Workplace Coroner’s Inquest

If a death has occurred at your workplace, your premises and practices may be investigated by a coroner, as well as regulatory boards like the Health and Safety Executive. Our expert solicitors can represent you at the inquest and guide you through any regulatory procedures and investigations.

Talk to one of our team members on 0330 111 3131

A Coroner’s inquest is a routine procedure launched whenever an individual passes away and a death certificate is issued. The coroner can also launch an investigation into a death should the circumstances surrounding it be suspicious, or when the ‘who, where, when or how’ isn’t immediately clear.

Regardless of the circumstances, if you are notified of a coroner’s investigation into your business after the passing of an employee while at work or carrying out their job, you should seek legal advice immediately.

Should a death occur in your place of work, the Health and Safety Executive may launch their own investigation in tandem with the coroner. This can determine the cause of the incident and whether any action is needed to prevent a repeat occurrence of the event, or to see if any law has been broken.

In some cases the civil or criminal courts may launch an investigation into the incident where charges could amount to neglect or, in the most extreme cases, corporate manslaughter.

Our team of solicitors are experienced in defending businesses in criminal and civil cases and understand the long lasting impact these investigations can have on a business. Using a strategic approach to such procedures not only helps with the outcome of the inquest, but also safeguards you and your company’s reputation.

Our team of specialists is here to support high-level individuals and senior management through coroner’s inquests and HSE investigations, to help ensure compliance with regulations.

If you need to speak to a regulatory expert, call us on 0161 969 3131 or fill in this contact form.

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Writing a Witness Statement 

The inquest must be held with a jury who decide the facts of the case. As the business owner or upper management you may be called on by the coroner to give a witness statement.

A written statement can either be given in writing or in person at the inquest itself. Our regulatory solicitors can help you write an entirely comprehensive written statement. Not only will this help the coroner reach the facts of the case but it will also reduce the likelihood of you having to give an in person statement. If you are required to give a statement in person, our specialists can guide you through the process and ensure you are properly prepared for the inquest.

Witness statements should be factual and, whilst personal opinion is allowed, a witness should try to avoid blaming any individual or organisation. The coroner’s inquest is not meant to determine a culprit nor issue punishment. They can, however, issue guidance for preventing further harm or subsequent deaths.

The Investigation Process

The primary function of a coroner’s inquest is to determine the cause of death. Possible verdicts include:

  • natural causes
  • accidental death
  • suicide
  • industrial disease
  • unlawful killing.

Depending on the outcome of the inquest, further investigations can be launched by HSE or the courts.

If you wish to challenge a jury’s verdict on a coroner’s inquest it is possible to appeal. The process, however, is lengthy and complex. It’s vital to have an expert solicitor in your corner to give you the best possible chance of overturning a jury’s decision.

Investigations by a coroner can have wide reaching repercussions for you and your business, including fines, orders to pay compensation to affected parties, and custodial sentences. If you believe a jury’s verdict is incorrect or incomplete, contact a solicitor as soon as possible as further investigations can cause irreparable damage to your business and its reputation.

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