Birkbeck, University of London and the University of Bath have published a landmark research study, ‘Voicing loss’, on the role of bereaved people in inquests. It sheds light on and explores the challenges faced by bereaved people in navigating the coronial process and highlights the need for greater support and inclusion during this emotionally taxing time. Paralegal Tendai Chiguvare examines the study and how legal representation at an inquest can help bereaved people at coroners’ inquests.
The ‘Voicing loss’ study surveyed 89 bereaved individuals and 82 coroners with the primary goal of finding ways to improve the participation and inclusion of bereaved families during inquests. While the purpose of an inquest is for the bereaved families to find out how, when or where their loved ones died, it is equally important for their voices to be heard. However, the study revealed that bereaved people are often unaware of how to express themselves during this process. This often leads to feelings of exclusion and distress.
During the study, participants shared that they were not informed they could ask questions or fully engage in the inquest process. One participant poignantly described their experience: “The coroner never spoke directly to me….it just felt like a process was happening. I was present, but I wasn’t really part of it.”
This statement underscores a broader issue identified in the study: families, often in a state of profound shock and grief, find difficulty navigating the complexities of the inquest process or absorbing new information.
The need for legal representation
It is clear bereaved families benefit from experienced legal representation during inquests. Without it, they can feel lost and overwhelmed, which can add to their anxiety and distress. As one participant vividly put it, giving evidence at an inquest can “feel like being airlifted into a strange country. You don’t know the language, you don’t have a map, and you don’t have any of the local currency. You are just stumbling around in the dark, not knowing what to do, how to get information.”
Acting for bereaved families during inquests
Stewarts understands the emotional and psychological toll that inquests can take on bereaved families. Though designed to be inquisitorial, the inquest process can feel daunting and adversarial for those without proper representation.
In 2022, partner Sarah Stewart represented a group of families in the inquest following the tragic 2015 Shoreham Airshow disaster. In December 2022, senior coroner Penelope Schofield concluded that the deaths of the 11 men who died in the disaster were avoidable. Our representation helped the bereaved families navigate the legal complexities of the inquest, providing them with the support they needed to achieve a sense of closure.
The ‘Voicing loss’ study highlights the vital importance of legal representation for bereaved families during inquests. It is essential that bereaved people who have lost their loved ones are fully supported through every step, providing them with the information, guidance and representation they need to navigate their case. Our goal as a firm is to help families find the answers they seek while ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
You can find further information regarding our expertise, experience and team on our Aviation page.
If you require assistance from our team, please contact us.
Subscribe – In order to receive our news straight to your inbox, subscribe here. Our newsletters are sent no more than once a month.
