Expert Legal Representation
Coroner’s Inquest
Involvement in an inquest can be an unsettling and upsetting experience. Our solicitors at Harold & McCormack Law provide compassionate, expert advice during these difficult times. We understand the emotional and reputational stakes involved and are committed to guiding you through the process with sensitivity and professionalism. We ensure your interests are protected and that your voice is heard.
Inquests are held by a Coroner in circumstances where a death is unnatural or unexplained. The role of the Coroner is to discover the full facts behind a death and to help prevent any similar deaths in the future. Inquests can involve deeply personal issues, often adding significant emotional strain to those involved.
If you are a family member seeking answers following the death of a loved one, we understand how difficult it can be to cope and manage the investigation whilst processing your loss. If you are a company or organisation subject to an investigation, we know how this can impact your business and the personal lives of your staff, and we support you every step of the way.
Workplace Fatalities
Inquests involving a death in the workplace investigate the circumstances leading up to the accident. Investigations include examining the company's practices and safety compliance to determine what went wrong. These proceedings are a critical stage of any investigation involving a fatality, and clients require careful and expert representation throughout the process. Although the Coroner cannot determine liability for death, the evidence that is gathered during the inquest can be pivotal for regulators and other interested persons when contemplating legal proceedings. We provide critical support throughout the inquest, from preparing you for court testimony to liaising with regulatory authorities.
Road Traffic Accidents
Road traffic accidents can result in inquiries focusing on safety protocols and organisational compliance. We assist individuals and businesses by coordinating expert witnesses, gathering and presenting evidence and ensuring your best interests are represented.
Healthcare Inquiries
Inquiries into patient deaths or systemic failures in healthcare involve complex medical and legal issues. Our experienced solicitors assist individuals, healthcare providers, and organisations by offering high-quality representation at every stage of the process. We ensure your compliance with disclosure requirements and protect both your personal and business interests.
Police Conduct Inquiries
If you are involved in an investigation about a death or serious injury in police custody, the inquiry will require careful handling. Our team offers personalised and sensitive representation for individuals and law enforcement agencies, from conducting a detailed examination of events to advising on procedural matters of law.
Public Health Inquiries
Where concerns have been identified in relation to the management of a public health matter, inquiries are necessary to evaluate the relevant institution's actions and fall-out. Our firm provides comprehensive legal guidance to individuals, public bodies, and private organisations. We help you to navigate the complex regulatory framework and provide you with the robust representation you need.
Public Inquiries
Public inquiries that are ordered by the government are an official review of matters of serious public concern and can cover a range of circumstances, organisations, and individuals. This is usually called for when there is a requirement for an open, fair and thorough investigation by an independent body.
Public Inquiries usually follow major events and, for this reason, attract intense media attention due to their high-profile nature. It is, therefore, critical that those involved in a Public Inquiry, whether a core participant, a witness or otherwise, are able to participate effectively during the proceedings and are equipped with the support they need.
Our team has advised and represented core participants in some of the most complex and high-profile public inquiries in the UK. We are therefore able to provide specialist legal support to those who are involved in or affected by a public inquiry.
Tailored Legal Solutions
Understanding and navigating the procedure for different types of investigations will vary depending on the situation, meaning it is vital you receive specialist guidance relevant to your case.
Our team is able to provide practical legal advice from start to finish through the Inquiry process to individuals or organisations and can assist with the full spectrum of legal support from document review, interviewing witnesses, drafting statements, and representation during the hearings to determining the extent of public access and media management.
Whether you approach us as an individual or a business, we shall discuss your concerns and develop a bespoke legal strategy with a solution that is right for you, ensuring you are supported at every stage of the process.
Handling Sensitive and High-Profile Cases
We are well-versed in managing sensitive information and high-profile matters. We provide discreet and professional legal services that focus on protecting your privacy and reputation, whatever the situation.
How We Can Help
Initial Investigation and Evidence Gathering
We collect, analyse and advise in relation to all evidence, ensuring legal scrutiny has been applied to relevant information disclosed to the inquiry.
Witness Preparation
We help you gather your witness evidence and prepare for court testimony, including guidance regarding communicating your evidence effectively during hearings.
Advocacy and Representation
Our team represent clients who are ‘Interested Persons’ for the purposes of Inquests and Public Inquiries. This gives them the right to attend and play an active part in the legal process and the public hearings. We also represent those who have been required to attend to provide evidence at the hearing.
Our solicitors ensure you have excellent legal representation, advocating your interests to achieve a just and fair outcome.
Post-Inquest and Inquiry Support
After an inquest or inquiry concludes, we provide ongoing legal support, helping you understand the implications of the inquiry’s findings and advising on the appropriate next steps.
Judicial Review
A judicial review is the process used to challenge the lawfulness of decisions or actions taken by public bodies. We act for individuals and companies who seek to challenge and overturn the decision of a public body.
Cover for Legal Fees
Due to legal expenses insurance, many of our clients have cover for our fees and expenses. Our skilled lawyers are ready to review and interpret your policy, ensuring you understand what is covered and the associated costs.
Contact Us for Expert Legal Support
Contact us to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss your case. During this consultation, we will outline your options and determine the next steps.