Fatal medical negligence Claims

Dealing with medical negligence is always emotional, but it is even more so if that negligence resulted in the death of a loved one. Understandably, it can be very difficult to take the decision to make a medical negligence claim if someone you love has just died, but it is important to do so if you think you have a case.

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Inquests – their role in fatal medical negligence claims

If you pursue a medical negligence case following the death of someone close to you, it is likely you will have to attend an inquest. The purpose of the inquest is to establish what caused the person to die. It will also look at the events leading up to their death. It doesn’t look to apportion blame, merely to establish the facts.

Inquests are usually presided over by a coroner, who has the power to call witnesses relevant to the case. For instance, if you were making a fatal injury claim on grounds of medical negligence, it is likely that an expert medical witness will be required to give their opinion on the evidence. The medical staff looking after the person at the time of their death may also be called upon to give their side of the story.

The job of the coroner is to look at all of the evidence in order to determine the cause of the person’s death. If the inquest rules that the person’s death was caused by medical negligence, you may then be able to pursue a medical negligence compensation claim. This is something that our specialist solicitors can advise you on; they can also help you throughout the inquest.

Involvement in inquests is never easy, but they are important in establishing the facts in circumstances where the cause of death isn’t entirely clear. The outcome of an inquest can also give you a good indication of whether you would be successful if you decided to pursue a fatal injury medical negligence claim.

Our specialist inquest service

Our Solicitors offer specialist inquest advice and representation service throughout Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Berkshire and Somerset and Dorset to help those families who have suddenly lost a loved one in circumstances where an Inquest is required.

Your fatal medical negligence claim – don’t delay

If you do decide to proceed with such a claim, you will need to make it within three years of first finding out about the negligence. This is why it’s so important that prompt action is taken, even though it is likely to be a very difficult time for you when you have recently been bereaved.

Speaking to an experienced negligence solicitor will help you understand more about your options, as well as what will happen if the case goes to an inquest.