Inquest Solicitors
In the event of an unexpected death, there will be a lot of questions. Inquests aim to answer those questions and determine the cause.
Where people have died in the care of institutions — such as the police, the NHS, care homes or prisons —professionals and representatives from those institutions may be called on to give evidence.
If you’ve been summoned as a witness or core participant in an inquest, it’s normal to have legal representation and you should instruct a solicitor as soon as you can.
Why choose Harewood Law?
If you’re a professional who’s been called to give evidence at an inquest, we can provide both an expert solicitor and a barrister to act on your behalf. In complex cases, we can also consider instructing King’s Counsel.
Our experts will give you the professional support and legal representation you need for the entirety of the inquest. This includes liaising with all relevant authorities on your behalf and making sure you have access to relevant evidence and information.
After reviewing the case evidence, we’ll help you draft your statement and make sure you’re fully prepared for the hearing.
And during the hearing itself, we’ll ensure your views are communicated effectively and that any questions you have are fully examined and considered.
Do you need inquest representation?
Call our 24-hour solicitors now.
0333 344 8377
From 9.00am - 5.00pm
0333 344 8366
Outside office hours
Understanding inquests
What is an inquest?
An inquest is an inquiry, which is conducted by a coroner in the case of an unexpected death. The purpose of the inquiry is to establish how, where and when the person died.
This is an important, but emotional time for the family and friends of the deceased as it may answer difficult questions relating to the death.
Whose decision is it to open an inquest?
Inquests are initiated by the coroner.
If the coroner has decided not to hold an inquest, but the family of the deceased believe there should be one, it may be possible for them to challenge the coroner’s decision.
Is there a jury at an inquest?
In most cases, the coroner will make the final decision, based on the evidence given and without the need for a jury.
But the coroner will call a jury in certain circumstances, or if they feel it would be helpful or in the public interest.
Who can ask questions at an inquest?
Those with an active role in the inquest are often the ones who have questions. These people are known as Interested Persons (IPs).
IPs can include family members, official representatives, and anyone who was directly involved in the care of the deceased.
Typically, IPs will have legal representation throughout the inquest. This gives them leverage to influence the questions asked and the evidence discussed.
How long does an inquest take?
Every case is different. Some cases are affected by criminal proceedings and some can take many months to be listed. The hearings themselves can last for days or weeks.
Who gives the verdict at an inquest?
When all the evidence has been presented, the coroner will give a summary.
The verdict will be decided by the coroner or the jury, if there is one.
In some cases, the coroner may choose, instead, to give what’s called a ‘narrative’ verdict, or statement of events.
Can an inquest result in prosecution?
No, the inquest is purely to establish the facts. The coroner cannot find a person or organisation criminally responsible for the death.
However, if the evidence given suggests that someone may be to blame, that evidence can be given to the police or Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for use in a further investigation or prosecution.