Someone died, and I have questions about their care

Bereaved families have the right to ask questions, see records, and in some cases be part of an inquest. In England and Wales, an independent medical examiner looks at deaths that aren't referred to a coroner.

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Your rights

• To speak to a medical examiner and raise concerns about the death.
• To access the person's records if you are their personal representative or have a claim.
• Where there's an inquest, as an 'interested person', to see evidence and ask witnesses questions.
• To be told about a patient safety investigation and given the chance to take part.
• To make a complaint after the death, usually within 12 months.

What to do next

1. Tell the medical examiner's office about your concerns before the death is registered, if you can.
2. Ask whether the death has been reported to the coroner.
3. INQUEST, a charity, gives free advice to bereaved families.
4. Take legal advice early if you're thinking about a claim. Time limits apply.

Say this

“I have concerns about the care before they died. I'd like to speak to the medical examiner, and to know whether this will be investigated.”

The law behind it (England)

• Coroners and Justice Act 2009inquests and interested persons
• Access to Health Records Act 1990records of people who have died
• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014Reg.20 duty of candour
• Human Rights Act 1998Article 2: right to life

Elsewhere in the UK

Scotland

In Scotland, the Procurator Fiscal investigates deaths, and some lead to a Fatal Accident Inquiry.

Wales

In Wales, the medical examiner and coroner system is the same as in England.

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the Coroners Service for Northern Ireland investigates deaths.

Last reviewed: November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. How we check our information.