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Business Inquests Solicitors
The effect on a business facing an inquiry concerning the death of an employee, contractor, or member of the public at their workplace can be devastating and have far-reaching consequences. The business and individuals involved can face civil damages, prosecution and formal recommendations made by the coroner as a result of the findings at the inquest.
These cases are highly emotive and tend to be very complicated, involving both sensitive and confidential material that will inevitably attract media attention and scrutiny - something that will concern any business.
For more information, get in touch via our online contact form or call our team now on 020 3972 9011
What is an inquest?
When an individual dies, the organisation involved will be required to assist the police and other organisations with their investigation and appear at the inquest. The purpose of an inquest it to establish:
- Who died?
- When they died?
- Where they died?
- How they died?
Inquests are not there to apportion blame or determine criminal or civil liability. Inquests are inquisitorial, rather than adversarial like a criminal trial. The intention of the inquiry is simply for the coroner to determine the answers to the above questions rather than to state who was in the wrong.
Businesses facing inquests and the importance of legal representation
While the intention of these hearings is not to assign blame, the outcome can influence future proceedings or prosecutions. It can highlight any internal failings of a business, such as issues with training or supervision.
This is why it is so important to have expert legal representation from the beginning to ensure that your business is protected as much as possible and that you can answer all questions put to you. We can assist businesses facing an inquest with:
- Ensuring they receive full disclosure of all evidence and then advising on this.
- Obtaining witness statements.
- Representation at the inquiry, as well as making representations to the coroner.
- Advising on how to respond to coroner reports.
Inquests are a difficult time for any business, and any individuals involved will inevitably find it very stressful. It can take many months, if not even longer before the inquest begins.
Employees, managers and other workplace witnesses are likely to be called to give evidence and this is often done in front of the family of the deceased who will be present at court. It, therefore, can be very daunting for all those involved and we can support businesses and their employees throughout the whole process.
Why choose Scott-Moncrieff as the legal representatives for your business at an inquest?
Our expert inquiry solicitors can advise businesses in all aspects of an inquest, including interview preparation, regulatory compliance, risk management and reputation management.
We will advise clients based on the specific facts of the case and depending on the result of the inquiry, will guide and assist clients that may face prosecution as a result of the coroner's findings to ensure that we can mount a robust defence at the earliest possibility.
We can help clients review their business in its entirety to see if there are issues that need resolving or improving to prevent future deaths. This should also reduce the risk of the coroner issuing a “report to prevent future deaths”, which is reputationally very damaging.
Contact our Business Inquest Lawyers, London
Our specialist inquest lawyers can assist businesses facing an inquest. We understand the impact that these cases can have on clients facing such as inquest and will ensure that we support clients throughout the investigation and hearing. Please get in touch via our online contact form or call us on 020 3972 9011 to see how we can help you.
