Family Run For Three Generations
The Traditional Values Of Respect, Courtesy & Professionalism Are Central To Our Philosophy
KNOWING SOMEONE WHO HAD A VIOLENT DEATH
Violent death is always horrific, sudden and unexpected, which makes it particularly hard to accept. It can take a while to sink in, and you may feel numb and in control whereas in fact you just haven’t yet become conscious of the truth.
When reality does hit, you will probably be angry with the killer (whether the death was intentional or the result of an accident). You may also be angry with your loved one if they have done something “stupid”, and with anyone else who may have contributed to their death, failed to prevent it or survived it. If you are one of the survivors, you may feel guilty, too.
The aftermath of a violent death can leave you feeling out of control. If the police or the Forces are involved they may be sympathetic but they will have a job to do. You may have to spend hours answering their questions, and they may not know the answers to the questions you want to ask.
Forensic scientists may want samples. You will have to instruct a solicitor. If the death happened at your home you may have to move out for a time. Your loved one’s body will be taken away for inquest and may not be available for burial for months after the event. You may have to deal with newspaper reporters asking intrusive questions and wanting photographs. You can ask your solicitor to read them a statement for you, but may still find them on your doorstep. It can help to talk to them yourself, and make sure they get your side of the story.
These things all make it much more difficult to grieve properly. The whole situation will feel unreal, as though you’ve been caught up in a nightmare. This is when you find out who your real friends are; make the most of them.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
At the inquest the Coroner tries to discover how the death occurred. It isn’t a trial, but witnesses will be called and you or your solicitor can ask them questions. The inquest should help answer some of the questions you will have been asking since the event.
If someone has been charge in connection with the death, there will be a trial, when you should get the rest of the answers you’ve been looking for.
Usually your loved one’s body will be released for burial only after both the trial and the inquest. This can make it very hard to get on with mourning them. It also makes it hard for people who want to help you, as they don’t know what to do.
One thing they can do is let you talk, and that’s often the best way to get yourself through the whole ordeal, so don’t be shy. Go over what happened and how you feel about the situation, about your loved one and about the future. Understanding what’s happening both in your head and in the legal process will help you, however slowly, to get over your loved one’s death.