Inquest Solicitors

Our legal specialists can help you and your family get the answers you need at an inquest if you have suffered the loss of a loved one. Our inquest solicitors are here for you, and we will work tirelessly to provide support and guide you from beginning to end of the process.

At Ramsdens Solicitors, we have been providing legal services to the people of Yorkshire and further afield for more than a century, and have the experience required to provide help at this difficult time.

Contact us today by calling 01484 821 500, or complete our online contact form, and we will be in touch at a time that is convenient for you.

How our inquest solicitors can help you

If you have lost a loved one and have been informed that an inquest has been opened into their death, our team can help you by advising and guiding you through the process. We have many years of experience in advising and representing families and other parties at inquests, regardless of the circumstances of the person’s death.

Our inquest solicitors have also helped families of those who have died in the following settings:

• Police custody
• Prison
• Following contact with police
• Whilst detained under the Mental Health Act
• Whilst detained in a hospital or care setting

Why choose Ramsdens?

Our extensive experience in this area of the law means we are perfectly placed to help you, no matter what your circumstances may be. We have a proven track record of great service, and we will work tirelessly to support you.

At Ramsdens, we strive to provide outstanding service. We are recognised for our client-centric approach in providing quality service. Our latest satisfaction feedback revealed:

• 99% of clients are satisfied with our overall performance
• 98% of clients across the UK in diverse sectors say they would recommend us to someone else for our legal services

FAQs

What is the purpose of an inquest?

An inquest is a public hearing that is held when an individual has suffered a violent or unnatural death. The process aims to answer the following questions:

• Who has died?
• When did they die?
• Where did they die?
• How did they die?

The purpose of an inquest is not to blame individuals or organisations, but to provide an opportunity for a full investigation into a person’s death, which then helps to determine who was responsible.

What is Article 2?

Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights states that everybody has the right to life. If the state is responsible for a person’s death, a coroner can call an Article 2 inquest, which - along with the four questions listed above - will also address in what circumstances a person has been killed.

Some examples of an Article 2 inquest include when a person has died:

• In custody or prison
• In a psychiatric hospital
• As a result of lethal force from a police officer

If it is found that there has been a breach of Article 2, you may be able to claim compensation under the Human Rights act.

Which deaths are reported to a coroner?

Inquests are held by a coroner in certain circumstances, particularly when a death has happened suddenly and is unexplained. They include if:

• The death was thought to be violent or unnatural,
• The cause of death is unknown after post-mortem, or
• The deceased died while in prison, police custody or another type of state detention.

The Coroner’s Office will provide a “Guide to Coroner Services” at the outset. (A copy can be requested from coroners@justic.gsi.gov.uk or by calling 020 3334 3555. You can also download a copy here.)

How long does an inquest take?

Some inquests will last a matter of hours, however, when a person has died in more complicated circumstances, it could take several days or weeks to reach a conclusion. Inquests are usually opened soon after the death of the individual in question, however, the hearing does not take place until all investigations to gather evidence have been completed. These adjournments usually last a few months, but if more time is needed to conduct such investigations, it could take longer.

How are inquests funded?

Our team will advise you of funding options for the inquest hearing. This can include (but is not limited to) Legal Aid and Conditional Fee Agreement funding (no win, no fee). We will always work with you to find the best option to suit your circumstances and will offer compassion and support during what can be a traumatic time.