Fatal Claims
If a person dies whilst receiving medical treatment and those treating them failed to provide the necessary care, then an inquest may be held to find out how and why they died. If this happens, surviving relatives must seek legal advice before the inquest takes place.
When a person dies unexpectedly in hospital, and it is possible that reasonable steps were not taken to prevent their death, the European Convention of Human Rights insists that an independent inquiry is carried out. Although this might sound very serious, it is standard practice. In some cases, the coroner’s report may give enough information to satisfy this inquiry.
Inquests can prove vital in helping to highlight problems within the system and as a result, make sure that laws are changed to avoid other families having to suffer in the way that you have.
They also play an important role when the deaths of patients who are kept in hospital under the Mental Health Act are being investigated.
It is crucial to seek legal advice before the inquest takes place. This will give your solicitor chance to get hold of medical records and other documents from the coroner before the court hearing. They will also be able to ask the witnesses questions during the hearing, and because inquests are public hearings, often attracting press and media attention, they will ensure your interests are properly protected.
Depending on what evidence comes to light during the inquest, you may want to enter a damages claim for bereavement. This may include a claim that the deceased’s human rights were breached during their treatment, or a claim for financial compensation because you were economically dependent on them. Your solicitor will go through all of your options with you after the inquest.
If you have lost someone as a result of a medical accident or because of sub-standard care or management the law may be able to help you find out what happened and why and in some cases recover compensation. At patientlawyers.com we will try our very best to help you through this difficult time. Contact us for further information.
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