Inquests

An inquest is a fact finding inquiry, conducted by a coroner, into the death of an individual(s). The law relating to inquests is complex and the process can be daunting and confusing. We can guide you through both and minimize the difficulty and distress that participation in an inquest can give rise to.

For individuals an inquest can be the first and sometimes only way of establishing how their loved one died. Although an inquest will not lead to a finding that an individual or an organisation is to blame for someone’s death, it can be a very important part of the process of holding people or bodies to account and in ensuring, where appropriate, that steps are taken to prevent deaths in similar circumstances occurring again. In some circumstances an inquest can be the first step in deciding whether to bring a claim for damages against an employer or hospital or medical professional.

Kingsley Napley has vast experience of representing clients at inquests and to achieve best results operates cross departmentally so that, for example in a healthcare related death, we will draw on both our public law team and our clinical negligence lawyers. Recent examples of our work include:

• Representing the family of Lt Neil Turkington (1 Royal Ghurka Rifles), who was killed by a member of the Afghan National Army embedded within the Coalition Forces patrol base, in an inquest considering the application of article 1 and 2 of the ECHR. 
• The 7/7 Inquests – we act for a number of families of victims of the London terrorist attacks on 7 July 2005
• Representing the family of a young woman whose death was linked to the controversial drug Roaccutane
• Representing the family of a patient who absconded from a mental health unit and then committed suicide

For more information, please contact: Adam Chapman