Coroner’s Inquest Representation:
Solicitors to represent you in court
Understanding the inquest process
Losing a loved one suddenly and under unclear circumstances is devastating. An inquest is often necessary to uncover the facts surrounding such a death.
These proceedings can be lengthy and complex, making the support of an inquest lawyer invaluable. They help you navigate the process and determine if more could have been done to prevent the tragedy.
At Rothera Bray Solicitors, we are here to help and support you with Coroner’s Court representation.
How our inquest solicitors can help
We offer comprehensive Coroner’s Court representation. Our experienced solicitors provide more than just answers: they offer steadfast support during this challenging time.
- Personalised Support: We understand your need for answers and accountability. Our approach is unique—we get to know what your loved one was like and offer emotional support throughout the process.
- Expert Guidance: We handle all aspects of the inquest, from advising on procedures to liaising with the coroner and representing you at inquests and pre-inquest reviews.
If your loved one has died in unexplained circumstances, contact us for a free consultation without any obligation. We are here to listen, understand, and provide the representation you need.
Our inquest solicitors’ expertise
Many families attend inquests unaware they are entitled to legal representation or are mistakenly advised against it. This often leads to frustration and a sense of injustice.
Our solicitors have extensive experience in representing clients at inquests, ensuring fair representation and the best chance for justice. We will:
- Gather evidence: Identifying overlooked details.
- Question witnesses: Uncovering crucial information.
- Make submissions: Presenting your case effectively to the coroner.
- Conduct independent investigations: Requesting second post-mortems if needed.
- Handle the media: Managing any media interactions on your behalf.
Supporting you throughout the coroner’s inquest
Close family members of the deceased have the right to ask questions at an inquest. While you can represent yourself, inquests can be complex, and legal representation often provides the best chance of obtaining the answers you need.
Our solicitors are experienced in representing clients in various cases, including deaths in prisons, mental health facilities, police custody, and due to health and safety failings or medical care concerns.
The inquest process
An inquest is a fact-finding mission. The coroner examines evidence to reach a conclusion, such as:
- Natural causes
- Drugs or alcohol
- Industrial disease
- Accidental death or misadventure
- Suicide
- Unlawful killing
- Open verdict
Inquests do not determine liability: who is to blame. Nor do they issue punishments. However, the Coroner’s findings may indicate that certain actions contributed to the death or criticise institutions for their failings.
Following the inquest, our personal injury solicitors may be able to help you with a fatal accident compensation claim.
Seeking legal advice
If a loved one’s death leads to an inquest, seek legal advice promptly. This is due to strict time limits that may affect your ability to claim. Acting quickly enhances your chances of a successful outcome.
Once you’ve instructed us, we’ll advise on funding your claim, obtain necessary disclosures, attend the inquest, and interpret the coroner’s verdict, guiding you on any subsequent legal steps.
Getting started
Contact us by phone or email for free initial advice. Our inquest solicitors, based in the East Midlands and working across the UK, provide critical information in person, but are also available by phone, email, or video call.
Get in touch with us on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk
Send us a message
“We’ll represent you before the Coroner and help you get the answers you need. ”
Ian Johnson
Partner, Personal Injury
FAQs
When a death is sudden or unexpected, a doctor or the registration service will report it to the coroner. They will gather evidence to determine, how, when, and why they died.
If the coroner suspects the state (police, prison service or NHS for example) of;
- Causing
- Contributing to, or
- Failing to prevent a death
they will call an Article 2 inquest.
Article 2 of the Human Rights Act states that, “Everyone’s right to life shall be protected by law…”
A right that all too often, is not afforded to everyone.
During an inquest, the coroner will hear from witnesses and examine all relevant evidence. Anyone acting on behalf of interested persons (e.g., relatives of the deceased) like a solicitor, also has the opportunity review evidence and question witnesses.
The goal of an inquest is to;
- Determine the cause of death, and
- Answer any questions surrounding the death, and
- Help prevent similar incidents from happening in the future
It is not to find fault or assign blame.
Many families attend inquest hearings without legal representation. This is for one of two reasons;
- Not knowing that they are entitled to legal representation, or
- Having received advice that it is not necessary
However, inquests can be long and complex, especially in cases that involve public bodies like the police, prison service or the NHS.
In many inquests, the other side will have legal representation. This can make attending an inquest as an interested person a very intimidating.
Having your own legal representation is incredibly important.
An inquest solicitor can;
- Help to gather evidence – that someone else might have overlooked
- Question any witnesses – to uncover details about what happened in the events leading to a death. This could include paramedics, police officers, doctors, pathologists, and forensic experts.
- Address matters of law – as well as asking questions on behalf of your family, a solicitor can also make submissions to the coroner. These might include risks of other deaths and highlighting the need for change.
- Request a second post-mortem – if we do not believe all the facts have been addressed, we may be able to conduct an independent investigation.
- Deal with the media – if a hearing has significant media interest, they might ask for a statement. You do not have to provide one, but if you want to, we can do it on your behalf.
An inquest solicitor can also help to hold those responsible for the death of your loved one to account. The inquest itself will not blame organisations or individuals for someone’s death. However, if we believe their death was avoidable, we will help you claim compensation, via;
- Medical negligence claims
- Personal injury claims
- Hospital negligence claims
- Road traffic accident claims
- Accident at work claims
- Care home claims
- Accidents in public places claims
- Industrial disease claims
Our team can offer advice on funding options for legal representation at an inquest.
