Coroners Inquest

Lex Luthor

My mother died recently of an unnatural sudden death and the post mortem results have resulted in us being granted a coroners inquest.

It was suggested to me that I should bring a solicitor with me on the day as they will have the experience in asking the right questions and we only get one shot at this.

I have found one in Cork that specialises in this area (Ernest Cantillon). Would anyone recommend to having a solicitor at the inquest and if so, does anyone know this one in particular?

carlybabe1

It depends what its for, say for example that there is a suspicion of malpractice (if she was in hospital when she passed)
There is a solicitor in wicklow, Augustus Cullen law. A coroners inquest is standard procedure when there is a sudden and unexpected death though, so it may just be that they're following protocol.

Im sorry to hear bout your mam, and you have my sympathy, inquests are quite traumatic OP, make sure and look after yourself in the run up to it

bluecell99

Hi Lex,

very sorry for your loss.Without knowing more details its hard to say .In general a solicitor would be a good idea if there is any suggestion of malpractice. "Sudden and unnatural" might indicate an accident.If the death took place in an institution for example then an inquest is required.Generally speaking,under the Coroner's Act,1964,an inquest will be held where a death certificate is not available.If the person was seen and treated by a doctor within a month before their death then they will issue a cert and there will be no inquest.This happens if they passed away in hospital or at home.

Lex Luthor

thanks for all your thoughts...without going into too much detail, she had a doctor call out the night before she died when she wasn't feeling well. Her blood pressure was taken and he told my sister that it was "dangerously low" but he could do nothing for it. My sis asked if she should go to hospital but he said not to bother...just get some fluids in. When my sis left her at 6am to get the kids to school, she was dead by the time she got back.

So we have a few questions and would really like to know what we can ask on the day. Does anyone know what the format these take and how they proceed?

bluecell99

questions as to what difference would/could it have made if she had been admitted to hospital;many other deaths occur from this condition?;is it always life threatening?;is there standard medical procedure?;does this include hospital supervision;when does it become life threatening?;

it may be possible to ask for an adjournment in order to properly prepare your questioning of witnesses - through a solicitor.Bear in mind you may need to engage a consultant unrelated to the case to answer medical queries you have.

Unfortunately in some cases people will die for no obvious reason even when they are being treated and even after showing signs of improvement.In hospital and at home.Engage a legal person and fully discuss with him / her where you are coming from.From the family point of view.

A coroners inquest will only determine how,when and where a person died.It is not a criminal court and somtimes does not give closure.Basically you can ask and address any issue surrounding the death.There may be several witnesses.

Finally, remember that only people with a medical degree can offer opinions as to causes of death.Medicine is not a completley exact science and while there are sometimes differing opinions in general it is the case that these relate more in emphasis and importance rather than substance .

LegacyUser

Hi Lex. I am sorry to hear of your mother's passing.

I don't know anything about the Solicitor you mentioned. If you check out that rate your Solicitor website it might perhaps have some results although it is not the most reliable of sources.

A friend of mine went through a similar situation. Be prepared for the Inquest. She was warned that everything from the tip of the hair to the toes is detailled and in some cases it can be quite hard hearing the details surrounding the cause of death.

The family were also advised to bring a Solicitor, which they did. From what she said it was beneficial. For starters, the Solicitor knows which questions to ask and they are also not emotionally involved in the situation making asking these questions easier.

I hope everything will go ok for you. It is a harrowing process so take good care of yourself.

ciano6

I know that Ernest Cantillon dealt with the Hepatitis C women in Cork and did a really great job with that case. A close family member was involved and I know that Ernest Cantillon and Co were very thorough etc.

luvinit

Hi Lex,
First of all I am really sorry to hear about you mum. I also lost my mum last year and had to attend an inquest last December. My mum died in an accident at home, there were no witnesses so we don't really know what happened. The inquest usually follows the format : Coroner states why there is an inquest, gardai give evidence, witness statements read (or the person that found your mother), the coroner then asks some questions. The doctor who carried out the post-mortem will give evidence of her findings and then you will be able to ask her questions. We had a list of questions prepared beforehand and she answered them as best she could. The coroner will then make his ruling.
I thought that we would finally get the answers we were looking for but unfortunately post mortem results aren't always conclusive. My advice would be not to pin all your hopes on getting answers from this, there are some things that can never be answered.
If you think the doctor that saw your mother the night before she died was neglient in any way it is best to get a solicitor.
Take care and hope it all goes ok for you.

Lex Luthor

We've just been given a date of the 7th May. Not looking forward to it now to be honest.

The Garda only heard yesterday that my mum had a doctors visit 6 hours before she died so they will be tracking them down and getting them to show up. My sister is not keen on the costs associated with a solicitor but I am thinking now we should get one.

I've contacted Cantillons and they have quoted min. €2k for this. I'm in the wrong business :rolleyes:

Would it really cost that much? Looks like I need a big push to sell my car now.....!!!!!!!!!!

Soodlebum

Hi Lex - Why don't you make contact directly with the coroner? They are public servants, and their job is to serve. Phone the coroner, and outline your concerns about representation etc. The coroner should be able to guide you. Best wishes.

labradoodlelady

Re Cantillons: They are meant to be the best medical negligence Solicitors in Cork. They've dealt with quite a few cases.

Cost sounds about right. A lot of Solicitors charge in the region of €150+ per hour. Check with them about the fees - will you have to pay all upfront or can you sort a payment plan. Ask them will this include the fee for being at the Inquest or will there be additional expenses. You could be looking at legal action after the inquest which will be costly.

You have mentioned that your sister is not keen. Is it the cost which is prohibitive or perhaps she is wary of engaging in a legal battle after the Inquest.

You mention the Gardai.. Did you mean the Coroner?

Best of luck with everything and take care.

LegacyUser

Sorry to hear about your mam,

I have been to one about 2 years ago, long story not going to get into it,up to you want you want to do, but when I went what happens is:

1. Name & Address of the person that has died
2.Someone will have to go to the stand to state this on their behalf
3. Last movements of the person,how was she etc...
4.The judge has already a list of who he wants to call... you, doctor,neighbour etc...they will be there when you go in, they will all have their say
5.Different People will have to come to the stand to give their verson of how the person was before and after the death
6. the Judge will make a decision on what kind of cause of death, and he will put that on the death cert
7. But you can interrupt at any time ( I did that ask as many questions as you want to any of the people that are on the stand)
8. When I had my one for my partner it took about an hour


To be honest on my experience I don't think you need anyone just yet because you need to wait and see what the judge says first on the cause of death before you can take any further action ..... I really hopes this helps

Lex Luthor

Cantillons wont take the case as one of the partners is a good friend of my mothers GP.....:eek:

Beruthiel

Lex Luthor wrote: »

Cantillons wont take the case as one of the partners is a good friend of my mothers GP.....:eek:

He is right not to, it could be seen as a conflict of interest.

Sorry about your Ma Lex.

Lex Luthor

Verdict was made last Thursday of death by misadventure. A lot of facts brought up that we did not know about that we now have to take further. Can anyone advise of another solicitor in the cork area please?

Nevyn

Sorry for your trouble Lex Luthor,
but given this is now a possible pending legal matter I am going to have to lock this thread.
If anyone has any reccamendations please pm them.