firm’s ethos of only acting for the injured, putting the client first at all times and treating all clients equally.  She was appointed as an Associate of the Firm in 2025 and is keen to take the Firm forward into the future and assist with business development.

In her spare time, when family life permits, Chris-Marie enjoys reading, adult ballet, running and yoga. She also supports local and national charities such as Rookwood SpUR, Horatio’s Garden and Headway.

 

Chris-Marie's case experience

  • Recovered £135,000 for a client who slipped on water at work, causing him spinal and head injuries, settling the case before it went to trial. 
  • Secured six figures in compensation for a client who suffered multiple complex orthopaedic injuries following a motorcycle accident. The case was disputed by the defendant, but when it went to trial the judge awarded a sum higher than any other previous offer.  
  • Succeeded at two liability only trials.  One being in relation to a difficult assault case and the other which was a four-day trial against two Defendants as a result of an accident at work.
  • Secured six figures in compensation at a Joint Settlement Meeting for a client who suffered an amputation following an accident at work.

 

Professional Membership

Chris-Marie is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.

Chris-Marie has received Senior Litigator status by APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers).

Testimonials

Thompsons Solicitors worked extremely hard and always went the extra mile for me. Honest about the way things are done and brought a successful claim. Would definitely use them again if needed (hopefully I won't). All the staff are professional and courteous. Would definitely recommend.

Andy Clarke

A few words to express my sincere thanks to you for all your hard work in bringing my claim to a very welcome conclusion. Kind regards and a heartfelt thank you.

Chris-Marie's former client

I would just like to thank you for your help in settling his injury claim. It has been a long process, but since you have been handling his claim it has been a lot easier. We have decided to make some much needed home improvements, so once again thank you.

Chris-Marie's former client

I would like to thank you for all your efforts in getting me the offer for my accident.

Chris-Marie's former client

Thank you so much... At this moment I can’t express how appreciative I really am.

Chris-Marie's former client

Thank you for all you and your team have done for me that has helped with my claim.

Chris-Marie's former client

[My solicitor] immediately took control, and also enrolled me on something I had not heard of before, called a Rehabilitation Program. It was an agreement between both sides to work alongside the NHS in providing all necessary care and rehabilitation. Little did we know that just around the corner was a pandemic that would virtually close all face-to-face “normal” medical options! Despite all of the problems within the pandemic, my rehabilitation case manager was able to procure a face-to-face physio, as well as wider online consultations across the board. Whilst my progress was undoubtedly slowed by the pandemic, it did not stop, which it almost certainly would have done had this support not been in place. Whilst things have not been wholly smooth-running, we have now reached a satisfactory conclusion to my case after nearly 3 ½ years. This would not have been possible without the support of UNISON in providing the legal expertise I needed, and I am hugely grateful for this.

Chris-Marie's former client