The Victorian Coroner is responsible for establishing how and why a death has occurred, predominantly by way of a physical examination of the body.
In some cases, the Coroner may decide to investigate the circumstances of a person’s death.
This investigation can be conducted privately and the conclusion released in a written finding, or could be conducted by way of a public hearing, referred to as a Coronial Inquest. During an Inquest, interested parties (including family members) can be represented and make submissions about the circumstances of the death. Inquests occur in approximately five per cent of all deaths investigated by the Coroner.
During this distressing and emotional time, our trauma-informed legal team will help you to understand what happened and can voice your particular concerns about the circumstances of your loved one’s death. The coronial process will also consider systemic issues and make recommendations about how to avoid similar situations in the future.
We have more than 20 years’ experience in representing parties in the Coroner’s Court and assisting clients through the process. We are currently involved in several high-profile inquests, and have acted in a large number of complex cases.
Adviceline Injury Lawyers currently represents the families of those killed in the Bourke Street attack in January 2017.
Members of our team have also been involved in the inquests of Luke Batty, Kelly Thompson (family violence murders), Sarah Cafferkey (murdered by a parolee) and Maria Liordos (child who died in state care).
Our lawyers can help with a claim for deaths which occurred
- In unexpected, unnatural or violent circumstances
- Through injury at work, on the road, in a public place, after medical mismanagement or through the negligence of another
- Whilst in custody
- As a result of police operations
- Whilst in care (i.e. healthcare facility)
We can also assist in
Making submissions to the Coroner on behalf of the family to investigate the death of their loved one
What are my options?
Although you do not require legal representation during a Coronial Inquest, it is recommended.
Our legal team can work with you during this distressing and emotional time to ensure that your interests are being advanced and protected at all times.
We will also navigate you through the legal and health systems to decipher what can be a daunting and difficult to understand process.
How do I obtain representation?
Contact us
Your time is important to us, so when you call (03) 9321 9988 during business hours Monday - Friday, your call will be answered by a lawyer. We will be able to advise you on your potential rights and entitlements, and offer a free face-to-face meeting at an office closest to you.
What is the process?
Investigation
To prepare your claim, your lawyer will gather medical evidence to review the Coronial inquest brief and can obtain additional relevant information on your behalf.
Get a second opinion
If your loved one died as a result of medical mismanagement, it may be appropriate for us to obtain a second opinion from a doctor on the standard of the medical treatment your loved one received. This report can then be provided to and relied upon by the Coroner.
Appear at the Inquest
At the Inquest, the Coroner will be assisted by a lawyer, who will ask questions of each witness.
Your lawyer can also ask questions of witnesses and make submissions on topics and issues that are of particular concern to you and your family.
