Helping you through the process
Being faced with an inquest process while you are grieving might feel overwhelming. But you don’t need to feel alone. Our self-help guides provide advice on the process and explain how the investigation works. We can also help you over the phone and through our written advice service, including supporting you with referrals for representation and bereavement services.
It’s important to know that in an inquest, coroners only hold an investigation into four things: who the deceased was, when they died, where they died, and how they came about their death.
In a medical-based inquest, it is the ‘how’ which is usually the most important question.
A coroner cannot assign legal blame or liability. When the coroner has heard all the evidence, they will give a conclusion, which is written on the final death certificate as the cause of death.
The most common conclusions in medical inquests are natural causes, narrative conclusion, or accidental death. Sometimes a rider of neglect (gross failure to provide basic care) is given, but this is uncommon.
Guides and templates to help you
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Self-help guide
Inquests into deaths following medical treatment
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Self-help guide
Template letter to request an inquest is opened
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Self-help guide
Patient Safety Incident response framework (PSIRF)
Accessible versions
Need other guidance?
Find a solicitor
Other ways we can help you
Call our helpline: 0345 123 2352
Use our written advice service
After coming out of an incredibly intimidating pre-inquest review hearing meeting feeling utterly powerless… I began researching what help I could receive to make me feel less alone. The unconditional support from Avma armed me with the confidence and resources to achieve an outcome I was satisfied with.