There is a lot to deal with after a loved one’s death, which is especially hard when you are grieving. If you believe that the death was caused by negligence and substandard care, it can add more distress to the situation.
An inquest is a fact-finding investigation. It is led by a coroner, who will work to determine the specific cause of death of your loved one. Inquests are not always held when someone dies. They are required in certain instances:
- The death was unnatural or violent;
- The cause of death is unknown;
- The deceased died in custody or state detention.
When an inquest is opened, the family should be notified and kept informed and involved throughout the process.
An inquest is only designed to determine the cause of death. It does not directly lead to compensation.
A fatal accidents medical negligence claim can be made either before or after an inquest.
The claims process is designed to provide people with the opportunity to receive compensation when someone dies as a result of negligence on the part of a healthcare professional such as a GP, consultant, surgeon, dentist, anaesthetist, nurse or other medical professional.
In order for a fatal accidents claim to be successful, it must be proven that the care and treatment provided was not sufficient or appropriate, and that the inappropriate or insufficient treatment directly contributed to or caused the person’s death.
When an inquest finds evidence that suggests that substandard or negligent medical care led to a person’s death this can help in a subsequent claim for compensation.
