Inquests and medical negligence claims – how we can support you

Losing a loved one is extremely distressing under any circumstances. However, if you have concerns about the care they received (or didn’t receive), it can be incredibly difficult to know where to turn.

At Attwaters Solicitors, we understand how upsetting it is to suffer a loss that you believe was avoidable. We support bereaved families by guiding them through the inquest process and helping them to explore whether a medical negligence claim is appropriate. Importantly, we do this on a no win no fee basis, meaning access to justice is not dependent on your personal finances.

The BBC has recently reported on a seven-month trial that highlights how vital it is to seek legal advice if you feel that you have been let down by those with a duty of care. In this instance, a young woman took her own life in a mental health unit, and a jury found that the NHS trust in question did not do enough to prevent this tragedy. A trial such as this is usually not the first legal step that will be taken if you are questioning the circumstances of a death.

Inquests – precursors to claims

Inquests are public inquiries that aim to establish how someone died, particularly when the death was sudden, unexplained, or occurred in state care. The process can feel daunting, but it is also a crucial opportunity for families seeking answers. You can find out more about what to expect at an inquest.

While some inquests will mark the end of a process, others may directly support a medical negligence claim. For example, if a coroner concludes that neglect or multiple failings contributed to a death, this may form the foundation of a legal case

An inquest case study

We recently represented a family who had questions about the death of Rita, a hospital patient who was detained under the Mental Health Act. She died from aspiration pneumonia after eating paper. The coroner identified that there was a ‘gross failure’ in the care provided; on the day of her death, Rita made several attempts to put paper in her mouth, but staff did not adequately escalate the behaviour. Read more about this inquest.

We’re here for you

We know that investigating a death can seem overwhelming.  Our Medical Negligence team is here to ensure that families are supported every step of the way – from preparing for the inquest to understanding the coroner’s conclusions, and deciding whether to pursue a medical negligence claim. If you’re unsure what to expect, this blog explains the procedure and this article helps to interpret the common legal terms used in verdicts.

If you believe your loved one was let down by a healthcare professional, please contact us for a confidential, no-obligation consultation with one of our reliable team members. Call 0330 221 8855 or email enquiries@attwaters.co.uk.