Inquest: Basic Information

Speak to someone now call 0800 524 4349 Email us now

Please call me back
Darbys Solicitors understand the issues surrounding the loss of a loved one.  An inquest is always a painful and stressful process. 

Our experienced team of solicitors work closely with you and your family to provide both emotional and legal support in guiding you through the inquest process.

Together we have created a legal guide to the inquest process.

Inquest: Basic Information

  • The Purpose of an Inquest
An inquest is called to identify the deceased, identify the time and place of the death and to find and record thet cause of death. Overall an inquest works as a fact-finding exercise to determine facts about the deceased, the cause of their death and the circumstances in which both had occurred.

  • The Circumstances of an Inquest
An inquest is held if a Coroner believes there is reasonable cause to suspect either the death was violent or unnatural, sudden and of unknown cause, or occurred in prison.

  • The location of an Inquest
The inquest will be held at the Coroners Court, usually the same building as other courts.  

  • Who is the Coroner?
A Coroner is a medically or legally qualified person who is responsible for the inquest. The Coroner determines what will happen during the inquest process and delivers a verdict at the end.

  • Process of an Inquest
The Coroner obtains the medical records, decides which doctors and medical practitioners will need to give evidence, whether that evidence will be by written statement read to the Court or by written statement with the witness called also to answer questions. 

There will be a pre inquest review at which the family can consider whether to ask the Coroner to call additional witnesses.

At the inquest the Coroner is the chief inquisitor (unlike a civil claim).  The family and the hospital can put questions to witnesses and can have legal representation.  The Coroner has a wide discretion to allow or refuse questions.  A witness can only refuse to answer a question if that answer is likely to give rise to criminal (not civil) proceedings. 

  • Verdict
The Coroner's purpose is not to determine civil liability but to determine the cause of death.  In a medical negligence case the usual verdict will be death by natural causes.  However in certain circumstances the Coroner may give a narrative verdict setting out any failings in medical care which he believes have caused or contributed to death. 
One step in the investigation process

The inquest provides a unique opportunity in the investigation of a civil claim to put questions to the doctors and other medical professionals which otherwise would not arise until a civil trial.  The inquest is a valuable tool for gathering information to help assess the prospects of success of a civil claim.  The inquest may of course be an end in itself however more often than not is one step in the process of bringing a successful medical negligence claim and in coming to terms with the death of a loved one.