Legal Updates

Families "suffering due to lack of legal aid"

Date:  15 Aug 2008

Government restrictions on the availability of legal aid are placing increasing strains on the resources of bereaved relatives, it is claimed.

According to the times, families are finding it difficult to represent themselves at inquests, with latest figures indicating that only a quarter of requests are granted.

Critics of the current system are calling for the forthcoming coroners bill to place responsibility for decision-making in the hands of the relevant coroner rather than with ministers.

Speaking to the Times, the president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers Amanda Stevens claimed families were being denied the "necessary rights".

Claiming that many "borderline" cases are denied funding, she stated recommendations for funding from the coroner should be binding on the Legal Services Commission.

She added: "Bereaved people who do not have access to a lawyer are likely to be seriously disadvantaged in such circumstances.

"Even where families do manage to secure funding, the levels can be inadequate and grossly disparate when set against the lawyers representing the other side."

Professionals may wish to seek to consult a legal specialist to discuss making financial provisions for families in the event of death.

At Vizards Tweedie our specialists dealing on all private client matters are Christine Green, Tony Millson and Judith Cuxson

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