Supporting families through difficult questions with care and expertise
We appreciate that if you have suffered the distress and trauma of losing a loved one, you can never be adequately compensated for your loss. However, the experience and skills of our solicitors can help you handle some of the practical consequences of bereavement, such as the inquest process.
During such a difficult time, having knowledgeable legal representation can provide both practical support and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on grieving and healing while we handle the legal complexities.
For advice, please contact us using our online enquiry form or call 0800 024 1976.
Contact Us TodayRelated services
How our solicitors support bereaved families during the inquest process
At Nelsons, we have a team of specialist solicitors with extensive experience in providing inquest representation to bereaved families. We understand that every case is unique and requires a sensitive, personalised approach.
Our experience includes supporting families through:
- Healthcare-related inquests – We’ve represented families in cases involving missed opportunities in psychiatric care, inadequate medical treatment, and complications during childbirth that led to serious injury or death.
- Care home inquests – Our team has experience with cases where omissions in care contributed to preventable deaths, ensuring accountability and answers for grieving families.
- Sudden death investigations – We’ve supported families through inquests into unexpected deaths, helping them understand the process and ensuring their concerns are properly addressed.
- Student deaths – We’ve represented families in cases involving young people, including university students, where missed opportunities may have contributed to tragic outcomes.
Recent cases where we’ve made a difference:
Our solicitors have extensive experience in providing inquest representation to bereaved families. Here are some of the cases in which our team has supported bereaved families during inquests:
- Sutton-In-Ashfield Psychiatric Hospital Missed Opportunities, Concludes Inquest Into Mapperley Woman’s Death
- Broxtowe Woman’s Death “Not Natural”, Inquest Finds
- ‘Serious And Inexplicable Omissions In Care’ Contributed To Hucknall Man’s Death, Inquest Finds
- Baby Seriously Injured At Birth Following Missed Opportunities During Labour, Inquest Finds
- ‘Missed Opportunities’ Contributed To Nottingham Student’s Death, Inquest Finds
Why choose Nelsons for inquest representation?
- Compassionate approach – We understand that you’re dealing with one of the most difficult experiences imaginable. Our solicitors provide not just legal expertise, but genuine empathy and support throughout the process.
- Extensive experience – Our specialist team has handled numerous inquest cases across various circumstances, giving us a deep understanding of the process and how to navigate it effectively. We are also recommended by the independently researched publications, The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, as one of the top teams of specialists in the country.
- Clear communication – We explain complex legal procedures in straightforward terms, keeping you informed at every stage and ensuring you understand your rights and options.
- Thorough preparation – We meticulously prepare for inquests, gathering evidence, liaising with witnesses, and ensuring that all relevant questions are asked during proceedings.
- Dual expertise – Where appropriate, we can simultaneously pursue both inquest representation and potential compensation claims, providing comprehensive legal support.
What to expect from our service
When you instruct Nelsons for inquest representation, we will:
- Meet with you to understand the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death
- Explain the inquest process clearly and answer all your questions
- Gather relevant evidence and documentation
- Liaise with the coroner’s office on your behalf
- Prepare you for what to expect during the inquest hearing
- Represent you at the inquest, asking pertinent questions and ensuring your concerns are addressed
- Advise on any follow-up actions that may be appropriate
Contact us
If you’re facing an inquest or have questions about a potential compensation claim following a fatal accident, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer initial consultations where we can discuss your situation sensitively and explain how we might be able to help.
Our team is here to provide the professional support you need during this incredibly difficult time, handling the legal complexities so you can focus on what matters most.
Call us on 0800 024 1976 or contact us using our online enquiry form to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist inquest solicitors.
Watch our video, presented by Shrdha Kapoor, Associate in our Medical Negligence team, concerning inquests and the support we can provide…
Meet the team
-
Lisa PreecePartner & Solicitor
-
Julie HardyPartner & Solicitor
-
Matthew OlnerPartner & Solicitor
-
Lucy WiltonPartner & Solicitor
-
Danielle YoungPartner & Solicitor
Testimonials...
Make an enquiry
If you wish to contact us, please complete the form below. A member of our team will be in touch as soon as possible.
When you submit this form, you are consenting to a member of our team to contact you via phone or email regarding your request.
We encourage you to review our Privacy Notice
Main Contact Form
Used on contact page
Inquest Solicitors FAQS
Below, we have answered some frequently asked questions concerning inquest solicitors
-
What is an inquest and when is one held?
An inquest is a legal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding a death. A death is reported to a Coroner in the following situations: a doctor did not treat the person during their last illness, a doctor did not see or treat the person for the condition from which they died within 28 days of death, the cause of death was sudden, violent or unnatural. Inquests are also held when someone dies in custody, following police contact, or in state care.
-
Who conducts an inquest?
An inquest is conducted by a coroner, who is a judicial officer responsible for investigating certain types of deaths. The coroner examines evidence, questions witnesses, and determines the facts surrounding the death.
-
What is the purpose of an inquest?
The purpose of an inquest is to establish four key facts:
- Who the deceased was
- When they died
- Where they died
- How did they come by their death
An inquest is a fact-finding exercise, not a trial. It does not determine criminal or civil liability.
-
What conclusions can a coroner reach?
The most common conclusions available to the coroner are: Lawful killing, e.g. self-defence or by military persons during acts of war, Open verdict (where there is insufficient evidence to reach any other conclusion). Other possible conclusions include natural causes, accident, misadventure, suicide, and unlawful killing. An inquest can conclude that certain people or organisations caused or contributed to the person’s death.
-
Can family members attend an inquest?
Yes, family members have the right to attend an inquest as “properly interested persons.” This status gives them certain rights, including the ability to examine witnesses and be legally represented.
-
Do I need a solicitor for an inquest?
At most inquests where there are no controversial issues, family members do not have a lawyer present. They are able to ask questions themselves if they wish. However, legal representation can be valuable in complex cases or where there may be concerns about the circumstances of death.
-
What questions can families ask at an inquest?
Families can ask questions that are relevant to the four statutory questions the coroner must answer. Questions should focus on the facts surrounding the death rather than attributing blame or fault.
-
How long does an inquest take?
The length varies significantly depending on complexity. Simple cases may be completed in a few hours, while complex cases involving multiple witnesses and expert evidence can take several days or weeks.
-
What is Exceptional Case Funding?
Most inquests do not need legal representation. However, you may still be able to get help through the Exceptional Case Funding scheme. This funding may be available in exceptional circumstances where representation is necessary to avoid a breach of human rights.
-
When will I be notified about an inquest?
The coroner’s office will contact properly interested persons to inform them when an inquest has been opened and provide details about hearing dates and procedures.
-
What evidence is considered at an inquest?
Evidence can include witness statements, expert reports, medical records, CCTV footage, and any other relevant documentation. The coroner determines what evidence is admissible and relevant.
-
Can new evidence be introduced during an inquest?
Yes, if relevant evidence comes to light during the proceedings, it can be introduced. However, it’s preferable to ensure all relevant evidence is available to the coroner beforehand.
-
What happens after the inquest concludes?
The coroner will issue a certificate stating their conclusion about the death. If the conclusion suggests criminal conduct, the case may be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service. Families may also consider whether civil action is appropriate.
Get in touch
Speak to us now on 0800 024 1976Email Us
