Fatal accident claims are brought by the estate and by dependants, and they exist for a practical reason: to replace the financial support a family has lost, and to recognise the loss itself.
There is often an inquest running alongside, which is a separate process with a different purpose. We can help you understand how the two interact, and represent your family's interests at the inquest where that's appropriate.
What kinds of fatal accident claim do we handle?
Fatal road traffic accidents
Collisions caused by another road user's negligence.
Fatal accidents at work
Including construction and industrial incidents.
Industrial disease deaths
Including mesothelioma and asbestos-related illness.
Fatal public liability incidents
Where an occupier or organisation failed in its duty of care.
Deaths following medical treatment
Where a failure in care contributed.
Inquest representation
Alongside or ahead of a civil claim.
What if I was partly at fault?
Where the person who died was partly responsible, compensation may be reduced proportionally. It rarely prevents a claim, and it is not a reason to avoid asking the question.
What you could receive
Fatal accident claims typically include a statutory bereavement award for eligible family members, funeral expenses, a dependency claim reflecting the financial support the family has lost, and a claim on behalf of the estate for any pain and suffering before death.
Dependency is often the largest element and covers more than salary: it can include the value of care, childcare and household work the person provided.
We'll talk you through what's realistic for your situation once we've reviewed the details. We won't overpromise, and we won't quote a figure before we've properly understood your case.