What Is An Inquest And Why Are They Needed?
In most cases, when someone dies, a death certificate is issued by their GP or hospital doctor. In some cases, the GP or hospital may need to involve the Coroner, and the Coroner will decide if an Inquest is necessary.
An Inquest is an investigation into a death where the cause is unknown, violent or unnatural. Inquests are designed to find out who the deceased was, and where, when and how (meaning by what means) they came about their death. The "how" question is usually the most difficult to answer.
Coroners are responsible for making enquiries where the cause of death is unknown and they will undertake their own investigation into the death, which is separate to a medical negligence claim. If there is an Inquest into the death of your loved one, you may need legal representation.
The purpose of an Inquest is not to make formal allegations or accusations about who is responsible for the person’s death, and the Coroner has no power to blame anyone directly for the death. At the end of the Inquest, the Coroner will give a Conclusion, and this will appear on the final Death Certificate. The death can then be officially registered.
If considered necessary following an Inquest, the Coroner can make recommendations to prevent future deaths.
Approach to Inquests and Fatal Claims
Our experienced solicitors have dealt with many Inquests and fatal claims.
If there will be an Inquest into the death of your loved one, we may be able to help, support and advise you throughout the process using our legal expertise, years of experience, and knowledge.
We will ensure that your concerns are addressed at the Inquest, and that you and your loved ones are represented with compassion and sensitivity.
We are here to guide you through what can be a difficult and complex process.
Many, but not all, of our clients have contacted us because they have concerns that the death of their loved one was caused by medical negligence. Sometimes an inquest is an opportunity to gain an insight into what happened and may be relevant to a subsequent claim for medical negligence.
We will provide representation at an inquest irrespective of whether you wish to pursue a claim for medical negligence.
Our role will be to ensure that your voice is heard and that your questions about what happened to your loved one are presented. We will also advise you on any key issues that need to be addressed during the Inquest and any key evidence or witnesses that may be missing from the witness list.
We will make written representations on your behalf should this be necessary to ensure that the Coroner is assisted in carrying out a full, thorough and fearless inquiry.
Contact Us Today
If you have concerns about the care that your loved one received, or if there is to be an Inquest into the death of your loved one, please contact us.
Our specialist Inquest and Fatal Claim medical negligence lawyers are here to guide and advise you.
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Disclaimer
1. Complexity
All Medical negligence claims can be complex and require experienced medical negligence lawyers. This will help ensure that your claim is expertly investigated by lawyers with a proven track record of success.
2. Independent
Independent medical evidence will be required to establish liability.
3. General Information
The medical and legal information on this website is for illustrative purposes only. It is not medical or legal advice. Every circumstance is different. You must obtain medical and legal advice specific to your circumstances.
If you are concerned about the medical treatment that you or a loved one has received, please contact us and one of our specialist team will assist you.
