Inquests Lawyers, London

Dealing with the sudden death of a loved one is understandably an incredibly difficult and distressing period for people to deal with. This is exacerbated where the reason for death is either unclear or unknown.

If you have to attend an inquest after the death of a loved one, we can provide legal representation to make sure you get the answers you need. Our specialist inquest solicitors can guide you through the whole process and advise on the coroner's rulings and decisions. The team will ensure you understand the process and your options as well as discussing the level of involvement you would like.

For more information, get in touch via our online contact form or call our team now on 020 3972 9011 .

What is an inquest?

Usually, a GP can sign off a person’s death, but in certain circumstances, it will be necessary to hold an inquest. Inquests are held by a coroner when a death has happened suddenly, and it is unexplained. Inquests will also occur when the death is violent or unnatural. An inquest will always take place if the death occurred in prison or police custody.

If the coroner determines a clear cause of death, then a doctor can sign the death certificate. However, if the death remains unknown or the cause of death appears to be violent or unnatural, then the coroner will open an inquest. If the death occurred during police or prison custody, then an inquest is always required by law.

What will an inquest determine?

An inquest will determine:

• The identity of the deceased
• Where they died
• When they died
• How they died

The role of inquests solicitors

The law surrounding this area is incredibly complicated and can be confusing for those involved, during a particularly difficult period in their lives. An inquest is often the only way that a family can establish how their loved one died and having representation by expert solicitors will ensure that you understand the whole process and will hopefully make the situation less stressful.

What happens at an inquest?

An inquest is not like a criminal trial with prosecution and defence. The role of the inquest is to determine the above factors, and the coroner can call witnesses to give evidence about the death.

Properly interested persons

During the inquest, properly interested persons (PIPs) can take an active role. PIPs include those involved in the care of the deceased and the representatives of any establishment where the death occurred, as well as family members of the deceased.

A PIP can be legally represented at the inquest, can ask witnesses questions and receive all relevant documentation. Where a family member of the deceased is represented by a lawyer, then they can question the witness on their behalf.

Why choose Scott-Moncrieff as your legal representation at an inquest?

Although family members of the deceased can represent themselves at an inquest, it is highly recommended that specialist representation is sought in all but the most straightforward of cases where there is no controversy. These procedures are complicated and can be incredibly daunting for the family who is already going through a difficult time. It is also likely that the other interested parties involved will be more familiar with the procedure, as well as having their own representation.

Using a specialist inquest solicitor means that you will be supported throughout the process and will ensure the best possible outcome. Our expert lawyers make sure that your concerns are dealt with during the inquiry and that there is the correct disclosure of relevant documentation and information relevant to the case.

An inquest is only used to determine the cause of death (as opposed to liability), but the evidence from an inquest can be used in criminal proceedings where another part is at fault. This is another reason why it is essential to have specialist representation during an inquest to protect your rights. Expert inquest lawyers can help ensure that criminal and disciplinary hearings are brought against those responsible for the death of your loved one, as well as bringing compensation claims or ensuring that policy is changed by the relevant organisations.

Contact our Inquest Lawyers, London

Our specialist inquest lawyers can help you throughout the whole process. We understand how difficult this situation is for a family and will do all we can to ensure that the inquest gives you the answers that you need. Please get in touch via our online contact form or call us on 020 3972 9011 to see how we can help you.