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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 | Consultant

01243 812421 ian.oliver@georgeide.co.uk

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Client Testimonials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

George Ide looked after my claim from accident to the case conclusion, they took care of everything on route which concluded in a very substantial out of court settlement. The settlement enabled the family not to worry about future employment problems, and gives everyone piece of mind.
George Ide are a very professional company, and I would always recommend them to other people in the same situation.
M

Paul Fretwell

Thank you for looking after me and my case. Not just a solicitor, you were a supporter and friend from the off. I felt that you ‘got’ me and understood where I was coming from. The very unexpected payout takes a lot of worries away, thank you.

Paul Fretwell

My daughter and I are extremely lucky to be alive after an awful road traffic accident on the M1 motorway 3 years ago. I had some severe injuries and fortunately I’ve recovered very well (although not without some life altering effects). My good fortune continued when I engaged George Ide solicitors to help with a personal injury claim a few weeks after I was released from hospital after almost 2 months.My dealings with the company have been outstanding in terms of professionalism, thoroughness and sensitivity. I feel that partner Paul Fretwell and his very capable team have worked extremely hard on my case. They achieved a successful and stress-free outcome for which I’m very grateful. I am most appreciative of the kindness and support shown to me throughout the time Paul and his colleagues advised, guided and helped me through what could have been a much more traumatic process without them. I would not hesitate in recommending George Ide solicitors to anyone who needs assistance with a personal injury claim. Paul Fretwell in particular is someone I have great confidence in and his diligence is exemplary. Many thanks once again Paul!

Paul Fretwell

I have worked with George Ide LLP for many years, initially as a support worker but now as a Registered Manager. I have found their brain injury
team, more specifically Paul Fretwell, to be highly efficient, supportive and effective when working alongside me with a very challenging group of clients. Paul and the team at George Ide LLP have secured settlements ranging from £1-6 million and beyond, ensuring financial security and peace of mind for life for the clients and their families.

I have worked closely over many years with Ursula Watt and Stephen Shine in George Ide LLP’s Court of Protection team. I am always impressed by how adaptable and attentive they are in looking after their brain-injured clients who often display challenging behaviour. They are able to communicate in a way our clients understand and work in a very person centered way. They are firm but fair and always have the clients’ best interests at heart. Karl Thompson. Managing Director, THCS Ltd

Paul Fretwell/ Ursula Watt/Steve Shine

“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