Families who have lost someone whilst they were in Prison often find it traumatic and difficult to deal with as they know so little of the circumstances of the death.
The family will often be informed of the death by a stranger, usually a minister from the Prison, and are often left bemused as to the details of the death, with little or no access to information.
The Inquest team at Farleys are experienced in dealing with the Prison Service and have detailed knowledge of the procedure following a death in custody.
If you have experienced the loss of a loved one whilst they were in prison, a member of our Inquest team will offer you advice and assistance and, if you wish, will represent you throughout these proceedings. We will further contact the individuals concerned, that being the Prison Service, the Prison and Probation Ombudsman and the Coroner to obtain as much information as possible.
Once an Inquest solicitor from Farleys has been instructed, all future contact with the authorities will be dealt with directly through us, removing the strain of this process from you. We will keep you updated throughout the whole investigation, offering advice and assistance throughout the procedure.
This may involve a full explanation of the documentation issued by the prison, which can be difficult to understand, and a breakdown of the post-mortem report and any medical evidence. We will also advise as to whether or not you will need any independent experts to assist during the inquest.
At Farleys, we endeavour to ensure that you are kept fully updated throughout the process and understand all the steps that we take on your behalf.
At the Inquest itself, we strive to ensure that you receive the appropriate representation from an experienced Barrister who will look after your interests during the hearing.
How Is Legal Advice For Inquests Funded?
Where a death has occurred in a prison, families can often receive legal help, which is funded by the Government’s Legal Aid scheme. This covers the advice and assistance in preparation for the inquest proceedings. Further funding may be available to cover representation by a Solicitor and a Barrister during the Inquest itself. A member of our team will discuss this during your initial appointment and will be able to advise you if you are likely to be eligible for funding.
There are special considerations which are taken into account in respect of finances and as such, even if you are not financially eligible for the legal help, this does not mean you will not be eligible for representation at the inquest itself. This again will be discussed at the earliest opportunity by a member of our team.
Contact an Inquest Solicitor
To speak to an experienced Inquest solicitor, call Farleys on 0125 460 6090 or email us . Our team work throughout England and Wales and will arrange an initial consultation, which will be free of charge, at your convenience.
The Inquest team at Farleys work closely with the campaigning and support group INQUEST, who provide support to bereaved families and strive to ensure that improvements are made to the inquest system.
