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Inquests

INQUESTS – HOW CAN WE HELP?

If there has been an unexpected death in your family that requires an inquest, you need not face the ordeal alone. We can provide inquest support and representation for bereaved families – our sympathetic, experienced and dependable legal professionals are on your side to help.

We understand that the prospect of an inquest into the death of a loved one can be distressing and bewildering at a time when you are already suffering the trauma of untimely loss so we will guide and advise you throughout the process, representing your best interests at all times.

WHAT HAPPENS AT AN INQUEST?

Inquests are judicial inquiries into the circumstances and cause of a person’s death, presided over by a coroner and held in a coroner’s court – such a hearing is an essential part of establishing the cause of death.

Witness statements are required from medical professionals and others and, although a coroner does not apportion blame, he or she can refer issues of concern to the relevant authorities in order for appropriate action to be taken.

WHY CHOOSE US AS YOUR INQUEST LAWYERS?

Our specialist inquest lawyers provide a full inquest service tailored to fit your needs and the circumstances of your bereavement.

We will ensure the right questions are asked about how, where, and when your loved one died and we can, if required, represent you in person during the hearing to voice your perspective and maintain a focus on your best interests.

George Ide LLP. We're on your side

ALWAYS ON YOUR SIDE

As a leading South Coast law firm, we are committed to providing trustworthy and reliable legal services of the highest quality. We are passionate about achieving the best-possible outcomes for our clients and everything we do is driven by our genuine commitment to you as a valued client.

We have extensive experience of acting on behalf of clients at inquests called to investigate a variety of situations including hospital deaths, nursing home deaths, prison deaths, and police-related deaths.

Our approachable team can shoulder the burden of your stress and strive to ensure the coroner’s initial verdict is comprehensive and truthful, taking all the relevant factors into account.

And, if necessary, following the verdict we will discuss your options for further redress including the chances of a successful appeal before the High Court.

GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information about inquests and their repercussions, or to find out how our team can help if your family is facing an inquest into the death of a loved one, contact us today. You can reach us by clicking on the link, writing to us in confidence at info@georgeide.co.uk, by emailing our specialists directly, or by calling our Chichester offices on 01243 786668.

Paul Fretwell | Partner

Head of Personal Injury

01243 812405 paul.fretwell@georgeide.co.uk

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Ian Oliver | Partner

Dispute Resolution, Compliance Officer, Legal Practice (COLP)

01243 812421 ian.oliver@georgeide.co.uk

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Client Testimonials

I suffered a complex ankle injury in a road traffic accident in 2015, Paul Fretwell and the team at George Ide stepped in to manage my claim and helped me through a very challenging period in my life. The team’s experience with this type of injury, their considered approach and meticulous attention to detail enabled them to flag up any potential issues early on, and ensured there were no surprises along the way. Paul was able to see beyond the conventional claim headings, and took the time to understand the full impact of the injury, on my life and hobbies, and was keen to ensure they were all suitably reflected within the claim. Three years on, we went into a Joint Settlement Meeting with a robust and well prepared case, allowing us to secure a claim that significantly exceeded our expectations. I would not have a moment’s hesitation in recommending him to anyone in a similar situation.

Paul Fretwell

I just wanted to say a massive thank you for guiding and supporting my friends through to this conclusion over the last 3 years. The early days were incredibly tough for them as you know and your calm reassuring presence has been one of the main reasons they were able to cope, especially back then. You’ll have learnt that R is a very tough and determined character, but I know they’d have struggled without your help.
Living abroad and unable to help them as much as I would have liked, it’s been so reassuring to continually hear how confident they’ve been in your ability to resolve this for them, right from the word go. I know I was very happy in my own mind that they’d got the right person on their side, after I spoke to you on the phone.

So, thank you again for all the time and effort you’ve put into getting them this result… for always being available to speak to them, even when you were supposed to be on holiday, for steering them through the hardest times and the quagmire of the courts. You’ve made such a difference for them and seeing R getting on with life with such a positive attitude that I’m not sure I would have been able to replicate, had it happened to me; is extremely satisfying as well as inspirational.

Rich J

Paul Fretwell

From the moment I contacted you the service has been amazing. You responded to my first enquiry over a bank holiday weekend and followed it up in detail on the Tuesday. That personal touch emphasised that the service was above and beyond, and has continued to be so ever since. That call literally saved my life in more ways than I can mention.

Rusty Brown

Paul Fretwell

“There are no words to adequately express my gratitude to you, and all the other members of the team who supported you, for what you have achieved for [my daughter]. You should all be so proud of what you have done and Thank You from the bottom of my heart.”

