Fatal Accidents
Fatal Accident Compensation
We know that there is nothing that can compensate for the tragic loss of losing a loved one. Where a death has been caused by somebody else’s error, negligence or deliberate actions, making a fatal accident claim can help in taking care of pressing financial matters and ease your financial burden.
Wrongful Death Law
The Fatal Accident Act 1976 including subsequent amendments enables the dependants of the deceased to file a claim for compensation for the wrongful death of a family member.
A dependent is defined as: –
- A spouse or ex-spouse
- Husband, wife or civil partner who had been co-habiting with the deceased for at least two years prior to the death
- Children including blood relatives, adopted children and children through marriage or civil partnership.
- Parents including those treated by the deceased as a parent and grandparents
- Siblings – brothers and sisters
- Other relatives including cousins, uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews
Wrongful death claim
A wrongful death claim can be made in the eventuality that there is somebody who can be held liable for a death.
The most common types of wrongful death cases include medical malpractice and negligence, accidents at work, industrial disease including exposure to asbestos, defective products and car accidents.
Time limits
There is a 3 year limitation to make a fatal accident compensation claim which commences from the date of death or from the date of knowledge that the death was linked to an accident or exposure.
Bereavement claim
In addition to making a compensation claim, you may also be entitled to claim a Statutory Award or benefit for Bereavement such as a Bereavement Payment, Bereavement Allowance (previously widow’s pension), Bereavement Support Payment, Guardian’s Allowance or Funeral Expenses Payment.
Should I use a law firm?
The issues and legalities in making a fatal accident claim can be daunting and complex, and can seem overwhelming when you are still grieving. We would therefore recommend that you seek the services of a solicitor.
There are specialist law firms who can deal with a claim on your behalf, reducing the stress for you and ensuring you receive all the compensation that you are entitled to.
Many solicitors will undertake your claim on a no win, no fee basis, they will prepare your fatal accident claim schedule of loss and advise you on all the awards and benefits available.
Wrongful death law firm
To find a specialist solicitor to assist you with making a fatal accident compensation claim
Click here to use our search service to find and compare Solicitors who specialises in fatal accident claims to assist you with your compensation claim.