Shaun Dobinson Died In 2016 While In New York City

The family of a Washington man, who died while on a holiday to New York City in 2016, are hoping the upcoming inquest into his death will provide them with answers.

Recently qualified electrical maintenance technician, Shaun Dobinson, age 21, died on 3 June, 2016, while visiting the American city. 

An inquest was formally opened at Sunderland Coroner’s Court in November 2016, where Senior Coroner Derek Winter confirmed the police had been asked to investigate the circumstances of Shaun’s death.

After the conclusion of the criminal investigation, and with no charges being brought forward, a three-day inquest into Shaun’s death is listed for 22 January at Sunderland Coroner’s Court.

Following Shaun’s death, his mother Julie Dobinson instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to support them through the inquest.

Michael Scobie, a Solicitor specialising in medical negligence at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle Office who is representing the family, said: 

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"Shaun’s family remain devastated by their loss and continue to have many questions regarding what happened in the lead up to his death.

“We are hopeful that the inquest process will provide them with the many answers they deserve.” Michael Scobie - Solicitor

In the months leading up to his trip to New York, Shaun had felt dehydrated for prolonged periods. With a family history of diabetes, he sought medical attention to ensure he was in good-health.

Shaun’s mother Julie said: “The entire family loved Shaun so much and we still cannot believe that he is gone. His death was incredibly sudden and it has had a huge impact on us all.

“We hold so many questions regarding how his condition deteriorated so quickly and whether more could have been done to prevent his death. We are hopeful that the Inquest will provide the answers we feel we deserve.

“While nothing will change what has happened, we just want to know whether more can be done to improve care in the future.”

Read about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in medical negligence cases.