Coroner and inquest solicitors
Legal advice and representation when a death is referred to the coroner.
Our coroner and inquest solicitors can provide legal advice on the coroner's processes and procedures, so you know exactly what to expect. We can also provide representation at the inquest hearing.
Do I need legal representation?
See which category you fit into to determine which inquest representation service is right for you.
You're not sure if the death could have been avoided
You don't think the death could have been avoided
Whether you think the death could have been avoided, if you’re not sure, or you’re satisfied it was unavoidable, an inquest solicitor can help.
With our inquest representation service, our coroner and inquest solicitors will:
- Provide legal representation at the inquest hearing
- Advise you on the inquest process and procedure, so you know exactly what to expect
- Act on your behalf, alongside a barrister, to ensure all your questions are answered about the cause of death and events leading up to the death
- Advise whether the evidence suggests the death was avoidable and, if so, represent you on a no win no fee basis (subject to a suitability assessment)
- Provide representation on a fixed fee basis if our no win no fee service in unsuitable
Request a callback from our coroner and inquest solicitors to find out more. This service is only available if the death occurred in England or Wales.
Why are deaths reported to the coroner?
Currently around 31% of all deaths are reported to the coroner. There are a number of reasons why this may happen, including if the death has been caused by a third party.
Examples include:
- Medical negligence
- Road traffic accidents
- Accidents in the workplace
- Accidents in public places
- Industrial disease
Once a death has been referred to the coroner, the coroner will decide whether to hold an inquest.
The coroner must hold an inquest if:
- After post-mortem, the cause of death is still unknown
- The person possibly died a violent or unnatural death
- The person died in prison or police custody
What is an inquest?
An inquest is a legal investigation by a coroner to establish the circumstances around a death. It will cover factors such as how, when and why the death occurred, but it won't establish if anyone was at fault for the death – this is where our coroner and inquest solicitors can help.
During the inquest, the coroner will gather evidence from witnesses that they have chosen. Anyone acting on behalf of interested persons (e.g. the family of the deceased), such as a solicitor, also has the opportunity to question these witnesses.
If the inquest finds that the death has been caused or contributed to by the negligent actions of others, it is likely that a medical negligence claim or personal injury claim can be brought.
If a claim is brought and compensation is awarded to the estate, then probate will be needed to administer the estate. Our coroner & inquest probate solicitors can advise on how probate works when the coroner is involved.
No win no fee inquest representation
If a civil claim arises from your loved one's death and we are instructed to act on your or the estate's behalf in this claim, we can usually represent you at the inquest as well on a no win no fee basis.
If a no win no fee arrangement isn't available, we offer transparent, fixed fee pricing.
Our coroner and inquest services are only available if the death occurred in England or Wales.
No one wants to be in the position of having to attend an inquest of a loved one, especially alone. Co-op made the experience far more bearable and were extremely supportive.R.W., Greater Manchester
About Co-op Legal Services
As part of the largest Co-operative organisation in the UK, Co-op Legal Services works to ensure that our clients receive the best legal advice and support services available from our teams of personal injury and clinical negligence solicitors, legal executives and staff.
We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and several of our Personal Injury Solicitors are members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
Co-op Legal Services has over 800 staff working in different businesses with offices in Manchester, Bristol, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sheffield and London.
