Coroners Inquest Solicitors
Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Dublin City Centre
Coroners Inquest Dublin, Ireland
This is an area where Anthony Carmody has quite a bit of experience.
What happens at a coroner’s inquest?
In Ireland, a coroner’s inquest is a legal inquiry conducted by a coroner to determine the cause of death in cases where the death was sudden, unexpected, or occurred under suspicious circumstances. The purpose of the inquest is to establish the facts surrounding the death and to determine the cause of death.
During the inquest, the coroner will hear evidence from witnesses, including medical professionals and law enforcement officers. The witnesses will provide testimony and answer questions about the circumstances leading up to the death, the medical treatment the deceased received, and any other relevant information.
The coroner will also examine any physical evidence, such as medical records, autopsy reports, and photographs. Based on the evidence presented, the coroner will make a determination as to the cause of death and issue a verdict.
The verdict may be one of several options, including death by natural causes, accidental death, suicide, or homicide. If the verdict is homicide, the coroner may refer the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions for further investigation and possible criminal charges.
In Ireland, the inquest is a public hearing, and anyone can attend. However, the coroner may hold a private hearing if he or she deems it necessary to protect the interests of the deceased’s family or for other reasons.
Having a solicitor at a coroner’s inquest in Ireland can be beneficial for several reasons:
- Legal expertise: A solicitor has a thorough understanding of the legal process and can advise you on your rights and obligations during the inquest. They can also help you understand the evidence presented and provide guidance on how to respond to questions.
- Protection of your interests: A solicitor can represent your interests and ensure that your views are heard during the inquest. They can help you ask questions and request evidence that may be relevant to the case.
- Emotional support: A coroner’s inquest can be a stressful and emotional experience, particularly if you are the next of kin of the deceased. A solicitor can provide emotional support and help you deal with any issues that arise during the hearing.
- Preparation: A solicitor can assist you in preparing for the inquest by reviewing documents, gathering evidence, and providing guidance on what to expect during the hearing.
It is important to note that while you are entitled to represent yourself at a coroner’s inquest, having a solicitor can make the process smoother and less stressful. Additionally, if you are concerned about the cost of hiring a solicitor, you may be eligible for legal aid to cover the expenses.
At Carmody Moran Solicitors, we understand that a coroner’s inquest can be a difficult and emotional experience, especially if you are the next of kin of the deceased. That’s why we offer compassionate and comprehensive legal services to help guide you through the process.
Our solicitors have extensive experience in representing clients at coroner’s inquests in Ireland. We provide expert legal advice and guidance on your rights and obligations during the inquest, and we will ensure that your views are heard and your interests are protected.
Our legal team will work with you every step of the way, from reviewing all relevant documents and evidence, gathering additional evidence as needed, and helping you ask questions and request evidence during the inquest.
We understand that the cost of legal representation can be a concern, and we offer flexible payment options to help ensure that our services are accessible to everyone.
Don’t face a coroner’s inquest alone. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our solicitors can help you navigate this challenging legal process.
For further information and guidance please feel free to telephone us at 01 827 2888 or use the quick enquiry form.
Frequently Asked Questions on Coroner’s Inquest Solicitors Dublin
1. Does an Inquest deal with wrongful death claims?
In Ireland, if a coroner’s inquest determines that a death was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim in court. A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that seeks to hold the person or entity responsible for the death accountable for their actions.
To succeed in a wrongful death claim in Ireland, you must prove that the death was caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing of another party. You must also show that you have suffered a loss as a result of the death, such as financial losses or emotional distress.
It is important to note that the coroner’s inquest does not determine liability or award damages. Rather, it is a fact-finding inquiry that determines the cause of death. If you want to pursue a wrongful death claim, you will need to file a separate lawsuit in civil court.
If you are considering pursuing a wrongful death claim after a coroner’s inquest in Ireland, it is important to seek legal advice from a solicitor experienced in this area of law. A solicitor can help you understand your legal rights and options, and can assist you in pursuing a claim against the responsible party.
In many cases, a barrister can be helpful to have at a coroner’s inquest in Ireland, especially if the case is complex or involves legal issues that require specialised expertise. While a solicitor can provide general legal advice and represent your interests at the inquest, a barrister can offer more specific legal knowledge and advocacy skills. A barrister can review the applicable case law to the circumstances of the case and help prepare for the inquest, cross-examine witnesses, and make legal arguments on your behalf.
In some cases, having a barrister at the inquest can help to ensure that your rights are protected and that the proceedings are fair and impartial. For example, a barrister can object to improper or irrelevant questions, challenge the admissibility of evidence, or make legal arguments to the coroner regarding the law.