This can include, but is not limited to;
- Public funding (commonly referred to as ‘Legal Aid’) – only if applicable in certain limited circumstances, or
- A Conditional Fee Agreement (‘No Win, No Fee’), or
- Legal fees cover, as part of an existing home or car insurance policy
We will always work with you to find the best option.
If a person’s death is not known, the coroner will call for a post-mortem, or autopsy.
This is a medical examination of a person’s body after death.
A post-mortem might include;
- A digital scan
- Invasive examination
- Forensic examination, or
- Examination of samples or body parts
The length of time an inquest takes will depend on the case and surrounding evidence.
Some inquests can start and end on the same day. These are known as ‘fast track’ inquests.
More complicated inquests might need preliminary hearings or pre-inquest reviews. As such, they could take several months to get to the final hearing.
The length of the final hearing can also vary, depending on the number of witnesses and whether there is a jury.
Not all inquests need a jury.
However, a jury is required by law, if;
- A death took place in police custody
- The cause of death is unnatural
- The cause of death was caused by a notifiable accident, disease, or poisoning
A if a coroner sees sufficient reason, they can arrange for a jury to be present.
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Posted 26 August 2025
Rothera Bray provided an excellent service to both my Mother and myself during what was a very difficult time for us. They were detailed, professional and supportive. This lead to an outcome that we would not have been able to achieve without their expertise. I would highly recommend Rothera Bray to represent you when making a claim following an accident.
Ben
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Posted 24 July 2025
100% recommend Rothera Bray for any injury claims- especially Rebecca Howard who took her time to answer any queries I had and kept me up go date with the stages of my claim which resulted in a positive and successful claim! Thank you for all the support, your work means so much.
Chloe
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Posted 16 June 2025
I had a head injury and Rothera Bray solicitors dealt with my compensation claim. Rebecca Howard was amazing she gave me guidance and advice and always got back to my calls and emails can’t recommend her enough she will be there for you every step of the way.
Donna
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Posted 3 April 2025
Rothera Bray Solicitors and more specifically Seetal Patel and her team looked after my injury claim after a motorcycle accident that was not my fault. Seetal dedicated her very diligent attention to detail to the process and ensured that every necessary factor was taken into account during my recovery. Her communication was clear and open throughout the process. I would highly recommend Rothera Bray to guide you effectively and provide excellent care throughout your injury recovery and damages claim.
Malcolm
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Posted 30 October 2024
I would like to thank Rothera and Bray Solicitors for all their hard work in representing me in my successful Personal Injury Claim. Their communication and advice was excellent and filled me with confidence throughout my case. On a more personal level I would like to give special thanks to Mr. Ian Johnson and Ms. Swati Kotecha with whom I had most contact with who both were very friendly and professional and made the whole experience as simple as possible. Thank you again.
Ron Foster
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Posted 10 June 2024
From the very outset of engaging with Rothera Bray, I immediately felt confident I had made the right decision to instruct them to work on my claim and it was!! Ian Johnson and his excellent team provided all the necessary support in a most caring and efficient way. Full and detailed explanations with readily available communication was available throughout. All their much appreciated efforts were rewarded with a successful outcome. I am very grateful. I highly recommend Rothera Bray for their extensive knowledge and the manner in which they do their job.
Dorothy Shipston
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Posted 16 April 2024
Rothera Bray were very helpful with my claim, especially Seetal Patel, she made sure I was kept up to date on everything to do with my claim for compensation. When the other side were being awkward she got things done. The case was a bit drawn out but came through in the end. I would recommend Rothera Bray to other claimants. Thank you again.
M Baxter
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Posted 15 April 2024
Thankyou for everything you have done to assist us with this awful situation. You and your team have been exceptional. I’m sure we could have stumbled our way through alone, but it would have been messy and unconventional. With your guidance and expertise, you made it so much easier and I thankyou from the bottom of my heart.
Mr Harnett
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Posted 6 March 2024
From the day I contacted Rothera Bray they were very helpful and understanding, they explained the procedure and what information they would need from me so they could represent me. Rothera Bray always kept me up to date, reports from consultants on any appointments that had been arranged. They were very professional and made me feel confident that the case was going to be successful. I personally without hesitation recommend Rothera Bray to anyone, professional, informative and understanding, they are always available to answer any questions you may have. EXCELLENT. Again Seetal thank you very much to all who worked on the case, myself and Avis now feel relieved that our future retirement years will be less stressful.
John Ward
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Posted 10 January 2024
Very good Experience and excellent service from Rothera Bray Solicitors! I honestly appreciate the services I received. Specifically from my solicitor Seetal. Seetal was very professional and extremely helpful she took my case and worked on it with excellent results. Cannot thank her enough! I am very grateful. I will definitely recommend Rothera Bray Solicitors.
Ention
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Posted 14 November 2023
I have been very impressed with the work carried out by Ian Johnson and cannot think of anything I was dissatisfied with.
Public Liability case
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Posted 1 November 2023
Abby is a dedicated and talented young lawyer who always exceeds expectation. Her attention to detail is superb, and her written/drafted work is always excellent. She exudes those skills which it can be difficult to teach – passion for her work, dedication to her clients and a natural ability to instinctively understand how to build rapport with clients and contacts alike.
Julie Walker, Consultant, Rothera Bray
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