Have you Google them to see if anyone else has heard of them? If it's a scam it'll usually come up straight away.
I know people who have used Winn Solicitors and rated them quite highly - and you don't have to pay ANY costs to them (something about claiming their cost from the other side), their ads are all about getting you 100% of your compensation and from what I've heard, it's true.
As you said, "the money would be handy but we know nothing about these people", I'd say it's worth looking into making a claim, but do it on your terms - use a company you've heard of & 'trust' not the first people who cold called you. Also if you use a no win no fee solicitors, you have nothing to lose.
I hope this helps!