Death Involving The Coroner - Coroner's Cases

A.R. Adams > What To Do When Someone Dies > Death Involving The Coroner

In the case of a sudden, unexpected or industry related death, a Coroner is required to investigate the circumstances of death. It then becomes the Coroner's responsibility to determine how and why an individual died.

A death can also be referred to the Coroner if the deceased had an operation in the last year or had not seen a doctor in the 14 days prior to death.

The Coroner may order a post-mortem examination of the deceased. The post-mortem will help to discover why a person died. Alternatively, the Coroner may discuss the case with the deceased's GP and decide that a post-mortem examination is not required.

If a deceased has been taken into the Coroner's care, funeral arrangements can not begin until the Coroner has completed their investigation and a cause of death has been established. Once they have completed their enquiry, they will forward all relevant documentation to the funeral director and to the registrar – allowing registration to take place.

The Coroner and their officers are working in your interest and will endeavour to keep you up to date with any issues which may affect the funeral arrangements. They can be contacted at:

HM Coroner's Office
New Bridge House
60 – 68 New London Road
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 0PD
Telephone: 01245 506837

In some instances an inquest, which is a formal public enquiry into the medical cause and circumstances of death, may also be necessary. Should an inquest be required then the Coroner will issue an interim certificate which will allow the funeral arrangements to begin and the funeral to take place. Once the inquest is complete and the cause of death has been established, registration can then take place.