Representation at Inquests

What is an Inquest?

An Inquest is conducted by a Coroner who leads an inquiry into the circumstances concerning a death.

When are they held?

Inquests are held in certain circumstances for example when a sudden or violent death occurs and where the cause is unknown. There are also certain situations where there is a legal requirement to carry out an Inquest and can include a death in police or prison custody or hospital.

What is the purpose of an Inquest?

It is not for the coroner to apportion blame for that person’s death but to address four key questions during the hearing.

• Who was the person?
• Where?
• When and
• How did that person die?

By answering these questions, the Coroner is able to provide a conclusion about the death which includes but not limited to:

• Natural causes
• Suicide
• Accident /misadventure
• Road traffic collision

Throughout the Inquest, there are certain individuals such as the deceased parents or partner who are given a number of rights as an interested person (IP). One of those rights is to ask questions of witnesses.

Our role in this process is to represent an interested person during what is a very distressing and emotional time. We ask questions of witnesses on their behalf, help those individuals navigate their way through an Inquest, seek answers and focus attention on failings which may have contributed to their loved one’s death.

If you would like to get in touch regarding inquests, please call  023 9282 0747 or alternatively fill out the form below.