Fatal Accident Claims
Get in touchAt Jackson Personal Injury, we support families and across the UK who have lost a loved one as a result of a fatal accident caused by negligence. Coping with a sudden death can place emotional and financial strain on those left behind, and understanding legal options can feel overwhelming.
Fatal accident claims can provide financial support for funeral expenses, loss of income, and long-term dependency. Jackson Personal Injury helps at the earliest stage by explaining how fatal accident claims work and connecting families with a panel of experienced solicitors who handle these cases with sensitivity, professionalism, and care.
Who Can Make Fatal Accident Claim?
A fatal accident claim is a legal action brought when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligence or wrongful act.
Eligible claimants usually include spouses or civil partners, children, financial dependents, and the executor or administrator of the estate. The purpose of the claim is to provide financial support and recognise the loss suffered by those left behind.
How Much Compensation Can Be Claimed After a Fatal Accident?
Compensation following a fatal accident ranges from £15,120 to £500,000 or more. In high-value cases involving long-term dependency or multiple dependants, total compensation exceed £1 million.
Awards may include a statutory bereavement award, compensation for loss of financial dependency, funeral expenses, and, in some cases, pain and suffering experienced before death. Claim values are influenced by income, age, future earning potential, and the level of financial reliance by dependents.
Contact Jackson Personal Injury to receive figures based on your family’s circumstances.
What Types of Incidents Lead to Fatal Accident Claims?
Fatal accident claims commonly arise from serious and preventable incidents, including:
Road traffic accidents – Collisions involving cars, motorcycles, cyclists, or pedestrians.
Workplace accidents – Falls from height, machinery incidents, or unsafe working conditions.
Medical negligence – Surgical errors, delayed diagnosis, or failures in patient care.
Public place accidents – Incidents caused by unsafe premises or health and safety breaches.
Industrial accidents – High-risk environments such as construction or manufacturing sites.
Who Is Eligible to Claim Following a Loved One’s Death?
Eligibility for fatal accident claims is set out under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. Claims may be made by spouses, civil partners, children, parents, stepchildren, or others who were financially dependent on the deceased.
The estate of the deceased may also claim for losses suffered before death. Eligibility depends on the nature of the relationship and the level of financial or practical dependency at the time of death.
What Evidence Is Required to Support a Fatal Accident Claim?
Fatal accident claims require evidence to establish liability and financial loss, commonly including:
Accident reports – Police, workplace, or incident records.
Witness statements – Accounts from individuals who saw the incident.
Medical and post-mortem records – Including coroner’s or inquest findings.
Financial documentation – Proof of income, dependency, and household contributions.
Funeral expense records – Invoices and related costs.
Can I Claim for Loss of Financial Support and Funeral Costs?
Fatal accident claims can include funeral expenses, loss of earnings, and the loss of services provided by the deceased, such as childcare or household support.
Where dependants relied on the deceased’s income, claims may also include future financial support, pensions, and benefits. Each element is calculated using financial evidence and projections based on expected working life and dependency.
Are No Win, No Fee Options Available for Fatal Accident Cases?
Many fatal accident claims are pursued under No Win, No Fee agreements, meaning there are no upfront legal costs and fees are only payable if the claim is successful.
This allows families to pursue a claim without additional financial pressure. The funding arrangement is agreed in advance and confirmed in writing before any legal work begins.
How Long Do I Have to File a Fatal Accident Claim?
In , the standard time limit for fatal accident claims is three years from the date of death or from when the death was linked to negligence.
In some cases, such as where an inquest delays findings, the time limit may effectively start later. Acting early helps preserve evidence and reduces the risk of procedural delays.
What Is the Legal Process for Fatal Accident Claims?
Fatal accident claims usually begin with an initial assessment of the circumstances of the death. A solicitor from the panel gathers evidence, identifies eligible claimants, and values the claim.
Most cases settle through negotiation, but court proceedings may be issued if liability is disputed. Throughout the process, solicitors manage correspondence, evidence disclosure, and negotiations on behalf of the family.
Contact Jackson Personal Injury for guidance on fatal accident claims and next steps.