Coronor recommends an inquest - what exactly does this mean & what happens?

Mary28

I just got a 1 page letter from the Coroner this afternoon saying they recommend an inquest into my sibling's death a few months ago. I wasn't happy with the hospitals treatment of my sibling at all and have a letter done up ready to send them requesting their files on my sibling but for silly reasons I put off sending it to them.

Today we got this letter from the Coroner. What exactly does it mean?
Do we need to initiate the inquest and how do we go about it?
I know I can call them and ask them but I'm assuming they will be closed for a while over Christmas.
Just wondering if anyone here who's been through this could advise me.
Many thanks.

Hal Emmerich

Legal Discussion may be a better Forum to ask in.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=633

Mary28

Thanks Hal. Will a mod move it for me?

Ickle Magoo

Moved from PI. :cool:

coylemj

It sounds like the Coroner is aceding to your request and that there will be an inquest so you got what you've asked for. The fact that you got a letter from the coroner's office means that you will be notified of the time and place of the inquest. In situations where the family are unhappy with the circumstances of a death, it's fairly typical that they get themselves represented at the inquest by a solicitor, he/she will understand the procedure and will be better qualified to ask the right questions of the medical witnesses.

A solicitor will also be aware of the limitations of how far an inquest can go in terms of a verdict and will advise you of the possible outcomes so that you go into the inquest with realistic expectations of what it may or may not achieve. A lot of people think they're going to get 'justice' from an inquest, they seldom do but if the family of the deceased are properly represented then at least you can (through your solicitor) challenge the medical people who are called as witnesses as to the care they gave your sibling.

Victor

You might have a look here:
http://www.coronerdublincity.ie/about.htm
http://www.coronerdublincity.ie/faqs/index.htm

Some details may change if it isn't in Dublin.

Mary28

Thanks coylemj & Victor. Sorry I haven't had a chance to reply over the past few days.

We didn't actually request an inquest. My sibling (38yrs) died at home 3 days after being released from hospital. I think that's why there was a coroner's report. I just thought they were going to give us details of the reason of death. My mum doesn't want to take it any further. I'm not looking for justice but I wouldn't mind a few questions answered and if investigating it would help it not happen to someone else I think it would be worth doing. I'll have a look at those links now thanks Victor.

Mary28

Deleting double post.

irish5er

It is a fact finding event. It is not to apportion blame to anybody. I had to wait nearly two years for it to be held, after my daughter died in hospital. You can get solicitor but you dont have to, Coroner was extremely sensitive and let me ask whatever questions I had. I had phoned him previously to ask procedure.