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Get advice on Fatal Accident Inquiries (FAIs)

Published on 29 April 2024

In Scotland, a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) can be undertaken to determine and examine the cause of a person’s death and whether there were any steps that may have avoided it.

FAIs are undertaken by the Procurator Fiscal Service in the local Sheriff Court, in front of a sheriff.

FAIs may be mandatory, for example when there's a death:

  • at work
  • whilst in custody

They can also be discretionary, for example arising if there's an unexpected death in a hospital.

Health boards are often interested parties in a FAI. This is because they provided healthcare to the person who died. Our team of litigation experts can provide legal guidance and representation in such cases.

How can we help with Fatal Accident Inquiries?

Our litigation solicitors can:

  • advise health boards about the preparation for FAIs
  • represent health boards in court
  • support potential witnesses
  • liaise with the COPFS and other parties to an FAI

Get in touch

If your health board needs advice about, or representation for, a FAI, please get in touch. We'll connect you with the Litigation team that deals with the health board involved.

Telephone: 0131 275 7800

Contact the Litigation Team