Fatal accident claims

Help with all the legal stages following an accidental death, from the inquest, funeral expenses, bereavement payments and childcare arrangements to making a fatal accident claim for compensation.

It's entirely understandable if compensation awards and financial matters are the last thing on your mind following the accidental death of a loved one. You will have enough to cope with without considering additional financial pressures and concerns further down the line. However, giving a compensation claim some thought may become a necessity if a child is left without a parent or you are left without your spouse or partner, especially if they were the main breadwinner in the family. Our experts can help you make a fatal accident claim which we'll conduct with professional efficiency and a lot of sensitivity and sympathy. We can take some of the worries off your shoulders and help to make what must be a dark time a little more bearable.

Who can claim?

There are restrictions on who can claim compensation in the cases of accidental death. You may also be entitled to a bereavement payment (presently fixed at £11,800) but those entitled to claim such a payment is equally restricted. At present, bereavement payment is only available to the husband or wife (or civil partner) of the deceased. If the loved one you lost was a minor who never married, either of the parents may claim provided the deceased was legitimate (if illegitimate, only the mother can claim a bereavement payment). You can view additional information about any benefits or allowances you may be entitled to in our bereaved section.

How we can help

Accidental death can be the result of all sorts of circumstances and we have many years' experience advising and dealing with most fatal accident claims including road traffic accidents, accidents on holiday, aeroplane or accidents on board ship and accidents at work. We also have considerable expertise in cases where clinical or medical negligence is to blame.

We also provide support for those that are recently bereaved and have a dedicated bereaved section which covers everything you will need to know from registering the death, arranging and paying for the funeral, dealing with wills and probate and also coroners inquests - you can click on the following link to view our bereaved services

Complete support

Our expert advice and assistance isn't just limited to compensation awards and purely financial matters. We can provide information and guidance to help you get through the various legal stages following a fatal accident. Information about the inquest (if there is one), help with funeral expenses, bereavement payments and childcare costs. We can also take the weight off your mind by helping with loss of service claims, setting up personal injury trusts or changing your will.

Establishing fault

It's important to remember that an inquest will only deal with how your loved one died, not who was to blame for their death. If we are to obtain compensation on your behalf, we need to establish fault or liability. A successful claim will require us to show that the fatal accident occurred as a result of a third party's negligence. Our team of specialists will guide you through the process and procedures whilst working with the police to establish who was to blame.

Why use us?

Our specialists are extremely well versed in the law and all the ramifications of fatal accident claims. They can give you comprehensive support and guidance in all things legal, taking cases on a no-win-no-fee basis, making sure you receive the compensation that you are entitled to. However, we are also acutely aware that family members are often severely traumatised by losing a close relative, so we try to provide a service that is not only effective but is also sensitive, friendly and very human. Contact us online or call us for an informal chat on our helpline - 03700 868 686. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. Our service is completely free to you, and includes a no obligation consultation.