There is so much to think about as well as to do.  But what if at a time of private grief you find the coroner asking questions about what happened?  Will there be a post mortem examination?  When can the funeral take place? What is the purpose of coroner's inquests?

Or perhaps you think important questions need answering and feel there should be an official investigation, but the coroner doesn't seem to be involved or even know about the death. What can you do to bring the facts to the attention of the appropriate authorities?

Expert advice following a bereavement can help explain the legal process and take some of the worries away by making sure the right thing is done.

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has lawyers who have helping families through the coroner's inquests system for up to 30 years. 

We provide urgent advice about coroners and inquests, including:

• reporting cases to the coroner
• asking the coroner to reconsider whether there should be an inquest
• post mortem examinations and understanding PM reports
• who can take part in the coroner's inquests process?
• should you have a second post mortem?
• should there be a jury?
• obtaining advance disclosure of information before the resumed inquest
• what is a narrative verdict, when might unlawful killing or neglect apply?
• what might the verdict mean for insurance purposes?
• can any recommendations help avoid future fatalities?

As with all legal advice, lawyers are not much help if you cannot afford to pay for them.  Central to our service is a clear explanation of the funding options open to you, including:

• no-win-no-fee if there is going to be a claim
• legal expenses insurance
• fixed fee - an agreed up front all inclusive price
• legal aid (in exceptional cases)
• sometimes pro bono - for free

The coroners inquests system is a key protection to help ensure suspicious deaths are independently investigated.

Whether you are thinking about a claim or not, it's important to take early expert advice about what the inquest process might mean to you and your family.

For both early advice and for legal representation at a full inquest hearing, our specialists will:

• explain the options open to you
• help guide you through difficult decisions
• provide objective advice tailored to your circumstances and priorities

We can also help with challenging procedural decisions made by a coroner and Judicial Review seeking to overturn a verdict and/or obtain a fresh inquest hearing.

Call us on 03700 86 86 86 now to speak to one of our coroners inquest specialists. There'll be no charge to you for initial query, and we'll explain the funding options to you clearly at the outset.

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