Under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, claims for loss of intangible benefits relate to the non-economic losses that dependents of the deceased have to endure following the death of a loved one due to another’s negligence or wrongful act. These intangible benefits, often termed “loss of dependency,” encompass various non-financial aspects that the deceased would have provided to their dependents.
Here’s a breakdown of what this loss of intangible benefits encompass:
Loss of Intangible Benefits – The Claim
Loss of Care and Guidance: This covers the emotional and psychological support the deceased would have given to family members. For instance, a child losing a parent may claim for the loss of parental guidance, advice, and affection.
Loss of Consortium: For a surviving spouse or partner, this includes the companionship, love, and affection that the deceased would have continued to provide. It also encompasses the loss of shared household responsibilities and intimate relations.
Loss of Society: This pertains to the general enjoyment of life and social interactions the deceased would have offered to family members. It includes the everyday interactions, companionship, and presence that contribute to the quality of family life.
Legal Framework
Under the Act, specific categories of dependents are entitled to claim for these losses, including spouses, civil partners, children, parents, and other close relatives who were financially dependent on the deceased. The claim aims to compensate for the non-economic detriment suffered by these individuals.
Assessment of Compensation
Calculating compensation for intangible losses can be complex. Courts consider various factors such as the age of the deceased, the nature of the relationship with the claimant, and the extent of dependency. While financial losses can be quantified relatively straightforwardly, intangible losses require a more nuanced evaluation to reflect the true impact on the dependents’ lives.
Case Law and Precedents
Judicial precedents play a crucial role in shaping how compensation for intangible losses is awarded. Courts often refer to previous cases to determine appropriate amounts, ensuring consistency and fairness in judgments. The subjective nature of these losses means that each case is evaluated on its own merits, with courts striving to balance equitable compensation with the realities of the loss experienced by the dependents.
In summary, claims for loss of intangible benefits under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 recognise the profound non-economic impacts of losing a loved one. These claims aim to provide fair compensation for the emotional and psychological void left by the deceased, acknowledging the crucial role they played in the lives of their dependents.
Quantum Awards for Loss of Intangible Benefits
**Case: Kane v. New Forest District Council [2001]
Award: £10,000 (loss of guidance for each child)
Details: This case involved the death of a father in a car accident. The court awarded £10,000 to each of his young children for the loss of their father’s guidance and nurturing.
**Case: Hedley v. Cuthbertson [1997]
Award: £7,500 (loss of consortium for the spouse)
Details: The court awarded £7,500 to the widow for the loss of companionship, love, and affection from her deceased husband. The court recognised the emotional and social support that the deceased had provided.
**Case: Mullins v. Bell [2000]
Award: £5,000 (loss of society for parents)
Details: The parents of a young adult who died in a workplace accident received £5,000 each. The court acknowledged their loss of social interaction and enjoyment of family life due to their child’s untimely death.
**Case: Gammell v. Wilson [1982]
Award: £12,500 (combined loss for spouse and children)
Details: The widow and children of the deceased received a combined award for the loss of consortium and parental guidance. The award was divided among the dependents, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the deceased’s contributions.
**Case: Leach v. Whitbread [2001]
Award: £8,000 (loss of parental care)
Details: In this case, the court awarded £8,000 to a child who lost a parent. The compensation reflected the loss of parental care, guidance, and the emotional support the child would have continued to receive.
Considerations in Award Determination
When determining awards for loss of intangible benefits, courts take into account:
The age of the deceased and the dependents.
The nature and extent of the relationship between the deceased and the dependents.
The specific non-financial contributions made by the deceased.
The impact of the loss on the dependents’ lives.
Conclusion
These examples illustrate the range of compensation awarded for loss of intangible benefits under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. The courts strive to provide fair and reasonable compensation, acknowledging the profound emotional and psychological impacts of losing a loved one. While financial compensation cannot replace the lost presence and support, it aims to recognise and mitigate the intangible losses suffered by the dependents.
Including such quantum awards in your article will give readers a tangible understanding of how courts approach the valuation of non-economic losses and ensure that the information is both practical and authoritative.
