Helen Pagett

Inquests & Public Inquiries

Helen has extensive experience of inquests across the country. Helen represents both families and interested parties. Helen has a busy inquest practice and represents clients at both Pre-Inquest Reviews and also Inquests. She is regularly instructed by clients prior to an inquest to advise on disclosure of evidence and other procedural matters.

Recent inquests Helen has been involved in:

Road Traffic Accidents

• Helen has particular experience of cases involving road traffic accidents involving motorcyclists and has represented both families and insurers.
• Helen has also been involved in several cases involving lorry drivers and pedestrians, again for both families and insurers.

Care Homes

Helen is regularly instructed by national care home providers, both nursing and residential, and has particular experience of cases where neglect is alleged. Recent issues that have arisen in inquests Helen has been involved include:

• Failure to perform CPR owing to an incorrect reading of the resident’s file and an incorrect belief a DNR was in place.
• Several cases involving falls and falls management.
• Failure to prevent and treat pressure sores.
• Choking
• Failure of medical equipment
• Incorrect administration of medication

Hospitals and Medical Care

Helen has extensive experience of inquests where failings in medical care and treatment are alleged. Recent issues that have arisen in inquests Helen has been involved include:

• Failure to treat wounds
• Failure to identity and treat sepsis
• Failure to diagnose fractures and discharging patients without treatment

Other Organisations

Helen is also instructed by other organisations, including charities providing educational and institutional care. Recent issues that have arisen in inquests Helen has been involved include:

• Choking
• Allegations of neglect and sexual abuse
• Failing to provide adequate nutrition
• Failing to administer medication correctly

Selected Cases

Articles

• The County Court as rubber stamp?
• Beyond the Headlines: A review of the decision in R(on the application) of (1) Dr Cathy Gardener and (2) Ms Fay Harris and possible consequences arsing from this

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News

• Beyond the Headlines: A review of the decision in R(on the application) of (1) Dr Cathy Gardener and (2) Ms Fay Harris and possible consequences arsing from this
• Helen Pagett has been appointed as a Deputy District Judge

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Qualifications

• BVC (Very Competent) Inner Temple Exhibition (2007-2008)
• GDL (Commendation) (2006-2007)
• Probationary Research Student (History of Medicine) University of Oxford Thomas Linacre Studentship (2005-2006)
• MA Philosophy (HPSM) (Distinction) (Dunelm) MA Wellcome Trust Studentship (2004-2005)
• BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences (1st Class) (Dunelm) (2001-2004)

Memberships

• PIBA