Do I have a claim?

[crispsandwich]

Apologies if this is the wrong place to post this, but I'm looking for some advice.

I injured my back almost two years ago working in a care home. I was unaware of manual handling regulations and was lifting residents with other members of staff. I had been given no training whatsoever. I was dismissed when I did some research (during my time off with the original injury) into the regulations and questioned their policies, although I have nothing in writing to prove this. I do have evidence that I worked there however, in the form of payslips. I also wrote in the care plans, which are themselves legally binding documents. Two years later, I am on my umpteenth period of rest (I'm training to be a Nurse but have had to take time off) because my injury has flared up AGAIN. I don't do anything that anyone else doesn't do, and I haven't been able to bend over at all since the original injury occurred. My medical notes from the date of the injury show that I said I hadn't received any training and that the doctor had advised me to seek employment elsewhere. I know for a fact that if asked to prove I had, my employers would have to lie or admit that I hadn't. The injury affects me almost every day. Most days it's choice of being spaced out by strong painkillers that take the edge off the pain, or take nothing and be in a lot of pain in my lower back. Previous X-rays show a narrowing of a disc space in my lower back at the site where it hurts.

Would I be able to successfully claim monetary compensation from my former employers? I never intended to go down this road, as I just wanted to get on with my life, but the pain affects me all the time and I'm really angry about the situation because at 22 years of age and in otherwise good shape, I shouldn't have problems doing things that most people take for granted.

I've contacted a well-known team of no win, no fee personal injury solicitors, but from what they've sent me, it looks like they would take just about everything I was awarded. Plus they're trying to sell me an insurance policy.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.