Lauren Karmel - Inquests & Public Inquiries

Lauren has a specialist focus on healthcare related inquests and is ranked as a leading junior in inquests in The Legal 500 guide. She is frequently instructed to represent families and NHS bodies, and is often retained in the event of a subsequent civil claim.

She is developing a strong practice in inquests concerning deaths in custody and health and safety matters.

Recent inquest cases include:

• (2024) – An inquest concerning a fire in a high rise tower block in Bristol.
• (2024) – A case concerning failure to correctly reposition patient in a hospital bed, leading to significant external bleeding and death, representing the family.
• (2023) – An inquest concerning treatment of a patient sustaining significant burns following an explosion. Lauren represented an NHS body and secured a short form conclusion of natural causes. The inquest required submissions as to whether Article 2 was engaged where a hospital service is unavailable.
• (2022) – A case concerning failure to diagnose lymphoma, representing the family. A Prevention of Future Deaths report was made.

Testimonials

• “Lauren’s client care, and sensitivity in these tragic cases, is front and centre in what she does.”
• “Lauren is a highly proficient advocate who adapts the dynamic nature of inquest hearings with ease”.
• “When I instructed Lauren, I was impressed by her ability to get up to speed on the matter quickly. She was thorough and capable, good with the witnesses and good on her feet. I felt quickly able to trust her completely with the case.”
• “Lauren is a great asset to families facing the daunting inquest process. She has an eye for detail and can be relied upon as an advocate to ensure the family’s questions and concerns are central in the process”.
• “Lauren’s advice is extremely considered and thorough and she has gone above and beyond to provide support and expert professional advice for the Inquests we have been involved with.”
• “Lauren was warm, empathetic, understanding and patient when dealing with the family’s concerns during the Inquest”.
• “She was knowledgeable and professional during the Inquest and the family / I couldn’t have asked for more!”