What is the Purpose of an Inquest?

What is an inquest?

Here at Solicitors On Your Side, we understand that attending an inquest into the death of a loved one can be a painful experience for anyone. An inquest is an inquiry conducted by the coroner to determine the reason for someone’s death. In most cases, when a loved one passes away, their death can be signed off by a doctor; however, reported deaths to the coroner can lead to an inquest.

When may an inquest be necessary?

It might be necessary for a loved one’s body to go into inquest if someone reported the death to the coroner. the report of the death may occur when:

The cause of death was violent or unnatural
the cause of death is unknown
the death was sudden or unexplained
The cause of these can be medical negligence or any accident.

There can be a range of reasons why you may want to report to the coroner. If you would like to get some advice on investigating a death, we recommend that you contact one of our experienced solicitors at Solicitors On Your Side.

Pre-inquest interview

The parties involved in an inquest are known as “properly interested persons.” That usually includes the family of the deceased and anyone who would have taken care of the dead. It can also include individuals called into question concerning the cause of death. After this, the coroner may list a hearing known as a pre-inquest review. That is a hearing where PIP’s can use legal representation and ask for any further witnesses.

The purpose of the inquest is initially to determine the cause of the individual’s death when the reason for the passing might be uncertain and due to unusual circumstances. The purpose of an inquest is mainly to determine:

The identity of the deceased
Where the person has died
When the person died
And how they died

The process of an inquest investigation includes the coroner conducting a range of enquiries to find the proper information; these include:

Gathering witness statements
Getting expert reports
CCTV records
Police and relevant records
Obtaining medical records.

The inquest should be dealt with as soon as it is possible. However, it needs completing within six months of the death of the individual. However, during more complicated deaths or situations, it can take significantly longer.

What happens at the end of an investigation?

At the end of this investigation, the coroner will hold an inquest hearing, where the court may explore the circumstances of the death. In some more straightforward situations, the cause of the passing may be un-complicated, and the coroner may conduct the hearing by himself. In more complex incidents, the jury may want to take part in the hearing that will assist them in answering the questions to establish the cause of the death. At the end of the hearing, the judge and the coroner will deliver a conclusion based on the provided evidence.

How to pay for an inquest?

If the cause of the death of your loved one was due to medical negligence or a preventable accident, we will examine your case and may determine to work on it on a no-win-no-fee basis. That means that you only pay upon receiving compensation.

Here at Solicitors On Your Side, we understand that dealing with the death of a loved one is a remarkably stressful and traumatising experience; that is why we will do everything in our power to ensure that you get the justice you deserve. We will assure you get the highest possible compensation you deserve for the damage that you have faced.

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