Coronial Inquests

 

Ashworth lawyers can represent you in the Coroners Court of Queensland. A Coronial Inquest is held to investigate reportable deaths that occur in Queensland. 

What is a reportable death?

This includes where:

  • the identity of the person is unknown

  • the death was violent or unnatural, such as accidents, falls, suicides or drug overdoses

  • the death happened in suspicious circumstances

  • a ‘cause of death’ certificate has not been issued and is not likely to be issued

  • the death was a health care related death

  • the death occurred in care

  • the death occurred in custody

  • the death occurred as a result of police operations.

What can a Coroner do?

A Coroner investigates the death to find out the identity of the deceased person, when and where they died, and how they died and the medical cause of death. The Coroner can decide to hold an inquest, and if so, after hearing all of the evidence from the lawyers, they can make recommendations at preventing similar deaths in the future. The purpose of a coronial investigation does not focus on laying blame or assigning liability for the death. However, the coroner as part of the investigation can order any examination, inspection, report, or test as necessary. 

Ashworth Lawyers can assist if you have been called to provide information at a coronial inquest in Brisbane.