Make a claim following a death at work
Accidents at work are responsible for a large number of deaths each year. According to the latest official figures for the UK as a whole, 147 people died in 2018/2019 as a result of workplace accidents - 29 of these fatalities occurred in Scotland. This figure was considerably higher than the five year annual average (2014/15 to 2018/19) which stood at 19 fatalities per year.
There are many different types of workplace accident - you will find more information on them in our Work Accident section – but some accidents are more likely to result in a fatal injury than others. Top of the list are:
- Falls from height
- Contact with moving machinery
- Being struck by a moving vehicle
- Exposure to hazardous substances
These four types of accident account for more than half of all fatal injuries in the workplace.
Certain industries are more prone to fatal accidents than others too. These include:
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident at work, you may have a claim for compensation. But it pays to speak to someone who knows the issues and the implications - someone with the experience to achieve the best result for you, in the quickest possible time.
Thompsons solicitors – Experts in complex claims
Thompsons Solicitors is the leading personal injury law firm in the country. We have specialist teams of solicitors, solicitor advocates and other professionals who deal solely with fatal and catastrophic claims.
For example, we previously acted for the family of Edinburgh Firefighter Ewan Williamson, who tragically died in a blaze in July 2009.
In the past, one of our senior partners, Syd Smith, who is now retired, acted for victims of major disasters such as Piper Alpha, Lockerbie and the Dunblane shootings. Syd was the Secretary to the Piper Alpha Trade Union Legal Group at the Cullen Inquiry and was influential in many aspects of Thompsons' campaigning in relation to fatal accident Inquiry reform.
Today, our whole team carries this ethos forward as we continue campaigning and providing comprehensive representation and support for families who have suffered as a result of work-related deaths.
Fatal Accident Inquiries
Thompsons has been heavily involved in campaigning for changes to the Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) process. Our Fatal Accident Inquiry pages have all the information you need:
- Attending a Fatal Accident Inquiry
- FAIs - Changes still required
- FAIs - The reality
- What families need from FAIs
You’ll find more on our involvement in inquiries, campaigns and leading cases in the campaigns section of this website, but if you are thinking about making a claim for compensation why not give us a call on 0800 0891 331.
Talk to Thompsons following a fatal workplace accident
One of our experienced accident lawyers will be able to guide you through the process and advise you on the best way forward. The call is free and you are under no obligation to take matters further.
