Wrongful Death & Fatal Accident Claims in Turkey: Cross-Border Legal Support for UK Families

Losing a loved one is always devastating, but when the tragedy occurs overseas, the pain is compounded by distance, language barriers, and legal uncertainty. Each year, British families face the heartbreak of losing a relative during a holiday or medical trip to Turkey. Whether caused by clinical negligence, surgical error, or a fatal accident, these preventable deaths leave families searching for answers and accountability.

At Londonwise, we specialise in cross-border wrongful death and fatal accident claims. We understand that no financial award can replace a life. However, our mission is to secure justice, enforce accountability, and provide the financial stability your family needs to move forward. We provide a compassionate, secure, and English-speaking legal bridge for families navigating this difficult process.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

In legal terms, a wrongful death claim (often referred to in the UK as a Fatal Accident Claim) is a civil action brought against a party whose negligence or misconduct directly caused a fatality.

In the context of Turkey, actionable claims often arise from:

• Clinical Negligence: Fatal surgical errors, anaesthesia mismanagement, or post-operative neglect in hospitals and private clinics.

• Public Liability: Fatal accidents in hotels, resorts, or swimming pools due to safety breaches.

• Road Traffic Accidents: Fatalities involving negligent drivers, unsafe tour buses, or transfer vehicles.

The Cross-Border Challenge:UK solicitors generally cannot litigate in Turkish courts. Londonwise solves this. We provide UK-based case management combined with the full legal authority of regulated Turkish attorneys to issue proceedings, pursue negotiations, and, where appropriate, take the case to judgment in Turkish courts.

Common Causes of Fatal Claims Abroad

Our medico-legal team handles complex and sensitive cases involving:

1. High-Risk Surgical Procedures

We manage claims where sub-standard care led to a fatality, particularly in:

• Bariatric Surgery: Sepsis caused by untreated staple-line leaks or internal bleeding.

• Cosmetic Surgery: Fatal fat embolisms during Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedures.

• Anaesthesia Errors: Overdose or failure to monitor vital signs during surgery.

2. Post-Operative Neglect

Many fatalities occur after the patient has been discharged to a hotel ("Fly-In / Fly-Out" model) without adequate medical supervision, leading to missed complications like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.

3. Holiday & Travel Accidents

Fatal incidents occurring due to negligence by hotel operators (e.g., carbon monoxide poisoning, balcony falls) or transport providers.

Who Can Bring a Claim?

Under Turkish Law (which often governs the liability), the right to claim compensation typically extends to:

• Spouse or Civil Partner: The husband, wife, or registered civil partner of the deceased.

• Children: Including biological, adopted, and in some cases, step-children.

• Parents: If the deceased was their child.

• Financial Dependents: Individuals who were financially reliant on the deceased for support.

How Londonwise Supports Your Family

We know that grieving families often feel overwhelmed by foreign bureaucracy. Londonwise offers a structured, transparent service designed to remove the administrative burden from your shoulders.

1. Compassionate Case Management

You interact with a registered UK company. We handle all complexities, translations, and logistics, allowing you to focus on grieving.

2. Turkish Legal Authority

We work in strict partnership with regulated Turkish attorneys who have the authority to file lawsuits and represent your family’s interests in Turkish Civil Courts.

3. Forensic & Medical Investigation

A successful claim requires proof. We coordinate with independent forensic pathologists and medical experts to review autopsy reports and medical records to establish the Cause of Death and Causation.

4. Holistic Compensation Strategy

We seek to secure fair financial redress for the loss of dependency and the emotional trauma suffered by the family, subject to the evidence and applicable law.

What Compensation Can Be Claimed?

Compensation in fatal claims is complex and is generally divided into two categories:

Dependency Claims (Loss of Support)

• Loss of Financial Support: Calculating the income the deceased would have provided to the family over their lifetime.

• Loss of Services: The value of childcare, domestic work, or other services the deceased provided.

Specific Damages & Costs

• Bereavement Damages: Compensation for the grief and emotional suffering of close relatives (Moral Damages in Turkish Law).

• Funeral & Repatriation Costs: Reimbursement for the cost of bringing your loved one home and funeral expenses.

• Medical Expenses: Costs incurred for treatment prior to death.

Case Study: Fatal Bariatric Complication

(Anonymised for client confidentiality)

The Case: A UK national travelled to Izmir for a gastric sleeve. The surgery appeared successful, but the patient was discharged to a hotel 24 hours later. She subsequently collapsed and passed away from septic shock due to an undetected leak. The clinic initially claimed the death was due to "natural causes."

The Intervention: Londonwise secured the full medical file and autopsy report. Our independent expert confirmed that the clinic failed to perform standard leak tests and discharged the patient while she was clinically unstable.

The Outcome: Our partner attorneys in Turkey filed a wrongful death lawsuit. The court ruled in favour of the family, awarding significant compensation for the loss of dependency (income) for the husband and children, plus moral damages for their suffering.

Why Choose Londonwise?

Families choose us because we combine legal rigour with genuine empathy.

• Dual Jurisdiction Expertise: We understand the expectations of UK families and the realities of Turkish litigation.

• 34 Years of Collective Experience: Our network includes senior legal and medical professionals experienced in fatal claims.

• Risk Reversal: We assess the viability of your claim early to avoid unnecessary legal costs.

• Dignity & Respect: We handle every aspect of the case with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality.

[📩 Request Your Confidential Initial Case Assessment]

Step-by-Step: What To Do After a Tragedy Abroad

If you have lost a loved one in Turkey due to suspected negligence, immediate action is vital to preserve evidence.

1. Request an Autopsy: Ensure a formal post-mortem examination is conducted to establish the cause of death.

2. Secure Records: Request all medical notes, police reports, and death certificates immediately.

3. Do Not Sign Waivers: Clinics or hotels may pressure you to sign documents releasing them from liability. Do not sign anything you do not understand.

4. Contact Londonwise: Statutory time limits apply to wrongful death claims. Instructing us early maximizes our ability to secure vital evidence.

Seeking Justice for Your Loved One

While we cannot undo the tragedy, we can help you find answers and financial security. If you believe your loved one’s death was preventable, Londonwise is here to fight for the justice they deserve.

Contact Londonwise today for a confidential, compassionate review of your case.

[📩 Request Your Confidential Initial Case Assessment]

Legal Disclaimer & Transparency Notice

Londonwise Ltd is a specialist medico-legal consultancy registered in England & Wales. We facilitate access to justice for UK claimants injured in Turkey.

We are not a firm of solicitors authorized or regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). All litigation and court proceedings in Turkey are conducted by fully licensed independent attorneys registered with the Union of Turkish Bar Associations. We act as your case management interface, bridging the linguistic and logistical gap between the UK and the Turkish legal system. Results may vary depending on the individual facts of each case.