AN INTRODUCTION TO THE CORONER’S COURT FOR PERSONAL INJURY AND CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE LAWYERS 2026: WEBINAR 17th JULY 2026

For many personal injury and clinical negligence practitioners, the Coroners’ Court is unfamiliar territory. Yet an inquest can be one of the most important stages in a fatal accident claim. Knowing what the Coroner can (and cannot) do, understanding the inquisitorial nature of the proceedings, managing client expectations and making effective use of the evidence obtained are essential skills.

This highly practical webinar is designed specifically for lawyers who act for bereaved families and those pursuing subsequent civil claims. Rather than concentrating on academic theory, the session looks at the issues practitioners encounter before, during and after an inquest, with practical guidance that can be put into use immediately. One aim is to help practitioners reduce the stress and trauma for family members who attend the inquest by being able to prepare them well in advance.

Booking details

Are available here. 

THE WEBINAR

The webinar will examine:

• the purpose and scope of the Coroners’ Court;
• preparing clients and managing expectations;
• the role of the personal injury and clinical negligence lawyer at an inquest;
• disclosure, interested person status and obtaining evidence;
• questioning witnesses in an inquisitorial hearing;
• Article 2 inquests and when they arise;
• reports to prevent future deaths;
• inquests involving road traffic accidents, workplace deaths and clinical negligence;
• the recoverability of inquest costs in subsequent civil litigation;
• practical issues relating to funding, legal aid and exceptional case funding; and
• how evidence obtained during the inquest can be used in the later civil claim.

A major feature of the webinar will be a detailed examination of the Competencies for Practising in the Coroners’ Courts. These competencies are increasingly recognised as the benchmark for professional practice and provide valuable guidance for every solicitor, barrister and legal executive appearing at an inquest. The webinar will explore how those competencies can be applied in day-to-day practice and what they mean for lawyers representing bereaved families.

THERE IS MORE…

Delegates will receive considerably more than the presentation itself. They will be provided with:

• an extensive collection of links to legislation, guidance, practice materials and leading authorities;
• government and Chief Coroner guidance documents;
• practical resources that can be used in day-to-day practice;
• guidance for advising and supporting bereaved clients; and
• a comprehensive set of practical checklists covering preparation before the inquest, conduct during the hearing and the steps to take afterwards.

The emphasis throughout is on practical litigation. Delegates should finish the webinar with a clear understanding of how to prepare for an inquest, how to represent clients effectively and sensitively, how to obtain the maximum benefit from the proceedings for any subsequent fatal accident claim, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that arise in Coroners’ Court practice.