Does a coroner decide who was at fault?

No. A coroner establishes identity, cause and circumstances and may make prevention recommendations. Liability is decided by the courts.

Can a family get the coroner's report?

Reports are generally available in defined circumstances on request. Contact the Bureau du coroner about access and timing.

Can coroner findings help a civil claim?

They can be informative, but they are not determinative of liability and a civil claim requires its own evidence. Note that limitation periods run independently of an investigation.

Bureau du coroner du Québec — Death Investigations & Inquests

Bureau du coroner du Québec

Quebec Coroner's Office

The Bureau du coroner investigates deaths that are violent, obscure, or occurred in defined circumstances, to establish identity, cause and circumstances — and to make recommendations to prevent similar deaths. Coroners do not determine civil or criminal liability, and their findings are not a substitute for a lawsuit or prosecution.

What it does

Investigates violent, obscure and unexplained deaths
Holds public inquests where warranted
Makes recommendations to improve public safety
Issues reports available to families in defined circumstances

Matters it hears

Accidental and violent deaths
Deaths in custody or care
Unexplained or obscure deaths
Deaths raising public safety concerns

Appeals & review

Coroners do not assign liability. Civil claims and prosecutions proceed separately through the courts and the DPCP.

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a coroner decide who was at fault?: No. A coroner establishes identity, cause and circumstances and may make prevention recommendations. Liability is decided by the courts.
Can a family get the coroner's report?: Reports are generally available in defined circumstances on request. Contact the Bureau du coroner about access and timing.
Can coroner findings help a civil claim?: They can be informative, but they are not determinative of liability and a civil claim requires its own evidence. Note that limitation periods run independently of an investigation.

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General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with Bureau du coroner du Québec. Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.