There are numerous kinds of fatal accidents including  road collisions, workplace incidents, accidents at sea, and more. Fatal accidents can happen anywhere at any time, but factors such as road conditions and hazardous workplaces are typically at the root of fatal accident claims.

Stephanie Young

Partner

Stephanie Young

Partner

“It's not about where the accident occurred, or the accident type. It's about the severity of the injury itself and that's where we specialise in the more severe injuries.” 

Types of fatal accident we handle

We act for families in all types of fatal accident claims and the cases we handle include, but are not limited to:

Workplace accidents

Falls from height, machinery failures, and unsafe working conditions account for many fatal workplace injuries in Scotland. Learn more: Fatal workplace accidents

Workplace transport accidents

Forklift trucks, HGVs, and other site vehicles are involved in fatal injuries on construction sites and in warehouses across the country. Learn more: Fatal workplace transport accidents

Maritime accidents

Scotland's offshore workers and fishing crews face particular hazards — drowning, equipment failure, and vessel incidents remain a persistent danger. Learn more: Maritime accidents

Helicopter crashes

Aviation accidents carry a high fatality rate. Helicopter crashes serving offshore oil and gas installations are among the most devastating. Learn more: Helicopter accident lawyers

Public transport accidents

Bus, train, and tram accidents can result in multiple fatalities where operators fail in their duty of care to passengers. Learn more: Fatal public transport accidents

Organised events and trips

Fatal injuries during adventure activities, school outings, or sporting events may result in claims where organisers fell short of their safety obligations. Learn more: Fatal adventure activities and trips

Exposure to hazardous substances

Long-term exposure to asbestos, chemicals, or other workplace hazards can cause fatal diseases years, sometimes decades after the initial contact. Learn more: Fatal exposure to hazardous substances

What happens following a fatal accident

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.

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 representative of a 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.

Making a fatal accident claim

If you have lost a loved one in an accident that was not their fault, then you may be entitled to claim compensation, and 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.

Frequently asked questions