Inquest Lawyers in the South West of England

Attending an Inquest can be a difficult process. We have a team of specialist lawyers dedicated to representing family members and interested parties throughout the process.

What we do.

Inquests are usually opened by a coroner when a person has died a violent or unnatural death, where their cause of death is unknown, or when the person has died whilst in custody or state detention.
Public bodies, such as local authorities, the NHS and the Police are sometimes classed as Interested Persons by the Coroner and often are legally represented during the inquest. This can make the experience incredibly daunting to the families and other individuals involved in proceedings. We understand how difficult it can be to navigate the legal requirements of an inquest during what is often a very challenging time. Our sensitive and expert approach to supporting individuals through this difficult time will give you and your loved ones peace of mind. Our expertise includes deaths where the person was receiving care or support from health and social care or was detained in a hospital or other setting, including police custody and prison. We take instructions from across the region, including Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Bristol, Dorset and Wiltshire. We are also able to act in cases beyond the South West and are happy to discuss ways in which we can assist.

What is an inquest?

An Inquest is a fact-finding inquiry opened by a coroner. A coroner is an independent judge who presides over the inquest.
The inquest usually aims to find out:
● Who the deceased was?● When they died?● Where they died? and● How the death occurred?
The purpose of the inquest is to establish facts not to assign criminal or civil liability. However, an inquest provides an opportunity for accountable and active learning for all parties. We are here to support you through this process.

What happens during an inquest and how long does it take?

The length of an inquest can vary, and it is dependent on the complexity of the issues involved. This can add to the distressing nature of this process for bereaved people.
● You may be asked to present witness statements, attend pre-inquest hearings and attend the inquest hearing. Pre-inquest review hearing often include legal arguments concerning the substance and scope of the inquest.● We are here to support you through the duration of the inquest.

Our expertise

Our expertise includes representing bereaved people and interested parties where:
● the deceased had been receiving care or support from health or social care ● the deceased was detained in the community, in a hospital setting or in custody

Why us?

We are committed to:
● empowering your meaningful and active participation in the process. ● to ensuring your voice is heard and your questions are answered.● to providing a respectful, compassionate and trauma-informed service.

How much does it cost?

Legal aid may be available for representation in Inquest cases. This is typically subject to a means test. We are able to explain the legal aid regulations to you and will ensure that you receive legal aid if you are eligible.
● If you are not eligible for Legal Aid funding for any reason, we will be able to represent you on a privately paying basis. Our rates for privately paying clients are very competitive and will be supplied upon request.

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Phone Us

01823 692800

Office Hours
We are available in the office between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Where we areOur Taunton office is located at;
Butler & Co Solicitors LtdChandos House, 1 Heron GateHankridge wayTauntonTA1 2LR

Butler & Co. Solicitors Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA number 835790.
To find out more, visit the SRA website.