Fatal Accident Claims

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal accident caused by the negligence of someone else, we can help you recover compensation for your bereavement and/or dependency claims.

Fatal Accident Claims services

Fatal Accident Claim Lawyers

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident, you may be entitled to claim compensation. The amount of compensation you can claim will depend on the circumstances of the accident and those of the person who has died.

There are two main types of fatal accident claims:

  • Bereavement claims are made by the immediate family of the deceased. A statutory amount can be claimed.

  • Dependency claims are made by people who were financially dependent on the deceased. They are intended to compensate for the loss of income and other financial support or services.

To make a fatal accident claim, you will need to contact a specialist solicitor. They will be able to advise you on your legal rights and help you to prepare your claim.

More information on Motor Accident Claims, Workplace Accident Claims, Time Limits, Compensation can be found below.

Lead contacts

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Stevan Stratton

Partner, Solicitor & Head of Injury Services

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Bernice Spurgeon

Legal Director, Chartered Legal Executive

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Under English law, fatal accident claims are usually brought on behalf of the deceased person’s estate and their financial dependants. The Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934 allows the estate to claim for losses suffered up to the point of death, while the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 allows qualifying dependants – such as a surviving spouse, civil partner, cohabiting partner of two years, or dependent children – to claim for future financial reliance and loss of services. Our empathetic personal injury solicitors work alongside your family to clarify who qualifies as a dependant and ensure the claim is structured correctly.

Compensation following a fatal accident addresses both immediate costs and the long-term financial impact on surviving relatives. Claims can include funeral expenses, reasonable probate fees, and compensation for lost income or pension contributions if the deceased was the main financial provider. Certain close relatives, such as a spouse or the parents of a minor child, may also be eligible to claim a fixed statutory bereavement award. In addition, claims can cover the value of practical, non-financial support the deceased provided around the home, such as childcare, property maintenance, and daily care.

In addition to handling negotiations with insurers, our team can guide you through the coroner's court process and provide legal representation at an inquest to help establish how your loved one died. We handle fatal accident claims on a Conditional Fee Agreement (No Win No Fee), meaning there are no initial legal fees to pay and no financial risk if the case is not successful. Where liability is admitted early by the opposing party, we can also apply for interim payments to help relieve immediate financial pressure and cover urgent family living costs while the full claim is resolved.

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Get in touch with our specialist team so they can assess your case and advise how we may be able to help you by completing the form below.

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