Inquests

Inquests are held in Coroners Court usually in the town where the deceased died. Preparing for an Inquest can be a daunting experience.

As part of our service we can attend on inquests as representatives of the deceased’s family to both help the family understand the procedures involved and also to if need be obtain expert evidence to assist the questioning of witnesses at the Inquest.

For a family who have lost a loved one those weeks after the death can be very harrowing and difficult. St Helens Law have years of experience of attending on Inquests. Our advocate solicitors can sit down with you and advise what the costs might be. Very often there is no cost attached to attending and it can give closure to families to know that the inquest has answered questions.

The purposes of the Inquest will be explained to you and your family and the evidence analysed.

Inquests are an excellent way of obtaining explanations as to what has gone wrong say at a hospital or why someone has died in custody. You are entitled to ask the Coroner for an Inquest. Not all Inquests (investigations) involve post mortem examinations (a report as to the organs and tissues in the body at death). If you are uncertain as to how to ask for an Inquest simply call us for advice.

There is no cost from the Coroner in asking for an Inquest.

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A coroner is sometimes required when someone has died. The coroner carries out an investigation into what caused the death, when the death occurred and why it occurred.

A coroner will not be involved in every fatal occurrence but will be when the death occurred in a custodial situation or if the death was unexpected.

If a loved one dies unexpectedly it id important that you ask for an inquest as an inquest can provide details that otherwise would go undiscovered.

The coroner in conducting an inquest will also ask for a post mortem examination so that the cause of death is ascertained.

Can you be represented at an inquest? Yes it is important that you are represented by a solicitor or barrister who has experience of an inquest.

The solicitor can help you to prepare evidence for use by the coroner so that the investigation is thorough.

The coroner will provide a verdict which might just be a narrative verdict setting out the circumstances.

Depending on the outcome of the inquest you may be able to pursue a civil action for damages through the County Court.

To contact our team, please call 01744 742360, or click here to email info@sthelenslaw.co.uk >