Coronial Inquest:

A Coroner is a person whom primarily investigates the cause of certain deaths and in some instances will investigate the cause of fires and explosions. The types of deaths that a Coroner may investigate include circumstances where the death was:

• Violent, for example, homicide;
• Unexpected, for example, caused by suicide, drugs, alcohol;
• Accidental, for example, motor vehicle accident;
• Whilst the decedent was in custody, for example, prison or compulsorily detained in a mental health facility,

The Coroner is usually required to report on the following:

• Identity of the deceased;
• Time of death;
• Date of death;
• Place of death;
• Cause of death;
• Other circumstances contributing to the cause of death, eg a medical condition.

Once the investigations have taken place, the Coroner will usually hold a Coronial Inquest, whereby, the Coroner will consider the evidence, possibly provide answers surrounding the cause of death and the specifics relating to the cause of death, call upon any witnesses to give evidence and thereafter, provide a finding.

Determining the above mentioned factors can be a complex and lengthy process. Further, it may not be possible, after investigation and a review of the available evidence, to provide an answer to some of the above, such as time and date of the death.

If you believe a suspicious death or any other death should be brought to the attention of and investigated by the Coroner you may be able to request a Coronial Inquest. Before requesting a Coronial Inquest, you should meet with a Medical or Mental Health Lawyers. Our Lawyers can discuss the concerns you have in respect to a death, notify you of your legal right and obligations, provide you with a legal understanding of the proceeding and other aspects of a Coronial Inquest, assist with requesting a Coronial Inquest, act on your behalf at a Coronial Inquest and any further legal support that may be required during the course of your matter.

If you wish to meet with one our lawyers regarding a Coronial Inquest, we invite you to contact our firm by telephone on (02) 9233 4048 or send an email to info@navado.com.au.

This webpage (and any material or wording appearing on this webpage) is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute any Legal Advice. It does not take into account your objectives, your instructions or all of the relevant facts and/or circumstances. Navado accepts no responsibility to any person who relies on the information provided on this website. We further refer you to our Disclaimer.