A Fatal Accident Inquires (FAI) is an official inquiry into the circumstances of an unexpected death. In certain circumstances FAIs are required by law, such as death occurring whilst the deceased was in lawful custody or at work. Our team understands that in non-mandatory circumstances, it may nonetheless be of virtual importance to persuade the Procurator Fiscal that an FAI should take place.
We strongly believe that family members, as well as other individuals affected by a FAI, should be fully aware of and involved in the process. Anyone with an interest in a FAI can be legally represented. The team at Moir and Sweeney have extensive experience representing individuals throughout FAIs. Whether your case is funded privately, by your insurer or under the Legal Aid Scheme, we are always on hand to offer discreet and professional advice.
A public inquiry is a major investigation into events that have caused public concern. The Inquiries Act 2005 provides the framework under which inquiries should be conducted. A public inquiry’s focus is to establish facts, find out exactly what happened, why it happened and make recommendations to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
Any individual, group or organisation that has a significant interest in the Inquiry, can apply to the Chair of the Inquiry to be granted Core Participant status. Core Participants enjoy participatory rights in an Inquiry and have the right to appoint their own recognised legal representative.
Moir and Sweeney Litigation are honored to have been selected as the legal representatives of choice for Core Participant, Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, in the Sheku Bayoh Inquiry. In September 2021, our team began working on the Inquiry into the events surrounding the death of Sheku Bayoh. Our Ian Moir heads our team of committed highly trained solicitors and counsel working exclusively on the Inquiry.
Work is currently underway to establish a Scottish Public Inquiry to investigate the handling of the coronavirus pandemic in Scotland. Our team have the essential skills and resources that are required to ensure that anyone with an interest in this Inquiry, including those bereaved during the pandemic, has their voice heard.
