Food safety claims

If you’ve lost a loved one due to a food related incident, there may be a coroner’s inquest.

An inquest is when a coroner investigates the circumstances around a person’s death to determine how they died. The findings can be used as evidence in court.

Our food safety solicitors have extensive experience in representing families at an inquest.

Even if you have not yet decided to make a claim for your food related injuries, it can be worth speaking to a food safety lawyer. Someone from our specialist team can listen to your case and advise on whether you have grounds for a claim or not.

At Leigh Day, we offer a free, no obligation consultation. We’ll take the time to understand your situation and help you get your life back on track.

If you needed medical attention following a food safety incident, you can request your medical report to use as supporting evidence in your claim.

Your solicitor can help advise on any other forms of evidence that may strengthen your case. This could include witness testimonials or an inquest report if a loved one passed away from a food allergy or poisoning incident.

While your case is underway, your food safety lawyer can help secure interim payments. This means any treatment and therapy you require can begin as soon as possible.

Interim payments may also cover loss of earnings or other financial expenses you incur.

Often called "No Win, No Fee" agreements. They also include agreements where you pay a capped fee, charging full costs if you win.

These are complicated agreements but your solicitor should explain the terms carefully. If you win your case, you can recover most of the costs from the opposition. If you lose, you are only liable for your own legal costs, as long as you keep to the terms of the agreement.

If you win your case, your food safety solicitor may also charge an additional "success fee" – calculated as a percentage of the basic costs. This fee is not recoverable from your opponent, so you will have to pay from your own pocket or from damages.

Some trade unions have a legal advice and assistance scheme for union members. This allows you to obtain free advice from an approved solicitor.

This usually involves an initial interview to decide whether you have a strong case. Your union may then fund your case.

Sometimes, the union will act as insurance if your case is unsuccessful. Some unions even have schemes to pay for cases brought by your children or spouse.

You must purchase this insurance before the accident happens. It’s usually attached to other policies, such as household, travel or motor insurance, or a credit card agreement or bank account.

Similar to legal aid, this will cover the costs if your case is unsuccessful, up to a certain amount.

This is the most straightforward method of funding. Your food safety lawyer undertakes the work, you as the client pay for their services and if you win the case, your lawyer will try to recover the costs from the defendants.

Unfortunately, if you lose the case, you are responsible for the costs. You will also have to find a substantial amount of money upfront to fund the claim expenses.