Inquests

Inquests are official investigations led by coroners to determine the cause and circumstances of a person’s sudden, violent, or unexplained death. They involve collecting evidence from witnesses, medical reports, and experts to provide clarity and closure to the family and the public. While not focused on assigning criminal liability, inquest findings can influence legal proceedings. Participation is open to the deceased’s family, witnesses, and relevant parties, contributing to a thorough understanding of the events leading to the death.

What is an inquest?

An inquest is a legal inquiry led by a coroner to determine the cause, circumstances, and manner of a person’s death when it’s sudden, violent, or of unknown origin.

What is the purpose of an inquest?

The main purpose of an inquest is to establish the cause of death and identify any contributing factors, providing clarity to the public and the deceased person’s family.

Does an inquest determine criminal liability?

No, an inquest focuses on factual findings rather than assigning criminal guilt. However, its findings can contribute to subsequent legal proceedings.

Who conducts an inquest?

A coroner or medical examiner oversees the inquest proceedings, which may involve a jury or be held without one.

How is evidence gathered during an inquest?

Evidence is collected through witness testimonies, medical reports, expert opinions, and any available documentation related to the circumstances of the death.

Who can participate in an inquest?

The deceased person’s family, witnesses, legal representatives, and interested parties can participate by providing evidence or asking questions during the proceedings.

Could COVID-19 drive important changes in the Irish Court System?

The COVID 19 crisis has been massively disruptive to court sittings as it has to many other essential activities. High Court personal injuries sittings have been suspended since mid-March.

‘I am lucky that I’m not profoundly disabled following traumatic birth’

Verbruggen settled a case for a six-year-old girl who suffers with partial paralysis of her left arm & postural difficulty - a condition known as Erb's palsy - following a difficult birth.

€400,000 for girl, 6, over shoulder injury allegedly suffered at birth

It meant a great deal to our Johan Verbruggen on a personal level, to achieve a fantastic result for little Alice Hayes who like him, suffers from Erb's palsy, as a result of a traumatic birth.