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Compassionate Legal Support for Families Attending a Coroner’s Inquest in Ireland

Losing a loved one unexpectedly is devastating. When their death is referred to a coroner, it can be overwhelming to understand what comes next. We’re here to guide you through the inquest process with sensitivity, expertise, and respect.

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Stethoscope resting on a clipboard with a medical form—symbolizing medical documentation and legal investigation in inquests.

What Is a Coroner’s Inquest?

A Coroner’s Inquest is a public inquiry into a sudden, unexplained, or unnatural death. Its purpose is to establish the identity of the deceased and the who, when, where, and how the death occurred — not to assign blame.

Inquests are often held when:

  • A person dies unexpectedly in hospital
  • There is concern about the quality of care provided
  • Death occurred at work or due to an accident
  • Medical treatment may have contributed to the death

Discuss Your Case With Our Medical Negligence Solicitors

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Types of Coroner Inquests in Ireland

Standard Inquest
A general inquiry to determine the basic facts around a death — who, when, where, and how it occurred.
Jury Inquest

Required in limited, serious cases (e.g. deaths in custody, industrial accidents). A jury helps establish the facts publicly.

Medical Negligence Inquest
Triggered when medical error is suspected to have contributed to a death. These involve detailed evidence from healthcare staff and records.

Medical Negligence Claims

Cosmetic Surgery Claims

  • Cosmetic Surgery Claims
  • Blepharoplasty Claims
  • Rhinoplasty Claims
  • Liposuction Error Claims
  • Gastric Band Surgery

Medical Care and Surgery Claims

Birth & Gynaecological Claims

  • Birth Injury Claims
  • Cerebral Palsy Claims
  • Erb’s Palsy Disorder Claims
  • Gynaecological Injury Claims
  • Obstetric Injury Claims
  • Forceps Injury Claims
  • Perineal Tear Injury Claims

Oncology Claims

    The Impact of a Mental Health Misdiagnosis on Children and Adolescents

    A wrong diagnosis can lead to:

    › Inappropriate or harmful medication
    › Delayed access to the right support and therapy
    › Increased anxiety, behavioural challenges, and stigma
    › Emotional distress for both your child and your family

    We know how deeply this can affect your child’s development and your family life. Your pain is valid, and your voice deserves to be heard.

    Because your story matters-just like theirs ..

    Thank you so much Guys !!
    I am writing this review as an absolute necessity as I cannot let the work done by Gibson and associates to go by without acknowledgement. I would recommend this firm to anybody in need of legal assistance.

    I want to single out Ms Anna O Donoghue for a special thank you for exceptional knowledge and the professionalism needed for the complexity of these cases that we brought to Gibson and associates, Thank you Anna, we would have been lost without you.

    Also a massive thank you to our amazing barrister Mr John Kerr BL, unbelievable professionalism honesty and knowledge and a great result for us . Thank you all for the hard work you all did for us Sinead Ivory and the team at Gibson and associates.

    Michael Waters

    Always kept me updated throughout the case and very happy with their work .

    Keith Ahern

    Pleasure to deal with!
    Gibson & Assoiciates are pleasure to deal with, they where very helpful from the start and provided great communication all the way through my case and where always available when I needed them, especially Jessica who always found the time to provide me with updates. 5 star service!

    Joe

    Great service provided over the long process, caused by post pandemic backlog in court. Great contact and frequent updates gathered from company representative. Very kind and helpful assistance received. Definitely recommend Gibson and Associates LLP to care about your cases.

    JJakub Babiarz

    Time Limits for Medical Negligence Claims in Ireland

    You have two years to start a medical negligence claim* from the date of injury or from when you became aware of the negligence (“date of knowledge”).

    For children, a claim can be made any time before they turn 18, after which they have two years to claim themselves.

    If the injury isn’t discovered immediately, the time limit may begin from the date it was identified by a doctor or medical expert

    What an Inquest into Medical Negligence Explores?

    What Caused the Death?

    The inquest identifies the medical cause of death and whether it may have been due to a medical error or neglect.

    Was There Good Communication?

    The inquest looks into the accuracy of records and whether doctors clearly communicated with the patient and their family.

    Was the Care Up to Standard?

    It examines whether the healthcare professionals involved acted in line with best medical practices and protocols.

    Were External Factors Involved?

    Systemic issues such as resource shortages or delays may be considered contributing factors in the investigation.

    Front: What Were the Conditions of Care?

    This includes assessing the medical facility, staff response, and how treatment was administered.

    What Happens After the Inquest?

    While blame isn’t assigned, the Coroner may recommend changes to avoid similar issues in the future.

    Why you can trust Gibson & Associates LLP

    Client-Focused Results

    If your case qualifies, we’ll pursue it with determination and diligence to get the best possible result for you

    Clear & Honest Guidance

    We offer transparent, straightforward advice on the strength of your case and the likely outcomes—no legal jargon.

    Accredited & Trusted

    We are proud members of the Law Society of Ireland, delivering expert legal services with integrity and care.

    Experienced Medical Negligence Solicitors

    Our dedicated team has years of experience handling Medical Negligence claims.

