When the coroner investigates a death
A coroner is responsible for investigating sudden or suspicious deaths and establishing their causes.
Sometimes they may determine the cause of death after consulting with the doctor of the person who has died. At other times, a post mortem examination is needed. In some cases, a full inquest is needed and a jury might be called to reach a verdict.
When is a death reported to the coroner?
A death is reported to the coroner when:
- a doctor is not available to issue a medical certificate of cause of death
- the person who has died was not seen by the doctor issuing the medical certificate after death or if the doctor did not see them up to 14 days before they died
- the cause of death is unknown
- the cause of death is believed to be unnatural or suspicious
- death occurred during an operation or before recovery from an anaesthetic
- death is due to industrial disease or industrial poisoning.
Once a death has been reported to the coroner, the registrar can't go ahead with the registration until the coroner has decided whether any further investigation into the death is necessary.
In most cases no further investigation is necessary and the registration can be completed straightaway.
What actions can the coroner take?
If a death is referred to the coroner there are three actions they can take:
- They can carry out a post mortem. Once this has been completed you can register the death with a form (Part B) and send it directly to the registration office.
- They can hold an inquest. Once the inquest has finished, they will register the death and pass all necessary paperwork directly to the funeral director. The death certificate issued by the registrar will not be available until the inquest has been held.
- They could take no further action. They will refer the death back to the doctor who will issue the medical cause of death certificate and issue a form (Part A) direct to the registration office.
Contact details
Contact the East Sussex Coroners' Office.
