From 6 October to 9 October 2015, NSW State Coroner Barnes conducted an inquest into tragic deaths of 5 members of Hunt Family in Lockhart on 8 September 2014.
Baker Love represented an interested party who was involved in the provision of in-home disability support services to Mrs Kim Hunt.
The disability support services were of a domestic nature to assist Mrs Hunt who had suffered a traumatic brain injury and had other ongoing physical disabilities arising from a motor vehicle accident in 2012.
Baker Love drafted statements for the assistance of the Coroner. Our client was granted leave to appear at the inquest and we were permitted to ask questions of witnesses and make submissions to the Coroner in respect to what findings, if any, should be made in respect of our client.
The conduct of a coronial inquest differs from litigated proceedings in other jurisdictions. For instance, the purposes of the inquest are specifically defined, inquisitorial in nature and the rules of evidence do not apply.
There may also be other significant issues relating to the care of your staff members or witnesses, the sensitivities to the families involved, publicity or political concerns arising from an inquest that may need to be the subject of detailed consideration and management.
Should you require advice or representation regarding any issue arising in a coronial inquest, please contact Janine Wilson of our office.
