We Are Experienced Fatal Accident Claims Solicitors in the UK

Are you wondering what a fatal accident claim is? This type of compensation claim is made under the Fatal Accident Act 1976. A claim can occur when someone has tragically and unexpectedly lost their life due to the unlawful or negligent actions of another person. Fatal accident claims are intended to provide a claimant with compensation damages that will help ease their financial burden following a loss.

The Fatal Accident Act 1976 is a piece of legislation in the UK that modernised the law and how it correlates to bereavement damages for relatives. In summary, the legislation ‘allows relatives of people killed by the wrongdoing of others to recover damages’. It states that if someone’s wrongful or negligent actions caused the death of another person, then the relatives are entitled to bereavement damages. Compensation claims that fall under this legalisation include dependency claims, bereavement claims and funeral expenses.

To be eligible for a fatal accident claim, first of all, there must be evidence that shows the loss of life was caused by a third party due to their unlawful or negligent actions. Relatives of the deceased may be eligible for a claim. This can include spouses, cohabitees, children, parents, siblings, and so on. Typically, if you were close to the deceased and suffered greatly as a result of the loss, particularly financially, then you may be able to make a claim.

There are several types of fatal accident compensation claims that you can make. You can make a claim for a bereavement award which provides the statutory amount of £15,120 in damages for eligible claimants. You can also make a dependency claim which awards damages to close relatives who, following the death, have been deprived of the deceased’s support and services. Other damages that you can pursue include funeral expenses, medical care, loss of earnings, and compensation for pain and suffering.

Usually, there is a time limit of three years for making a fatal accident claim. This period, which is called the limitation period, either begins from the date of death or the date when the fatal accident occurred. There may be certain exceptions to this timeframe, such as for disease and medical negligence cases, accidents abroad, and criminal assaults and criminal fatal injury claims.

One of the very first steps that you should take is to appoint a specialist firm to manage your case. When looking for the right solicitor, points to consider include their experience in similar cases, their personable and cooperative approach, and how their fees work. During the early stages of a fatal accident claim, the solicitor will work closely with you to gather the facts so that they can provide advice on the options available. If an inquest is held by a coroner, the solicitors will be able to attend and represent you. If the claim goes to court, they will be able to present evidence, such as photographs and witness statements. A claim will be won when the fatal accident solicitors have successfully argued that a third party was liable for the death and that the claimant’s life was significantly impacted as a result.

Yes, we can represent you at an inquest. Inquest hearings are a significant part of the fatal accident claims process. It is here where the cause of the death, as opposed to liability, is established. While you do not need to have a solicitor at the inquest, we highly recommend that you consult one beforehand. If your fatal accident solicitor is able to attend the inquest, this will provide them with first-hand insight into any evidence that is being presented and they can then use this to assess the strength of any subsequent action when moving forward with a claim.

The amount of compensation damages you will receive following a successful claim will be calculated based on several factors, and this can also include the type of fatal accident compensation claim that you make. The court will carefully consider how the death has had an impact on your life, both in terms of how it has affected you financially and how it has affected your day-to-day function. It can take into account pain and suffering, loss of amenity, loss of earnings and services, and losses for dependency. The cost of funeral expenses and medical fees may also affect how much you are awarded.

While making a fatal accident claim may help you very slightly ease the emotional pain that you have suffered, we recognise that this isn’t the core reason for claiming and isn’t going to bring your loved one back. However, unexpected deaths can cause financial distress during what is already a challenging time. A fatal accident claim is most effective when it eases the financial burden on yourself and your family. It allows you to recover damages incurred as a result of the death, such as medical costs and funeral expenses, and claim back any loss in dependency.

We are No Win No Fee solicitors which means that we will only charge you should your claim be successful. With us, you can keep 100% of the fatal accident compensation that you receive. We promise that we will not ask you to pay any upfront charges, to sign any credit agreements, or to pay any hidden costs.

There is no legal requirement to appoint a fatal accident solicitor to make a claim. If you wish, you can pursue a claim yourself. However, claims can be complicated and time-consuming processes. You are likelier to win your fatal accident claim and receive the maximum compensation possible with a specialist solicitor’s support. Our solicitors are experienced in fatal accidents and will prevent unnecessary stress from landing on your part.

Fatal injury claims can be lengthy, and how long a claim takes can vary by case based on several factors. For instance, if the other party denies liability, cases may drag on before a decision is reached. Straightforward claims may be settled in weeks, while complicated cases could take a few years. It’s critical that you appoint a solicitor as soon as possible so they can get started with the process.