Posted by Ali Cloak, Associate
On 31 August 2018 the Health Service Journal revealed that many more cases of concerning care have been uncovered at the NHS maternity service, which is already under investigation for 23 other cases where families have been failed.
Posted by Ali Cloak, Associate
In a judgment published on 26 July 2018, the High Court has changed the legal test to be applied in inquests when determining whether or not a person committed suicide.
Posted by Ali Cloak, Associate
An inquest into the death of a loved one is a difficult and emotional process. Without legal representation, it is the task of the families themselves to ask the right questions during the inquest to try and get vital answers about the circumstances of their loved one’s death. However, in the past the government has made this more difficult than it needs to be. So have recent calls to change been heeded?
Posted by Ali Cloak, Associate
Official figures released on 25 July have shown that deaths in police custody have risen by nearly 65% to their highest figure in 10 years, with 23 people dying in the last year alone. These deaths occurred either in police cells or whilst being taken to hospital following detention in a police cell or arrest.
Posted by Ali Cloak, Associate
Our team got involved with the Law Society’s #SolicitorChat initiative, to help people on social media understand key topics around the legal profession. This time, Ali Cloak and Mark Hambleton offered their perspectives on instructing a solicitor.
Posted by Ali Cloak, Associate
New Government funding announced last month means that no local authority will now be able to charge parents for the burial or cremation of children who have passed away.
This announcement follows a 28-year campaign by the MP Carolyn Harris and means that parents who are in the devastating position of losing their child will not have to struggle financially to provide their child with a dignified and respectful funeral.
Posted by Ali Cloak, Associate
Currently there is no legal requirement for employers in the UK to provide paid leave for grieving parents, but a new bill – currently in parliament – could change that. Here’s what you need to know, and why it’s important.
Posted by Ali Cloak, Associate
At the end of 2017, the Chief Coroner published his annual report on inquests over the preceding year. The report provides useful insights for care providers on the common pitfalls in care provision that have been identified during inquests and how to avoid similar incidents being repeated.
Posted by Ali Cloak, Associate
The outgoing Chief Coroner of England and Wales, HHJ Peter Thornton QC, has voiced his recommendation that Legal Aid should be provided for families at inquests where the Government is paying for lawyers to represent police officers or other state employees. Inquests Solicitor Ali Cloak considers the background and implications of these recommendations.
Posted by Ali Cloak, Associate
Parents who saw their son engulfed in flames after the police discharged a Taser at him, have today received compensation as part of an out-of-court settlement agreed with Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.