Health & social care
Inquests
The Coroner’s Court has always been a stressful and unpredictable place, both for healthcare professionals and their employers. The effect of the Human Rights Act on inquests has increased the risk of a critical verdict by the Coroner or jury and the impact on staff morale and danger of bad publicity is greater than ever before.
The head of Capsticks’ Inquest team, Philip Hatherall, was Assistant Deputy Coroner for North London for 5 years. We can help protect your organisation’s reputation and give your clinicians the support they need in the lead up to and during an inquest. Because we combine advocacy with the expertise needed to prepare thoroughly for an inquest, cases can be handled by the same lawyer from the outset to representation in court.
We support you through all aspects of the inquest process, giving initial advice on whether legal representation might be needed at the inquest, preparing statements, guiding witnesses and providing advocacy at the inquest itself.
What we offer
Before the inquest
We will provide:
- Advice on draft witness
- Statements
- Advice on disclosure to the coroner
- Advice on draft
- Serious Incident (SI) reports
- Witness preparation
- A pre-inquest report explaining the risks, possible verdicts and suggested action plan
- Cost saving advice on dealing with a claim prior to the inquest
- Advice on risk management and avoiding a Rule 43 report
- Handling media enquiries
- Liaising with the coroner and other interested persons
During the inquest
We will provide:
- Specialist healthcare inquest advocacy
- Support for your staff
After the inquest
We will provide:
- A post-inquest report advising on the outcome and further action required
Inquest partners
Gerard Hanratty
Philip Hatherall
Ashley Irons
Will Marshall
Janice Smith (Consultant)
Rob Wilson