Articles by ‘Ali Batchelor’

Ali Cloak, senior associate at RWK Goodman, considers the key provisions of the Notification of Deaths Regulations 2019, SI 2019/1112 and likely practical implications on coronial procedure as well as future developments.

Ali Cloak acted for M, a 40 year old woman who experienced a period of anaesthetic awareness – or being awake during an operation – and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and a phobia of hospitals.

One of the questions that I get asked when representing families at inquest hearings is: who is allowed to be in the court room, and are the media or press allowed to attend? Understandably, families can be concerned that something very personal to them may become public.

If you want to find out more about your options for funding an inquest into the death of someone close to you, Ali Cloak – Senior Associate and expert in inquests – is here to help you understand your next steps.

Mrs L brought suffered prolonged pain and disability as a result of a negligent knee replacement. Mrs L, represented by Ali Cloak, received a six-figure sum in compensation.

Ali Cloak, Senior Associate in our Bath office, secured a seven-figure sum for her client who was had to undergo an amputation following negligent treatment on the part of her orthopaedic surgeon, and later, her GP.

Dying Matters is a national coalition of organisations that aim to help people talk openly about dying, death and bereavement. This year, starting on 13 May, the national awareness week will join with organisations to help raise the public’s consciousness of this difficult and distressing topic.

The police have announced that they will be undertaking a new criminal investigation into the deaths at Gosport War Memorial Hospital. More than 456 patients had their lives cut short by being administered high doses of opiate painkillers such as morphine between 1987 and 2001. Ali Cloak from our Inquests team takes a look at what might happen as a result.

If called to attend a pre-inquest review hearing, it is vital you are fully prepared so you can contribute meaningfully to the discussions and to protect your interests.

Care is an inherently challenging area to work in. As a social care provider you may well become involved in inquest proceedings, following the death of a service user.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Northern Ireland will be increasing the statutory compensation available to bereaved families. Families bringing claims in relation to a death in Northern Ireland will now be entitled to over £2,000 more in damages than families in England and Wales.

From April 2019, a new system of medical examiners will be rolled out in medical settings to provide scrutiny and better recording of deaths across the country. A pilot scheme with medical examiners has taken place since 2008 so many hospitals, medical professionals or families may have already come across them.