Jason Newall
Partner
Inquest Solicitors for Businesses
When a business becomes involved in an inquest following an unnatural or accidental death in a workplace or regulated environment, the investigation can expose the organisation to significant legal, regulatory and reputational risk.
Our lawyers are experienced in guiding clients through every stage of the process – protecting your legal position, supporting people and ensuring the inquest is handled with sensitivity, precision and strategic foresight.
We regularly act for businesses, public bodies and charities, as well as directors, senior leaders and employees, in inquests across England and Wales.
If you’ve lost a loved one and are participating in an inquest, see our Personal - Inquests & Coronial Investigations page.
Specialist representation for businesses, employers and public bodies in inquests
We support organisations with a clear, end‑to‑end approach to inquests, combining a vast knowledge of the coronial process with a full-service understanding of commercial, regulatory and operational priorities.
We represent:
- Businesses and employers
- NHS Trusts and private healthcare providers
- Schools, colleges and universities
- Local authorities and public sector bodies
- Housing providers and charities
- Care homes and health & social care organisations
- Construction, manufacturing and utilities companies
- Senior leaders, managers and individual employees.
Talk to our specialist inquest lawyers today for clear, strategic representation that protects your organisation and key people at every stage of the coronial process.
How we support businesses during an inquest
We have a national team with deep experience in inquests, regulatory investigations and crisis management.- 01Early advice and risk management
- Guidance on liaising with the police, regulators and families
- Securing evidence, preserving privilege and managing parallel investigations
- Support with media and internal communications where necessary.
- 02Managing the coronial investigation
- Reviewing disclosure and identifying gaps
- Liaising directly with the Coroner’s Officers and legal teams
- Preparing written submissions – witness statement, scope, expert involvement, Article 2 considerations
- Challenging inappropriate or unnecessary disclosure requests.
- 03Preparing witnesses
- Sensitive, comprehensive preparation for staff, leaders and officers called to give evidence
- Guidance on duties, expectations and questioning techniques.
- 04Advocacy at the inquest
- Skilled representation at pre -inquest review hearings (PIRs)
- Advocacy at inquests with or without a jury, including Article 2 (right to life) inquests
- Protecting your organisation’s interests while supporting a respectful, transparent process
- Challenging or addressing expert evidence where necessary.
- 05After the inquest
- Responding to Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) reports
- Managing regulatory, civil or criminal consequences
- Supporting with organisational learning, governance improvements and policy reviews.
Why choose Irwin Mitchell to represent your business at an inquest?
- National team of specialist inquest lawyers with extensive experience
- Clear, strategic advice that protects your organisation’s legal position in parallel investigations (Police, HSE, CQC, professional bodies, safeguarding and regulatory agencies)
- Full-service support spanning regulatory, criminal, civil litigation, employment, and reputation management
- Human, compassionate and practical advice and assistance – supporting witnesses, families, and stakeholders through a difficult process
- Experienced advocates delivering high quality representation in Coroners’ Courts nationwide.
Speak to a member of our team
Our team support you to navigate complexity, seize opportunity and move forward with legal clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
An inquest is not about blaming your business, but it can expose risk across multiple fronts. Early, organised, legal support and engagement is key to protect your position, support staff, manage reputation, and reduce the risk of further action.
Our approach
- Understanding the narrative
We work to ensure that the facts are accurately presented, and the organisation’s role is fairly understood. - Protecting legal interests
We navigate the intersection between the inquest and regulatory, criminal or civil exposure. - Supporting your people
We guide witnesses throughout, making sure they feel prepared, supported and able to give a clear, honest account. - Focusing on learning and improvement
We help organisations respond constructively and avoid unnecessary PFDs.
Speak to a specialist
We are here to help you understand your rights and the support you need. Complete our enquiry form and one of our experts will contact you by the next working day.
Alternatively, you can call us now
Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (Excluding Public Holidays).
Call us free on 0370 1500 100
Here’s how it works
This is how we’ll start working together
Complete our online formWe need a few details to understand your situation and the kind of support you need.
We’ll contact you by phoneOn the call our experts will ask you a few more questions to make sure we connect you with the right legal advice from our team.
We arrange a full appointmentIf we’re able to support you further, the next step is an appointment with one of our specialists so we can discuss everything in more detail.