Take the first steps on a fatal accident claim
Fatal accidents can occur anywhere, at any time, but there are certain factors; such as being out and about on the road and working in a dangerous environment, which are often attributable to fatal accident claims.
Other examples include:
- Helicopter crashes (accidents)
- Maritime accidents
- Workplace transport accidents
- Public transport accidents
- Organised events and trips
- Workplace accidents
- Exposure to hazardous substances
The sudden death of a loved one is a truly traumatic experience, and if the circumstances surrounding the incident suggest someone else was to blame, this can be terribly hard to bear.
At Thompsons, it is our priority to ensure our clients are supported throughout their claim. We often find that clients want answers more than anything else and we strive to discover the reasons for the accident, whether there is a Fatal Accident Inquiry or not.
What happens following a fatal accident
If the death occurred in a work environment, it must be reported under RIDDOR and a mandatory Fatal Accident Inquiry will occur.
Mandatory inquiries also occur if the deceased person was in legal custody, or a child required to be kept or detained in secure accommodation.
For other fatal accidents, such as in road traffic accidents, public transport accidents etc. a discretionary inquiry may be heard if the Lord Advocate feels the death was sudden, suspicious or unexplained, or that the death happened in circumstances which give rise to serious public concern. A discretionary inquiry may also occur if the Lord Advocate decides it is in the public interest to hold a public inquiry into the circumstances of the death.
When a fatal accident occurs in a work environment it is likely that the deceased's employer will participate in the FAI. Other participants may include an inspector for the Health and Safety
Executive and a union representative (or representative of a similar body connected to the type of employment or occupation concerned). The Sheriff may also allow other participants to be involved if their evidence will be relevant to the inquiry.
Sadly, if the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) decide not to go ahead with an inquiry, as a relative, your only option for seeking justice may be through a civil claim for compensation. Whatever type of incident led to the death of your loved one Talk to Thompsons today about how you might be able to seek redress.
Make a fatal accident claim with the experts in complex cases
If you have lost a loved one in an accident that was not his or her fault, then you may be entitled to claim compensation - not only for the injury done to your loved one, but also for the loss of financial support you have suffered as a result.
You may also be able to make a claim if your loved one was partially at fault for the accident, although the amount of compensation you receive may be reduced.
Thompsons Solicitors is an award-winning firm of personal injury lawyers, with extensive experience in fatal accident injury claims.
If you have lost someone in a fatal accident and are not sure whether you have a valid claim for compensation, why not give us a call to talk things over for free with one of our fatal injuries experts.
There is no obligation, and we have a no win no fee package available if you wish to take things further.
Call us on 0800 0891 331 and take your first step towards compensation.
