Inquest information and support for care organisations.
Browse our list of legal information for care providers, or contact the team below and speak to them direct.
Information and contacts for Inquest support.
When a death occurs in a care or healthcare setting, it can trigger not only deep emotional distress but also complex legal and regulatory scrutiny — especially when an inquest is required. For providers, inquests can be daunting, time-consuming, and reputationally sensitive. Having the right legal support is essential to navigate the process with care, confidence, and professionalism.
We specialise in advising healthcare organisations through every stage of the inquest process. Our experienced lawyers understand the unique pressures faced by providers when a death is referred to the Coroner, and we’re here to support you from the moment of notification through to the final hearing.
Our approach is calm, compassionate, and meticulous. We work quickly to establish the facts, advise on your legal obligations, and liaise with the Coroner’s office. Whether your organisation is a core participant or simply required to provide evidence, we help you prepare clear, accurate statements and ensure your staff are supported and fully briefed ahead of any hearing.
We understand that inquests can raise questions about care standards, staffing, safeguarding, or decision-making — and that these issues may also prompt regulatory involvement from bodies such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Our in-depth knowledge of care and healthcare regulation means we’re well-placed to advise not just on the inquest itself, but also on any follow-up actions or reputational concerns that may arise.
When representing you at inquest hearings, we act with sensitivity and professionalism, whether the Coroner is seeking answers or considering a Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) report. Our goal is to protect your interests, ensure your voice is heard, and support your team throughout what is often a highly emotional and legally complex experience.
Whether you’ve been through the inquest process before or are facing it for the first time, we’re here to provide expert, empathetic guidance that allows you to focus on your people — and the future.
Care is an inherently challenging area to work in. As a social care provider you may well become involved in inquest proceedings following the death of a service user.
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"The lawyers are extremely responsive, their advice comprehensive and solution focused, bringing peace of mind in often challenging circumstances."
“RWK Goodman have provided us with an excellent service. They have worked with us on the major strategic issues as well as on individual service user or employment cases ... in all this we have found the team to be responsive, friendly and effective, with the amount of support tailored exactly according to what the client needs and prefers.”
"We have been particularly impressed with their experts’ in depth knowledge that is specific not only to the health and social care sector, but to care providers in particular. The advice has been tailored to our needs, our goals, and the challenges we face. ”
Have a question about our Health Check service?
We offer all providers a free health check of their employment contracts and service user contracts.
As a care provider it is crucial that you have the correct contractual agreements in place. Failure to do so can have financial and legal consequences but also cause reputation damage. Our Health check service is designed to protect you whilst also giving you the most pragmatic and commercial options. Speak to the team today.