Coroner’s Inquests
A Coroner’s Inquest is a formal, factual inquiry into a death that is sudden, unexplained, or occurs in violent, unnatural, or suspicious circumstances. These inquiries are vital for establishing the cause of death and the circumstances surrounding it.
When We Can Help
The Coroner will investigate deaths that include, but aren’t limited to:
- Deaths where the cause is unknown.
- Deaths that appear to be violent or unnatural (e.g., car accidents, industrial accidents).
- Deaths occurring in a detention setting (e.g., prison).
- Deaths during or shortly after surgery or medical procedures.
- Deaths related to childbirth or suicide.
Our Role as Your Solicitors
We understand that attending an inquest is often a difficult and stressful experience. We provide compassionate, expert legal representation to clients, including family members of the deceased or their Personal Representatives.
Our services include:
- Preparing You for the Inquest: Thoroughly reviewing the evidence and preparing you for the proceedings.
- Active Representation: Making legal submissions and examining witnesses on your behalf to ensure all relevant facts are brought to light.
- Gathering Evidence: Securing crucial evidence at this early stage. This evidence can be invaluable for any potential follow-up action, such as a civil claim, medical negligence claim, or the resolution of insurance claims (like life policies).
Our goal is to ensure a full and fair investigation, providing you with clarity and a strong foundation for any future legal steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Coroner’s Inquest?
An inquest is a public, fact-finding inquiry into a death. It is held by a Coroner (an independent judicial officer) to determine who died, when and where they died, and how they came by their death.
- What are the possible ‘Conclusions’ (Verdicts)?
The Coroner (or the jury, if applicable) will reach a Conclusion, which is a formal determination of the death. Common examples include Accident, Misadventure, Suicide, Natural Causes, or a detailed Narrative Conclusion.
- What is the aim of the inquest?
The aim is to establish the facts for the public record. An inquest is not a trial: it does not find or apportion criminal or civil blame or determine questions of liability (guilt or innocence).
- When is an inquest necessary?
An inquest must be held if the death was violent or unnatural, if the cause of death is unknown, or if the deceased died while in custody or state detention (e.g., prison or police custody).
- .Do I have to attend the inquest?
No, as a family member or interested person, you are not obliged to attend unless the Coroner has formally summoned you as a witness. However, many families choose to attend for clarity and closure.
- Can I ask questions at the hearing?
Yes, as an Interested Person, you or your legal representative (solicitor/barrister) have the right to question witnesses. This questioning must focus on the facts of who, when, where, and how the person died.
- Will I get a copy of the evidence?
Yes. As an Interested Person, you have a right to receive copies of the documents that the Coroner intends to use as evidence at the inquest, such as witness statements and medical reports.
- Will the inquest help with a civil claim?
Yes, indirectly. While the inquest doesn’t determine liability, the evidence gathered (witness statements, expert reports, Conclusion) can be extremely valuable and form the foundation of a later civil claim for compensation, such as medical negligence or fatal accident claims.