2. On what grounds can you bring an action for wrongful death in Ireland?
In Ireland, an action for damages for an unlawful death can be taken on several grounds, including:
- Negligence: If the death was caused by the negligence of another party, such as a driver, doctor, or employer, you may be able to pursue a claim for damages.
- Breach of statutory duty: If the death was caused by a breach of statutory duty, such as a failure to comply with health and safety regulations, you may be able to pursue a claim for damages.
- Intentional wrongdoing: If the death was caused by intentional wrongdoing, such as assault or murder, you may be able to pursue a claim for damages.
The Solatium is a term used in Irish law to refer to the damages awarded for the grief, sorrow, and mental distress suffered by the family members of the deceased as a result of their death. Solatium is a separate award from other damages, such as funeral expenses, loss of earnings, and loss of dependency.
The major case law in this area of law in Ireland is probably the case of Ward v. McMaster [1988] 1 I.R. 337, which established the principles for assessing damages in cases of unlawful death. The case set out the following factors to be taken into account when determining the amount of damages to be awarded:
- The age of the deceased
- The deceased’s income and earning capacity
- The deceased’s family circumstances
- The degree of grief and emotional suffering experienced by the family members
- The nature and extent of any financial dependence on the deceased
Since the Ward v. McMaster case, other cases have clarified and developed the principles for assessing damages in cases of unlawful death. Our expert solicitors in Carmody Moran are experienced in this area of law and can advise you on how these principles apply to your particular case.
Carmody Moran Solicitors can provide you with important legal advice and support when taking a wrongful death action in Ireland. Here are some of the ways in which our expert solicitors can help:
- Gathering evidence: A solicitor can help you gather evidence to support your case, such as medical reports, witness statements, and accident reports.
- Assessing liability: A solicitor can assess the liability of the party or parties responsible for the wrongful death and advise you on the strength of your case. Coming from a Defence background experience, Anthony Carmody is particularly experienced at assessing liability and reviewing matters with an expert assessment.
- Negotiating settlements: A solicitor can negotiate with the responsible party or their insurers to reach a settlement that fairly compensates you for your losses.
- Litigation: If necessary, a solicitor can represent you in court and present your case.
When choosing a solicitor in Ireland to represent you in a wrongful death action, it is important to look for someone who has experience and expertise in this area of law. Here are some things to consider when choosing a solicitor:
- Specialization: Look for a solicitor who specializes in personal injury law and has experience handling wrongful death cases.
- Reputation: Look for a solicitor who has a good reputation and a track record of success in handling cases similar to yours.
- Communication: Choose a solicitor who is responsive, and communicative, and keeps you informed about the progress of your case.
- Fees: Discuss fees with the solicitor upfront and make sure you understand their fee structure and payment terms.
It is important to choose a solicitor who you feel comfortable working with and who you believe will represent your interests effectively, a first meeting with your solicitor will help put you at ease and assess a path forward. To meet with Carmody Moran solicitors at either Mount Street Upper, Dublin 2, or at our Blanchardstown office, call us today at 01 8272888 or email [email protected]
Your Expert Coroners Inquest Team
At Carmody Moran Solicitors our experienced family law lawyers are on hand to advise and skilled in handling a Coroners Inquest.
The two partners of Carmody Moran solicitors have a combined total of in excess of thirty years professional legal experience. Together with their associates they aim to make the Court process as straight forward and navigable as possible while being on hand to alleviate their clients concerns and worries about going through the Court process.
Anthony Carmody
Anthony Carmody is one of the founding Partners of Carmody Moran Solicitors.
He has significant experience in personal injury cases and general litigation having handled literally thousands of cases on behalf of clients based in Ireland and abroad.
Niamh Moran
Partner
Niamh Moran is one of the founding partners of Carmody Moran Solicitors and is a solicitor with wide ranging experience across all areas of general practice.
Niamh manages the family law, conveyancing in Dublin, and probate divisions of the practice. Niamh’s practice of law is extremely varied and she is regularly sought out for her expertise by clients and colleagues alike.
*While we have made every effort to provide accurate information, the law is always changing and it affects each person differently. This information is not a substitute for specific advice about you personally and it is not intended as legal advice. We will not be liable to you if you rely on this information. In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement. This statement is made in compliance with Reg.8 of SI 518 of 2002.
You should note that no solicitor/client relationship or duty of care or liability of any nature shall exist or be deemed to exist between Carmody Moran Solicitors and you until you have received a written letter of engagement from us in which we confirm our appointment as your Solicitors.
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