A coroner’s investigation in Ontario examines how and why a person died, and in some cases leads to an inquest. Conducted under the Coroners Act, the process is directed at understanding the circumstances of a death and at making recommendations to prevent future deaths, not at assigning blame.
This purpose is important for patients and families considering a civil claim. A coroner’s investigation or inquest does not determine legal liability, and the Coroners Act provides that an inquest is not to make findings of legal responsibility. A coroner’s findings and recommendations, and the evidence gathered, can nonetheless be a valuable source of information about what happened in a medical death, even though any claim for compensation must be pursued separately through the civil courts and proven on its own evidence.
Posts tagged Coroner Investigations analyze Ontario coroner investigations and inquests arising from deaths connected to medical care, and their relationship to civil claims.
A practical guide to filing complaints about medical care in Ontario, from hospital patient relations and the Patient Ombudsman to the regulatory colleges and the Office of the Chief Coroner.
A guide for Ontario families on requesting a coroner’s investigation when medical negligence is suspected, what an investigation involves, and how it is used.
Free, confidential consultations. Paul reviews every potential case personally and tells you honestly whether it merits investigation.