Inquests

What is an inquest?

An inquest is a formal investigation which is conducted by a Coroner in order to determine how someone died. Inquests are held in circumstances where an individual died by an unknown cause.  In many cases the individual died by an unnatural cause or violence, or the individual died in a setting where there is a legal duty to pursue with an inquest, such as in a prison.

It may require an autopsy to be carried out by a coroner.  An inquest establishes four factors, the identity of the deceased person, when they died, where they died and how they died.

When must a coroner hold an inquest?

The coroner has a duty to investigate the deceased person’s death under the Mental Health Act, particularly if:

-the cause of death is unknown

-someone died due to violence/ unnatural causes

-the individual died in prison or police custody

-the individual died whilst detained under the Mental Health Act

-While in a care setting

How we can help

At P.A. Duffy & Company, we understand that attending an inquest into the death of a loved one can be very daunting and complicated, that is why our expert inquest solicitors, ensure to ease the burden off you as we protect your best interests and ensure you get the answers you need at this tough time

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Our Inquest Solicitors have experience in representing families at an inquest, we also deal with public inquiries. Read our Care Home Negligence page and recent articles concerning an Inquest into the death of loved ones due to the COVID19 outbreaks. 

We are driven to achieve justice for those who have been wronged by the police and social services and other authorities, we believe if we fight for your rights this will stop the same mistakes from happening again.

*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.