Fatal Accident Claims

What is a fatal accident claim?

Having someone close to you die in a fatal accident is an incredibly upsetting experience, and it can feel as though your whole world has been turned upside down.

If you’ve lost someone due to another person’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. We know that nothing can replace your loved one, but it’s only right that you get justice for what you and your family have had to go through.

Our experienced solicitors have worked on fatal accident cases involving medical negligence, accidents at work and road traffic collisions. They understand how emotionally challenging it can be to bring forward a claim at such a difficult time, and will do everything they can to support you.

Who can claim fatal accident compensation?

If your loved one has passed away due to someone else’s negligence, you could have grounds to make a claim as a dependant under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.

In these circumstances, the term ‘defendant’ could refer to:

• A child or descendant – including step-children
• A current or former wife, husband or civil partner
• Parents or ascendants (grandparents etc.)
• Siblings, uncles, aunts and their children
• Someone who the deceased person treated as a parent
• Someone who was living with the person who died for at least two years

If you have any questions about whether you will be able to make a claim, just get in touch with our understanding and compassionate team. We’ll talk you through it – at no cost and with no obligation to go ahead with a claim.

Why should I make a fatal accident claim?

We understand that making a claim will not be the first thing on your mind after losing someone close to you. But as you adjust to life without them, you might find that compensation helps you to support both yourself and your family.

If the person who passed away made a financial contribution to your household, making a claim could help to pay for day-to-day expenses and bills. So you won’t have to worry about your finances on top of everything else.

Compensation could also support you in covering funeral costs, legal fees and any other unexpected bills. But more importantly, it can bring you a sense of closure as the individual or organisation responsible for your loved one’s death is held to account.

How can First4Lawyers help?

We work with personal injury solicitors who are experienced in fatal injury claims. They will work to take some of the burden off your shoulders, gathering evidence to secure the best outcome for your case.

If we’re able to help you, and you decide to go forward with a claim, we’ll match you with a solicitor who will support you throughout the process. So you don’t need to worry about going through it alone.

For these types of claims, we work on a No Win No Fee basis. This means you’ll have nothing to lose by starting a claim – there will be nothing to pay upfront and no legal fees to cover if your claim is unsuccessful.

Fatal accident claim FAQs

How much could I receive in compensation for a death?

How much you receive in fatal accident compensation will depend on your situation and the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s accident and death.

If your claim is successful, your compensation will take into account:

• Care costs
• Counselling services following the death
• Funeral costs
• Loss of contribution to the household, including property maintenance and DIY
• Loss of income or benefits, including pensions and work bonuses
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering experienced by your loved one

You could also be entitled to a Statutory Bereavement Award. This is a payout from the government of £15,120 and acts as a recognition of wrongful death.

This payment will be added to any compensation you receive from your claim – you are not limited to receiving just one of these forms of payout.

What is the time limit for a fatal accident claim?

In most cases, you’ll have three years from the date of an accident to make a fatal accident claim. There may be some exceptions to this rule, though.

If you only discovered after the accident that it was the cause of your loved one’s death, you will usually have three years to claim from the day you found out. This is known as the date of knowledge.

Although three years sounds like a long time, it’s always best to begin your claim as soon as you can. This will mean your solicitor can start putting your case together sooner, often leading to a quicker conclusion.

How do I start my fatal accident claim?

If you’d like to find out more about making a fatal accident claim, get in touch with our claims team. Our advisors will ask a few straightforward questions about your situation and help you work out the best course of action.

There will be no pressure to make a claim after speaking to us. But if you decide to go forward, and we’re able to take on your case, we’ll match you with one of our specialist solicitors. They will investigate what happened and compile evidence to present to the responsible party.

Most fatal accident claims are settled without the need for court proceedings, so there is only a very small chance that you would have to appear in court. If this does happen, your solicitor will make sure you’re fully prepared and will be at your side throughout.

To speak to us, you can call us on the number at the top of the screen or request a callback at a more convenient time. There’s also the option to enquire online if you’d prefer to reach us this way.

Whenever you’re ready, we’re here to support you.