At Nelsons, our team of expert medical negligence claims solicitors recognise that for most people, having to face the challenge of attending an Inquest into the death of a loved one is a uniquely traumatic experience. Whilst there are no rules compelling someone to obtain representation at an Inquest, there are situations where you may wish to consider securing specialist legal help. If so, funding options are available.
Funding legal representation at an Inquest – the different options available
If there are grounds to consider a clinical negligence claim arising from the circumstances of the death then it may be possible to consider a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) (a so-called No Win No Fee agreement). It may then be possible to cover some or all of the costs of and associated with engaging with the Inquest process as part of that funding arrangement.
You may have legal expense insurance which will cover the costs of representation at an Inquest
We are also able to look at offering a private fee-paying package to cover the stand-alone costs of representation at an Inquest.
There are certain types of Inquest where Article 2 of the Human Rights Act 1998 is engaged and the HM Coroner is obliged to conduct a more wide-ranging enquiry. Typically, these types of Inquest involve a death in custody or whilst somebody was being detained in a mental health unit. For these types of Inquests, Exceptional Legal Aid Funding may be available. Our team has a contract with the Legal Aid Agency, which allows us to apply for such funding in appropriate cases.
How can we help
Matthew Olner is a Partner in our Medical Negligence team.
One of our team will always be happy to talk through all of the funding options to ensure you get the help you need at such a difficult time. For further information, please call Matthew or another member of the team on 0800 024 1976 or contact us via our online form.