Mrs L

Paul Fretwell

I just wanted to say thank you again for all your efforts on my behalf, your resilience has been outstanding! Thanks to you, and the funds you secured, the process with Dorset has started already, and my new limb should be in my possession on October 4th (within a fortnight!) with the Echelon VT foot. This foot has a greater ankle bend which should help with the hill walking. I am also in much greater comfort in travelling in more testing conditions (when weather is wet especially), with the recent replacement of the 4wd car. This car will be especially useful when we intend to holiday in France with our friends during the winter months. Obviously my thanks are also extended to Lizzy and Karen for their efforts also! With very best wishes and thanks for your ongoing support,

Rusty Brown

Paul Fretwell

We thought that we needed to write to you to express our deepest thanks for the way that you personally and all of the staff involved with you carried out the whole case from beginning to end.
The background people are often overlooked but we feel that we had the best team playing for us on all levels.

Paul Fretwell

Following a traumatic motorcycle accident, I found myself in unfamiliar territory and in the need of a personal injury lawyer. From my first phone call to George Ides, I was in no doubt that they would be best team to handle my case, guiding me not only through the legal but also the rehabilitation process, I was always in good hands. Paul is a consummate professional, incredibly thoughtful and compassionate, but at the same time ensuring that I had the best advice and in a timely manner, a heart felt thank you, Paul.

Kate Buttriss

Paul Fretwell

Paul Fretwell has been our solicitor now for 8.5 years and has been dealing with the case for AB (our son) who sustained a head injury in 2012 due to a car accident.

Over the years we have come to rely on Paul’s expert opinion and knowledge of brain injuries to help us understand A’s behaviours and needs.

Paul has been a massive support to us and our whole family since A sustained life changing injuries, as you can imagine, it has been an uphill battle for us and we had no idea or understanding of the challenges to come or how to even start to put in place all the support A needed and still needs today.

A now has his Support Worker, D that Paul put in place, which to be honest, has been a godsend to the family and A. A has a great relationship with D, and we will be eternally grateful. D helps A with day to day challenges that most people take for granted and A now feels D is a friend as well as his mentor and “life coach”. A also has an OT that visits his home to check he is doing ok and guide him in day to day tasks etc.

Paul has always been a phone call away at any time, he is very patient and understanding, his friendly approach to the whole family means we feel we can be very open and frank with him. Although all the legal “jargon” is very hard for us to understand, Paul is and has always been massive support, he explains in detail every word and meaning and why certain steps need to be taken to help A’s case.

We will always be eternally grateful to Paul and George Ide Solicitors.

Paul Fretwell

How can I just say thank you, if I say it a hundred times it wouldn’t be enough. What you have achieved is unbelievable, I never imagined the compensation would amount to anything like that, if you recall, I once asked you if I might get another £27.000 making a grand total of £100.000, than I truly thought I could possibly get between £150.000 and £200.000 and I’d have been happy, so you can imagine how shocked and thrilled I was when the figure was doubled.

When I left your offices I was almost in tears, it didn’t feel right saying goodbye, I felt like I was saying goodbye to a friend, which I feel you’ve been. I don’t know how I’d have got through the last couple of years without your input, I didn’t even know I was entitled to compensation until you told me, which also means no rehab either. I can’t begin to imagine the mess I’d be in now.

I will be eternally grateful Paul for all you have done.

Best wishes

Sue

Paul Fretwell

Jasmine has told me that she has now settled and that she can move on with her life.

I would just like to write a brief note of genuine heartfelt thanks from all of us involved. Your company was recommended by a good family friend who works in the BH1 postcode area, at a time when most of us were either in shock or at a loss about how to proceed.

From our very first communication, and the day of your visit to Jasmine’s Mum’s house, you have been thoroughly professional whilst being incredibly caring. You personally, no doubt with the assistance of your team, have allowed Jasmine the opportunity to recover at her own speed, with the assistance of the full spectrum of the medical world, to a point where I honestly believe that she is in a better state mentally and confidence-wise than she was even before the accident.

I would have no hesitation in recommending your Company to anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves in a similar situation.

It is common for people who are expert in their field to state that “I was only doing my job” – well, in this case, I am very glad that it was you who handled Jasmine’s case.

With many Kind Regards

John & Paula Gerken

Paul Fretwell

I have worked with Paul for several years now on various challenging cases. Paul has a very honest and open approach with the people he represents, his communication skills and ability to share complex information at a level of understanding for his clients is second to none. Paul has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by somebody who has acquired a brain injury and it is this understanding that ensures clients anxiety levels and concerns are kept at the lowest level possible at all times. Paul is realistic with his expectations and has had a high level of success with regard to achieving the right level of settlement to ensure his clients get the support they need for the rest of their lives.

Karl Thompson. Managing Director, Thompson Holistic Care Services (THCS)

Paul Fretwell

It is essential to feel complete confidence in the advice given and the person of one’s solicitor. I have experienced situations in the past where this has not been the case. When seeking a reliable practice some years ago I asked for a recommendation from a neighbour and was given the name of Mr Ian Oliver. I followed this advice, have used this practice ever since and have recommended it to others with complete confidence. It is very reassuring to be in this position.

C Elderfield, Arundel

Ian Oliver