Dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one can be a deeply distressing and bewildering experience, particularly when the exact circumstances of their death are not known or are uncertain.
Sometimes a coroner will conduct an inquest, a formal public fact finding inquiry, to establish the facts of the death: where, when and how the person died.
Inquests are intended to provide ‘properly interested persons’, such as the deceased’s parents, children, spouse or partner, with the opportunity to be involved in the process. However, inquests are conducted in a formal manner, and the law and procedure relating to inquests is complex, and can be overwhelming and confusing. Attempting to negotiate your way through an inquest as a family or individual can prove very difficult emotionally.
Inquests also play an important part of the process of holding people or organisations to account for deaths, and may have a significant impact on civil or disciplinary proceedings that follow. Therefore, in many circumstances, particularly inquests involving public institutions such as the police, NHS, or prison service, who are likely to be represented by lawyers, having your own legal representation is the best way to ensure you discover all the facts.
Our specialist inquest solicitors can assist you in this difficult time, whether you simply require advice in relation to what to expect, you feel you need representating at an inquest, or whether you are contemplating bringing a claim on the basis of something revealed by an inquest. For initial advice or to arrange a meeting with one of our team, please email rwaller@bishopandsewell.co.uk or contact (020) 7631 4141 and ask to speak to the Inquest Team.