Self-help guide
Dear HM Coroner,
Re: Request to hold an inquest into the death of [NAME OF DECEASED]
Born on [INSERT DECEASED’S DATE OF BIRTH] and who died on [INSERT DECEASED’S DATE OF DEATH]
I am the [INSERT RELATIONSHIP TO DECEASED eg SON, MOTHER, BROTHER ETC] of the late [INSERT NAME OF DECEASED] and request that you consider opening an inquest into how they came about their death.
I believe an investigation is required to determine the cause of my [STATE RELATIONSHIP EG BROTHER’S ETC] death. Although to date no inquest has been opened, I have now received an investigation report completed by [INSERT NAME OF TRUST] which strongly suggests failings in the care provided. I respectfully invite you to consider opening an inquest as I have reason to believe that the death was not natural.
I understand that where there is reason to suspect that the death was unnatural that section 2(a) Coroners and Justice Act 2009 requires an investigation to be carried out by the coroner. I have read the reports, copies of which are enclosed/attached from which it is apparent that failures in the care provided to my [STATE RELATIONSHIP EG BROTHER] contributed to his/her death.
I take this opportunity to draw to your attention the factors that I believe amount to a failure of care:
INSERT LIST (IF THERE IS MORE THAN ONE PLEASE NUMBER THEM) OF FAILURES THAT YOU FEEL DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR LOVED ONE’s CAUSE OF DEATH AND WHERE POSSIBLE CROSS REFER TO THE REPORTS AND OR OTHER DOCUMENTS YOU ARE RELYING ON].
It does appear that these failures in care at the very least give rise to a reasonable suspicion that their death was unnatural’ and as such there are grounds to open an inquest.
I look forward to hearing from you in due course.
Yours Sincerely, [INSERT YOUR NAME