Watmores have extensive experience in this increasingly high profile and changing field of work. We have been involved in numerous complex prosecutions involving fatalities or where there has been considerable media interest. Whether it is a death on a construction site, or an accident on a railway station or in a hospital, health and safety is a vital issue and Watmores are well placed to provide objective and sensible advice.

 An accident - what next?

What happens immediately after an incident shapes the course of an incident and a prosecution itself. Watmores can be on the scene of an incident shortly after an accident to liaise with police and the HSE, manage the media and ensure that a company is given the best advice on how to proceed.

Involvement in the early stages after an accident allows us to properly inform insurers as to the consequences for any possible civil claim and gives us the information to advise on what level of cooperation should be given to the HSE in their investigations in the early stages.

 Inquests

We have extensive experience of representing clients at inquests, both in relation to potential HSE prosecutions and with a view to defending a possible claim. We consider that attendance at inquests affords us the opportunity to protect a client’s interests and is an extremely useful way of rehearsing evidence and finding out the strengths and weaknesses of a case.

 Prosecutions

This is an increasing field of work which Watmores identifies as being distinctly different from the usual civil aspects of a case. The evidence will be considered in a pragmatic manner and factors such as reputation taken into account. We will ensure that early advice is given on the appropriate plea so that full advantage can be taken of the tariff system in mitigation in the event of a guilty plea being entered. Prospects of success will be discussed early and honestly. A client will be kept involved at all stages and continuity of approach will be maintained throughout.

Contact: Bill Sohal or David Weir