    Where can Medical Negligence occur?

    Public & Private Hospitals

    Public & Private Maternity Wards

    Public Cosmetic Hospitals

    Dental Surgeries

    Opticians

    When Might a Coroner Refer a Death for Inquest?

    › Suspected medical negligence

    › Fatal accidents or injuries at work

    › Deaths involving mental health services

    › Unidentified causes of death

    › Deaths in state care or custody

    Legal Help During a Coroner’s Inquest – Gibson & Associates Are Here for Your Family

    1. Compassionate First Contact
    We begin with a free, confidential chat—you tell your story at your own pace. We don’t pressure you to decide immediately; we’re here to listen.
    2. Medical Review with Trusted Experts

    If your situation aligns with possible negligence, we:
    If potential negligence is identified, we collect your HSE or private hospital records and work with independent medical experts to uncover whether standards were breached and how it impacted you.

    3. Handle the Legal Journey for You

    Legal claims can feel overwhelming. We manage every part:

    • Formal requests for medical documentation and records
    • Expert medical and legal reports
    • Communication with hospitals and insurers
    • Negotiation or court representation (most settle before trial)

    You stay informed—but we protect your time and energy.

     

    4. Clear, Compassionate Communication

    We explain every step in everyday language—no jargon. We break down each stage, explain choices clearly, and make sure you always know why we’re moving forward and when.

    5. Claiming What You Deserve

    Compensation may include:

    • General damages for pain, suffering, and loss of lifestyle.
    • Special damages for treatment costs, rehabilitation, home support, lost earnings, and travel

    Unsure Where to Start After Losing a Loved One and an Inquest Has Been Called? Here Are Some Gentle Steps for You Right Now

    • Pause and seek support. Your recovery is the priority—lean on trusted family, friends, or support services.
    • Collect any records you have. Even notes or receipts could be meaningful later.
    • Reach out when you’re ready. We offer free initial chats to explain timelines (including the 2‑year deadline from awareness of harm) and what a claim might involve.
    • Respect your pace. There is no pressure to proceed; we’re here to support you when you choose.

    How We Support You and Your Family Through the Inquest Process With Care and Expertise

    If you’ve lost a loved one in unexpected or unclear circumstances, a coroner’s inquest may be held to determine the cause of death. Having legal representation can help ensure your voice is heard and the process is fair.

    At Gibson & Associates LLP, we provide expert, compassionate support throughout the inquest process—helping families get answers and seek accountability where necessary.

    Book a FREE Discovery Call
    Medical Assessment
    Arranging medical assessment to identify your needs.
    Handling Communications
    Handling all communication throughout the process
    Exploring Legal Options

    Exploring options to help you decide what is best for you

    Court Representation

    Representing you in court if this is needed

    Anna O’Donoghue
    Solicitor

    Amanda Walsh
    Partner

    Daireann Gibson
    Managing Partner

    Nikita Canning
    Litigation Solicitor

    Medical Negligence FAQ's

    1. Is there a time limit before engaging with a solicitor?

    Legal proceedings must be commenced within two years of the date of knowledge of the injury, subject to certain exceptions. In a lawsuit, the ‘date of knowledge’ refers to the date on which the plaintiff knew or ought to have known that he or she had suffered an injury.

    An important exception is in the case of persons under the age of 18, who are described in law as minors or infants. For minors, the Statute of Limitations ‘clock’ does not begin until a child reaches their eighteenth birthday. For more information see Child Injury Claims.

    2. What will compensation cover?

    Compensation for a brain injury claim may cover medical expenses, lost wages, future medical bills, future lost earnings, and will take into account the impact of the injury on the individual’s quality of life. Our brain injury solicitors assess each case thoroughly to determine an outcome that is in your best interests.

    3. How do I access my medical records?

    A copy of your medical records can be requested from the hospital, clinic, or medical professional that treated you under the Freedom of Information Act. Alternatively, we can arrange to obtain a copy of your records on your behalf; to do so, you will need to sign an authority form that gives us permission to obtain your records.

    4. What does 'No Win, No Fee' mean?

    The concept of “no win, no fee” (also known as “no foal, no fee”) is common practice among solicitors in Ireland. Under this type of agreement, the solicitor will take on your personal injury or any other type of case, and if the case isn’t won, the solicitor won’t charge you a fee. The sole purpose of “no win, no fee” is to give you the legal power to pursue a claim regardless of your financial state or legal experience.

    5. How Long will the Medical Negligence claim take?

    As a term used in personal injury litigation, general damages refer to the amount placed on the victim’s pain and suffering, which may include psychological trauma, loss of consortium, etc. In essence, general damages relate to non-monetary losses suffered by the claimant and which are not capable of exact quantification.

    The term special damages refers to monetary losses that are quantifiable, such as medical treatment expenses or income loss that has been certified. These are consequential financial losses suffered by you which are directly to the negligent treatment and harm caused.

    In other words, these are ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses incurred which might also include the cost of corrective surgery or treatment, medication, rehabilitation costs, travel expenses, and so on.