Injury / Inquest solicitors

Inquest support for a
death in prison

When your loved one has died in prison – whether due to violence from another prisoner, suicide, or natural causes – an Article 2 inquest will be held to find out the circumstances surrounding their death.

Contact us to find out more about our inquest support

0800 923 2080
Talk to us today

Here to help you find answers when someone has died in prison.

Your family will likely have been given little, if any, information about the circumstances of your loved one’s death. We're here to help answer your questions.

We have experience in a wide range of prison inquests, such as:

  • suicide or self-inflicted injuries
  • deaths caused by other prisoners
  • inquests involving the use of ‘spice’
  • deaths relating to medical issues, such as where the condition was not diagnosed properly or where treatment was not given as it ought to have been
  • deaths arising during drug withdrawal programmes in prison.

Our specialist inquest lawyers are experienced in investigating deaths in prison and can support you and your family through the inquest process to make sure that your concerns are properly addressed and your questions are answered.

We can advise you and your family from start to finish, and will attend the inquest alongside you to ask questions on your behalf and with your input. Our experience in prison inquests means we understand the specialist terminology used in prison settings, which can otherwise be daunting and confusing to a family member, and we know what documentation ought to be provided in advance of the inquest to understand the whole picture.

We will ensure specialist representation for you throughout the inquest hearing so that your concerns about what happened to your loved one whilst in the care of the state are properly addressed. We can also advise you in relation to bringing a claim against the prison if it is demonstrated that there was substandard care or treatment which caused your loved one’s death.

We understand that this will be an emotionally challenging process, during what is already a distressing time, and we will do our utmost to guide you through the process and to take the burden off you as far as possible.

We can also help put you in touch with specialist organisations that can provide further support during this difficult time. By way of example, we work closely with charity INQUEST, who provide an invaluable source of support and information where someone has died in prison.

Will I have to pay legal costs?

Often representation can be provided at no direct cost to you. We recommend you get in touch with our specialist team so we can advise you on the options available for you and which may best suit your particular case.

Is this just about money?

If negligence caused the death of your loved one, seeking financial compensation is an option. This can help to recompense you for expenses incurred as a result of the death, and also ensure peace of mind as you are compensated for lost earnings, pensions, or childcare support.

However, we also understand that you may not have financial compensation as your main goal. We will therefore fully investigate what happened, seek an apology and work to bring about changes to ensure that no other family has to suffer the loss of a loved one in similar circumstances.

How can RWK Goodman help you?

Our dedicated inquest team will fight on your behalf and guide you through the process, making it less daunting and ensuring that you get the best possible outcome.

Even if no inquest takes place, you may be able to bring a claim for compensation where negligence has caused or contributed to the death of your loved one. See our fatal claims page for more information.

  • Independently accredited, top ranked firm
  • Clear understanding of all types of inquests
  • Trusted experts in inquests
  • Supportive and understanding

If you would like to speak to our team, please contact us on

0800 923 2080
contact us
Contact our inquest solicitors today
Other services

How we can help after a fatal injury

We have a wide range of specialist solicitors, who can help with a number of issues relating to a bereavement.

Bereavement guide
A guide to everything you might need to consider when you experience a bereavement.
Article 2 inquests
If a loved one has died in the care of the state, you may find yourself involved in an ‘Article 2 Inquest’ exploring the circumstances of their death. Our specialist team of inquest solicitors are here to help you find answers and hold those responsible to account.
Deaths in military service
When your loved one dies in military service it can lead to a lot of unanswered questions. We may be able to help answer them.
Deaths involving mental health treatment
The death of a loved one following contact with or when resident in a mental health facility can be a truly devastating time. You are likely to have many unanswered questions about how they died following assessment or treatment.
Deaths involving the police
When your loved one has died following police contact or whilst in police custody, you and your family will want answers to understand how the death occurred or why your loved one was not kept safe.
Fatal injury claims
If you’ve lost a loved one it will undoubtedly be a very distressing time for you and your family. This is especially the case if you believe the death occurred as a result of an accident or due to substandard care.
Infant loss
The distress of infant loss can be greatly exacerbated by concerns that there has been substandard medical treatment and that the death could have been avoided. An inquest can help answer your questions.
Inquest or fatal claim
If you are concerned that a loved one’s death may have been caused by an accident or substandard care, a distressing time can be made even worse. Here we explain whether you may wish to bring a claim for damages, whether an inquest may be appropriate, or both. We will guide you through the process from start to finish.
Inquest support for a death involving a road traffic collision
When a loved one has been killed in a road traffic accident you will want to understand how it happened and to ensure it doesn’t happen to anyone else
meet the team

Meet our inquest team

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