Inquests
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What is an inquest?
An inquest is a legal inquiry which is investigated by a coroner into the medical cause and circumstances of a death. In the context of Medical Negligence claims inquests are usually held if a precise cause of death is still uncertain, even after a post-mortem is carried out. A post-mortem is an examination of the body carried out by a Pathologist to try and identify the cause of death.
Inquests can be a very upsetting time for families who have recently been bereaved but it is important to note that inquests are not held to apportion any blame or fault. The purpose of the inquest is to determine the following questions;
- Who the deceased was;
- How, when and where the deceased came by his/her death
It is essentially a ‘fact finding’ inquiry.
What happens at an inquest?
The Coroner will decide which evidence is to be called and what witnesses may be required to attend. Such witnesses may include; Pathologists; Police Officers; Family members; Doctors/Nurses. On the basis of the evidence given the Coroner will give a verdict on the cause of death.
Can I be represented at an inquest?
It may be possible for a Solicitor to provide you with assistance under the ‘Legal Help’ scheme but cannot represent the family under this type of funding. This is different from Legal Aid.
If you have recently been bereaved and would like to speak to a member of our specialist Medical Negligence team regarding a forthcoming inquest please contact us. It may be important to have someone present if the circumstances of the death may lead to a potential claim.