Inquest representation

Dealing with the loss of a family member is always difficult. In certain cases your local coroner may decide to hold an inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding an individual’s death. Whilst this process is usually extremely useful in examining what has happened, it is difficult to manage on your own.

Experienced inquest solicitors providing legal representation and support

An inquest is a hearing – usually in public where the coroner reviews evidence and calls witnesses with the purpose of clarifying who the deceased person was and how, when and where they died. Family members are deemed to be interested parties and are entitled to be represented at such hearings. An inquest is not a trial and it is not the coroner’s role to attribute blame for a death but he or she may look at the acts of others that could be relevant to the cause of death.

The coroner can give a narrative verdict which makes it clear that the coroner thinks certain acts or omissions were relevant and can also make recommendations to public bodies (for example NHS trusts) about their procedures to try to avoid repeat occurrences.

We regularly represent families at inquests, helping them to participate in the process and supporting them throughout. We will sit down with you and identify what information is available and the questions and concern that you have and then liaise with the appropriate bodies – from the coroner to the police and hospitals – to obtain further details. We usually discuss with the coroner the witnesses who will be called and highlight the issues we think need to be considered. On the day we will represent you, either in person or with a barrister, and we can also assist if the media takes an interest.

Penningtons handle their cases with the utmost care and diligence.

Often, if there is a potential claim, we can represent you at the inquest without charge. In cases where a claim is likely to be investigated, the inquest is a useful part of gathering information – and findings by the coroner may carry weight in the parties’ decisions about who is likely to succeed in any subsequent claim.

Where a death is unexpected and/or there are significant concern about the circumstances, we will often suggest making contact with the coroner if he or she is not already involved. This can be a vital process in obtaining answers, regardless of any subsequent claim. We would always advise seeking legal representation where an inquest is proceeding because of the ability of a legal team to get further information and liaise with the coroner about issues. It is important to seek legal advice as early as possible to maximise the time available to investigate and prepare for the hearing.

How we help our clients

Clear guidance on the inquest process and possible outcomes

Comprehensive assessment of the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death

Identification of potential negligence in both personal injury and medical negligence cases

Legal representation at the inquest on behalf of the family or other interested persons

Help with preparing witness statements and expert reports

Liaison with the coroner and their team on your behalf

Assistance with managing media enquiries and public interest

Ongoing legal and practical support throughout the process

Useful resources

Making a medical negligence claim

Making a personal injury claim

Funding a medical negligence claim

Funding a personal injury claim

Inquest fact sheet

The team offers a high level of expertise and client-focused guidance. From the beginning, contact and engagement has been professional, caring and comprehensive.

The team are prompt and clear with their knowledge, and explain things easily and in a way that demonstrates deep understanding of the processes involved.

The whole team is superb and works well together. The level of expertise is excellent.

Leading practice, well known for its expertise in catastrophic injury cases, particularly matters arising from RTAs. Handles a range of claims pertaining to fatal accidents, head and spinal injuries and amputations.

Recent work highlights

Brain injury caused by ambulance crew

Representing the widow of an elderly gentleman who was dropped by the ambulance crew while being taken to hospital causing an acute subdural haemorrhage. The crew failed to inform anyone and he died before surgery.

Fatal head injury following hospital fall

Acting for the bereaved family at an inquest into the death of a woman with dementia and physical disabilities, who was left to move unassisted and without the mobility equipment she required. She fell onto her head, sustaining a fatal brain injury.

Tragic consequences of lack of supervision

Acting for the widow of a care home resident with dementia who entered a room while he was unsupervised, became entangled in equipment and sadly died. This was an avoidable incident as the room should have been kept locked.

Death following untreated head injury

Representing the bereaved wife of an elderly man who sought medical advice after falling at home and being knocked out. He was discharged without investigation, despite factors that mandated head imaging, and later died from a brain haemorrhage.

Fatal fall after mental health crisis

Acting for the family of a young man in his 20s who died after suffering a psychotic episode and sustaining serious injuries following a fall from height due to lack of appropriate risk assessment and supervision.

Case studies

This case involved a claim against The Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust for a client whose husband died following a fall in hospital. The trust repeatedly failed to adequately carry out falls risk assessments.

We have settled a claim for a client whose mother died following a fall in a Care UK home in Surrey. In the five days leading up to the incident, she suffered four falls while she was unattended in the home.

We were instructed to represent the widow of a care home resident with dementia who entered a room in the home while he was unsupervised. He subsequently became entangled in equipment and died.

We acted on behalf of the family of a man in his 30s who was tragically killed by a car when crossing the road as a pedestrian. We supported the family throughout the inquest, where we played an active role in examining the evidence.

We acted for a young woman in her 20s who sustained catastrophic injuries when she was involved in a head-on collision while travelling as a passenger in a car. By attending the inquest, we were able to obtain crucial evidence.