Representation at Inquests

What is an Inquest?

An Inquest is conducted by a Coroner who leads an inquiry into the circumstances concerning a death.

When are they held?

Inquests are held in certain circumstances for example when a sudden or violent death occurs and where the cause is unknown. There are also certain situations where there is a legal requirement to carry out an Inquest and can include a death in police or prison custody or hospital.

What is the purpose of an Inquest?

It is not for the coroner to apportion blame for that person’s death but to address four key questions during the hearing.

• Who was the person?
• Where?
• When and
• How did that person die?

By answering these questions, the Coroner is able to provide a conclusion about the death which includes but not limited to:

• Natural causes
• Suicide
• Accident /misadventure
• Road traffic collision

There are certain individuals such as the deceased parents or partner, or someone who may have had involvement with the deceased who are given a number of rights as an Interested Person (IP). One of those rights is to ask questions of witnesses and make submissions to the Coroner.

Following a change in the law, legal aid is available in certain circumstances for advice and representation at an inquest. We can advise if you may qualify for legal aid.

Our role in this process is to support and represent an interested person during what is a very distressing and emotional time. We can ask questions of witnesses on your behalf, help you to navigate your way through an Inquest, seek answers and focus attention on failings which may have contributed to your loved one’s death.

We have access to experts in all disciplines who we can call upon if necessary.

Coroners sometimes make recommendations to organisations, government departments and others to prevent future deaths.

If you would like to speak to either Lucy Linington or Alex Moore please get in touch. We offer a 30 minute free appointment via Teams to discuss your options.

Please get in touch by calling  023 9282 0747 or emailing inquests@churchers.co.uk

Inquests Team 

Our Inquest team consists of Lucy Linington & Alex Moore

We both have a keen interest in assisting people and organisations through the complex and often upsetting  inquest process.

We pride ourselves on taking the time to listen to your concerns and providing robust practical advice.

Our experience includes:

• representing both insurance companies and individuals at inquests following fatal road accidents
• representing the deceased’s family following a murder/suicide which lead to a successful campaign for reform of the firearm licensing laws
• representing serving police personnel concerning their alleged professional conduct prior to a suicide

Some of these have lead to the Coroner making recommendations to government departments and other organisations to prevent future deaths.

We are happy to talk through the process and your options during a 30 minute free appointment via Teams.

Please get in touch by calling  023 9282 0747 or emailing inquests@churchers.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you may have.