WHAT IS A FATAL ACCIDENT CLAIM?
A way to seek answers, accountability and financial support after a loved one has died because of someone else's negligence.
A fatal accident claim is a legal claim brought after someone dies as a result of another party's negligence — on the road, at work, in a public place or through unsafe practices. It is usually made by the people who depended on them, or by the person handling their estate. Two laws sit behind most of these claims: the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, which allows financial and service dependants to claim, and the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934, which lets a claim be brought on behalf of the estate for losses your loved one suffered before they died.
We know that money is rarely what's on your mind right now. But the practical reality of losing a partner's income, or a parent who held everything together, can be frightening. A claim can recover lost financial support, funeral costs and a fixed statutory bereavement sum for eligible relatives. If you'd like a rough idea of what a claim might involve, our personal injury claim calculator is a gentle starting point, and you can read more about how we handle sensitive cases on our specialist injury claims page.
What you can claim for
Bereavement award
A fixed statutory sum set by law for eligible relatives, such as a spouse, civil partner or the parents of a child. The figure is set by Parliament and rises periodically.
Loss of financial dependency
Compensation for the income and financial support your loved one would have provided to you and your family over the years to come.
Loss of services
The value of the everyday things they did — childcare, caring for relatives, home maintenance and the practical support a family relies on.
Funeral expenses
Reasonable funeral and burial or cremation costs, so this final responsibility doesn't add to your financial strain.
Estate claim
Pain, suffering and financial losses your loved one experienced between the accident and their death, claimed on behalf of their estate.
Pre-death care & expenses
Medical bills, lost earnings and the cost of care provided to your loved one in the period before they passed away.
You may have a claim if…
You were financially or practically dependent on the person who died — for example a spouse, civil partner, cohabiting partner, child or parent
The death was caused, wholly or partly, by someone else's negligence or breach of duty
You are the executor or administrator of the estate, or a qualifying dependant under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976
The death generally occurred within the last three years, or you only recently learned negligence was involved
How your claim works
01
Free consultation
We listen, with no jargon and no pressure. You tell us what happened in your own time, and we explain gently whether you may have a claim.
02
Gathering the evidence
We obtain the records, reports and expert opinions needed to show what went wrong, handling every detail so you don't have to.
03
Building & negotiating your claim
We value your family's losses fully and negotiate firmly with the other side's insurers to secure the support you're entitled to.
04
Your claim is resolved
Most claims settle without the stress of a courtroom. We keep you informed throughout and make sure your family receives what it's owed.
Fatal accident claim FAQs
Who can make a fatal accident claim?+
A claim can be brought by the executor or administrator of the person's estate, and by qualifying dependants under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 — typically a spouse, civil partner, cohabiting partner of at least two years, children, or parents. If you're unsure whether you qualify, we'll talk it through with you kindly and clearly.
Is there a time limit for making a claim?+
Yes. You generally have three years from the date of death, or from the date you first knew that negligence may have caused or contributed to it. There are limited exceptions, so it's always worth ringing us early — even just to ask. The sooner we look at it, the more we can help.
Does No Win No Fee apply to fatal accident claims?+
Yes. We offer No Win No Fee (a Conditional Fee Agreement) for fatal accident claims, so there's nothing to pay upfront and nothing to pay us if the claim doesn't succeed. If it does, a success fee is taken from the compensation, capped at 25% of certain damages. We'll explain everything in plain English before you commit.
How much is a fatal accident claim worth?+
Every claim is different. It can include a fixed statutory bereavement award, lost financial dependency, the value of lost services, funeral costs and an estate claim. The total depends on your family's circumstances and the support your loved one provided, so the figures vary widely and any estimate should be reviewed by a solicitor.
Will we have to go to court?+
Usually not. The vast majority of fatal accident claims are settled through negotiation with the other side's insurers, sparing your family the strain of a hearing. If a case does need a court's decision, we'll be beside you every step and prepare you fully for what to expect.
What if my loved one was partly to blame?+
You may still be able to claim. Where your loved one shared some responsibility, compensation can be reduced to reflect that, rather than refused outright. It's well worth letting us review the circumstances before you assume nothing can be done.
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