Understanding Coroner’s Reports: Unveiling the Facts Behind a Reported Death
You may have heard about deaths being reported to the coroner. In 2022, of the 577,000 deaths registered in England and Wales, over 208,000 were reported to the coroner. So, with a 36% report rate, let’s see why and when a death is reported to the coroner, and what happens during the process.
A death is reported to the coroner for several reasons, perhaps because the death was sudden and unexplained, or the cause of death is unknown. Sometimes, if the deceased didn’t see a doctor during their final illness or there’s no medical certificate available, the death will be reported to the coroner. Additionally, if the doctor who signed the certificate didn’t see the deceased within 14 days before or after their death, or if the cause of death is violent, unnatural, or related to industrial factors, it will also be reported.
Once a death is reported to the coroner, a specific process is followed. First, the coroner determines if a post-mortem examination is necessary to establish the cause of death. If the cause is clear and no post-mortem is needed, a medical certificate is issued, and the body can be released to the chosen funeral directors. However, if a post-mortem is required, it will be conducted in a hospital or mortuary, and the family can request details about when and where it will take place.
So, with regards to when the funeral can take place, it depends on what the coroner needs to do to understand why the person passed away. Again, if the cause of death is clear and there are no more questions, the coroner gives permission for the funeral to happen and the family can make arrangements and hold the funeral without too much delay.
However, if the coroner needs to investigate further, have a post mortem or call an inquest, these things take time to ensure sure they have all the information to understand what happened.
After a post-mortem, the coroner decides if an inquest is necessary. An inquest helps determine the circumstances surrounding the death, such as where and how it happened. The coroner must hold an inquest if the cause of death remains unknown, if the death may have been violent or unnatural, or if it occurred while the person was in prison or police custody.
If an inquest is deemed necessary, it will be opened soon after the death. During the inquest, witnesses will be selected to provide evidence, and certain relatives and representatives of the deceased have the right to question these witnesses. The death cannot be registered until after the inquest, but the coroner can provide an interim death certificate for practical purposes such as applying for probate or notifying organizations of the death.
Once the inquest concludes, the coroner will reach a conclusion regarding how, when, and where the death occurred. They will prepare a legal statement confirming these details. This statement helps bring closure to the process and provides an official record of the investigation.
The coroner’s process aims to uncover the truth behind reported deaths. It ensures that all aspects are thoroughly examined to understand the circumstances surrounding each case and while the process may involve certain steps and examinations, it helps provide answers and closure to those affected by the loss.
While waiting for the investigation to finish, it’s important to keep in touch with the coroner’s office and the funeral directors. They will help the family know when it’s possible to have the funeral. It can be a difficult time, so it’s good to have support from family, friends, and people who can help with the arrangements.
Here’s a timeline of events when a death is reported to the coroner:
The death is reported to the coroner:
Reasons for reporting include sudden and unexplained death, unknown cause of death, no medical certificate available, or the doctor who signed the certificate didn’t see the deceased within 14 days before or after their death.
Step 1 of the Coroner’s Process:
The coroner determines if a post-mortem examination is needed to establish the cause of death.
If the cause of death is clear and no post-mortem is required, a medical certificate is issued, allowing the funeral to take place.
If a post-mortem is needed, it will be conducted either in a hospital or mortuary.
Step 2 of the Coroner’s Process:
After the post-mortem examination, the coroner decides whether to hold an inquest.
An inquest is held if the cause of death is still unknown, if the death may have been violent or unnatural, or if it occurred while the person was in prison or police custody.
Step 3 of the Coroner’s Process:
If an inquest is necessary, it will be opened soon after the death.
Witnesses are selected to give evidence, and certain relatives and representatives can question them.
The death cannot be registered until after the inquest, but an interim death certificate can be provided for practical purposes.
Conclusion of the inquest:
The coroner reaches a conclusion regarding how, when, and where the death occurred.
A legal statement is prepared, confirming the details of the investigation.
Funeral arrangements:
If no further investigations are needed, the funeral can take place once the medical certificate is issued.
If there are delays due to post-mortem or inquest proceedings, the funeral will be scheduled after these processes are completed.
Throughout this process, maintain communication with the coroner’s office and the chosen funeral directors to stay informed about the progress and timing of the funeral. Support from family, friends, and professionals is crucial during this challenging time.