Inquest Solicitors

What Is an Inquest?

An inquest is a formal legal investigation into a death. It is led by a Coroner, who looks at:

• Who the person was
• When and where they died
• How they came by their death (the circumstances)

An inquest does not decide criminal guilt or blame in the way a court trial does. But it can be crucial for families because it can:

• provide answers and clarity
• highlight failings or missed opportunities
• lead to changes to help prevent future deaths

If you are trying to make sense of what has happened, having the right legal support can make a huge difference.

The inquest process is complicated and can be daunting, especially at a time when you are already trying to cope with your loss. Our inquest solicitors have extensive experience helping families during the inquest process. We understand that many people feel unsure about reaching out to a solicitor. We are just regular people with special skills, and we are here to help you.

Find out more in our advice guide A Families Guide to Inquests

Why Having Representation Matters in an Inquest

There is no requirement to have a solicitor at an inquest — but in reality, many inquests involve organisations who do have legal teams (such as NHS Trusts, police forces, prisons, care providers, government bodies or insurers).

When other parties are represented, it can feel like an uneven playing field — especially when you are grieving.

Having an inquest solicitor can help by:

• Explaining what the process means and what to expect
• Reviewing the evidence and identifying what is missing
• Making submissions on the scope of the inquest and which issues should be explored
• Requesting the right witnesses and asking the right questions
• Supporting you to prepare a family statement (or speaking on your behalf)
• Ensuring important issues — including Article 2 (Right to Life) — are properly considered
• Representing you at the inquest hearing
• Dealing with any press before, during and after the hearing

Most importantly we help you feel supported, informed and not alone.

How We Support You

Before the Inquest

• Explore funding options
• Liaise with Coroner’s Officers and key bodies involved
• Review disclosure (documents, records, statements) and flag gaps
• Advise on the inquest scope and key issues to explore
• Help you prepare questions you want answered
• Prepare family statements and written submissions

Representation at Hearings

• Representation at Pre-Inquest Review Hearings (PIRs)
• Representation at the inquest hearing (with or without a jury)
• Advocacy and careful questioning of witnesses where appropriate
• Clear advice throughout — without legal jargon

After the Inquest

• Explain the conclusion and what it means
• Advice if a Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) report is issued
• Discuss next steps, including whether there may be a civil claim
• Support you in understanding funding and options going forward

Funding: Legal Aid & Other Options

We understand that costs can be a major worry — and it shouldn’t be a barrier to getting support.

We hold a Legal Aid contract, and where funding may be available, we can:

• Check eligibility and explain what is possible
• Apply for funding where appropriate
• Explore alternative ways to fund representation if Legal Aid is not available

If you’re unsure — speak to us anyway. We’ll be open and straightforward about options.

Why Choose Howells for an Inquest?

Families often come to us because they want more than technical advice — they want someone who will take the weight off their shoulders and treat them like a person, not a file.

Why families choose Howells

• Compassionate, down-to-earth approach — we explain everything clearly
• Dedicated inquest team that offer hands on and intimate support and advice – always available for you
• Representation at hearings — not just “behind the scenes” paperwork
• Legal Aid contract — and help exploring funding where possible
• Specialist experience in complex and sensitive inquests
• A team that is responsive, supportive and proactive
• We cover the entirety of the UK
• Face to face, telephone and remote meetings available offering flexibility and real human contact with your solicitor
• Free case assessments – we will review your case and give you honest feedback

If you’ve been told an inquest has opened, we can help you understand what it means — and what you can do next.

Types of Inquests We Help With

We represent families at inquests involving, for example:

• Deaths in police custody or following police contact
• Deaths in prison
• Deaths while detained under the Mental Health Act
• Hospital or care home deaths
• Workplace deaths
• Road traffic fatalities
• Deaths by suicide

If the circumstances are unclear or you feel there are questions that must be answered, we can help.

Article 2 Inquests (Right to Life)

Some inquests are held under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, often where there is concern that the state may have:

• caused or contributed to the death, or
• failed to protect a person’s right to life

Article 2 inquests can be more complex and often involve public bodies being legally represented. In some circumstances, Legal Aid may be available for families.

We can advise you early on whether Article 2 may apply and what that could mean for the scope of the investigation and funding.

What Families Say

“I felt totally overwhelmed… everything was explained in a way which was easy to understand. I was reassured from that point on.”

“Going through an extremely heartbreaking time and you were very sympathetic and compassionate.”

“From the moment we contacted Howells, the team were responsive, proactive, and 100% dedicated.”

“Professional, very understanding… and made me feel more at ease about going forward.”

Tell Us Your Story

“I felt totally overwhelmed… everything was explained in a way which was easy to understand. I was reassured from that point on.”

“Going through an extremely heartbreaking time and you were very sympathetic and compassionate.”

“From the moment we contacted Howells, the team were responsive, proactive, and 100% dedicated.”

“Professional, very understanding… and made me feel more at ease about going forward.”

Tell Us Your Story

If you’ve lost someone and an inquest has been opened, we’re here to help you find clarity and feel supported throughout.

Contact us or call us on 0114 2496 648 to book a free assessment today.