Inquest solicitors.
Here for you.

When a loved one dies an inquest provides an opportunity to have your questions answered. Our dedicated solicitors are here to help find the answers you need.

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Independently accredited, top ranked firm
Trusted experts in inquests
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Inquest solicitors on your side

Our team understand what a difficult time this is for you; we will progress your case with sensitivity and discretion.

We can advise on inquests of all types, including those relating to medical treatment, psychiatric care, deaths in custody, deaths involving the police and deaths in prison.

Find out more about what to do when someone dies in our bereavement guide here

What is an inquest?

An inquest is an investigation led by a coroner in order to ascertain how someone died. During the inquest process, the coroner will establish four things:

The name of the deceased
The place of their death
The time of their death
How the death occurred

Find out more about the process of an inquest in our guide here

Do you need a solicitor for an inquest?

There’s no obligation to instruct a solicitor for an inquest; you can represent yourself if you wish. However, there are many benefits to having a solicitor represent you, particularly where the hospital/treatment provider is likely to have legal representation.

We strongly urge people to consider specialist legal representation for an inquest in all but the most straightforward and uncontroversial deaths.

The formalities and procedure of an inquest hearing are likely to be a daunting prospect for the family of the deceased, particularly whilst grieving for the loss of their loved on; having your own lawyer fighting your corner will ease the burden.

Furthermore, the other Interested Parties are likely to be far more familiar with the process outlined above and will also have their own legal teams acting for them. This can mean that family members who represent themselves feel intimidated and ill-prepared when faced with experienced advocates.

What are the funding options for an inquest?

There are a number of way you can secure specialist legal representation in an inquest:

Public funding can be obtained from the Legal Aid Agency in some cases, such as where the death occurred in prison or whilst the person was sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Many of our clients find they are able to obtain/secure representation at no cost to themselves through an existing legal expenses policy, or through a Conditional Fee Agreement (known as ‘no win, no fee’).

We will discuss the options available and help you choose the best one for your specific situation.

Find out more about funding an inquest here

What happens after an inquest?

If substandard care is identified then it may be possible to pursue a claim for compensation. Your specialist lawyer will advise you on this and support you with a subsequent claim if you wish to bring one.

Find out more about making a claim for the death of a loved one here

How can RWK Goodman help you?

Our dedicated inquest team will fight on your behalf and guide you through the process, making it less daunting and ensuring that you get the best possible outcome.

Even if no inquest takes place, you may be able to bring a claim for compensation where negligence has caused or contributed to the death of your loved one. See our fatal claims page for more information.

We have a specialist team dealing with inquests and subsequent fatal claims, who will strive to get answers, seek changes and recover damages when things have gone wrong.

If you would like to speak to our team, please contact us on

0800 923 2080

Types of inquest

How we can help after a fatal injury

We have a wide range of specialist solicitors, who can help with a number of issues relating to a bereavement.

Article 2 inquests

If a loved one has died in the care of the state, you may find yourself involved in an ‘Article 2 Inquest’ exploring the circumstances of their death. Our specialist team of inquest solicitors are here to help you find answers and hold those responsible to account.

Deaths in military service

When your loved one dies in military service it can lead to a lot of unanswered questions. We may be able to help answer them.

Deaths in prison

When your loved one has died in prison – whether due to violence from another prisoner, suicide, or natural causes – an Article 2 inquest will be held to find out the circumstances surrounding their death.

Deaths involving mental health treatment

The death of a loved one following contact with or when resident in a mental health facility can be a truly devastating time. You are likely to have many unanswered questions about how they died following assessment or treatment.

Deaths involving the police

When your loved one has died following police contact or whilst in police custody, you and your family will want answers to understand how the death occurred or why your loved one was not kept safe.

Fatal injury claims

If you’ve lost a loved one it will undoubtedly be a very distressing time for you and your family. This is especially the case if you believe the death occurred as a result of an accident or due to substandard care.

Inquest or fatal claim

If you are concerned that a loved one’s death may have been caused by an accident or substandard care, a distressing time can be made even worse. Here we explain whether you may wish to bring a claim for damages, whether an inquest may be appropriate, or both. We will guide you through the process from start to finish.

“For us the win was really the outcome of the inquest and all the work that you and our barrister put into this was greatly appreciated by our family. Having you there was a huge comfort for me and I felt that we did the utmost for my mother. I can’t ever thank you enough for this.”

Mrs P

Represented by Ali Cloak in the inquest into her mother’s death and in the subsequent claim for damages