Fatal accident compensation claim solicitors

Are there different types of fatal accident claims?

Yes, there are numerous situations that could result in a fatality. In fact, any negligent behaviour or action can be fatal, depending on the severity of the negligence. There are some accidents and resulting injuries that have a higher rate of fatality and are more likely to result in a successful fatal accident compensation claim.

Fatal road accident claims

Road traffic accidents can, unfortunately, result in fatalities. In 2021, there were an estimated 1,560 reported road deaths in Great Britain. Reckless driving and driving at excessive speeds are common reasons for death by dangerous driving compensation claims.

Accidental death at work claims

Industrial accidental death compensation claims are not uncommon, either. In fact, HSE statistics show that there were 123 fatal work-related accidents in 2021/22.

Compensation for death at work is especially common in industries such as mechanics and construction, where dangerous machinery is often used. In fact, construction accounted for the most industrial deaths in 2021/22, followed by agriculture and manufacturing.

Fatal injuries often result from falls from height, being struck by objects or vehicles and impact from machinery.

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else's reckless driving or due to negligence in their workplace, please get in contact with our team on or request a call back. Our experts will discuss your claim and work out whether you might be entitled to fatal injury compensation.

How much compensation could I receive for a fatal accident claim?

Unfortunately, there is not a set fatal injury claim compensation amount. Each case will be reviewed on its own details and particular circumstances, and accidental death compensation will be calculated accordingly.

The Judicial College Guidelines for personal injury set out average awards based on historical evidence. Our teams will refer to these guidelines when assessing your potential fatal accident compensation award.

Your expert fatal accident solicitor will be able to inform you of how much compensation you will likely be able to receive once they have all the information.

If you would like more information on how compensation of death is calculated, call us on where you can speak to one of our friendly legal team.

What is the statutory award for bereavement?

Dependants of the deceased may be eligible for a statutory award for bereavement under the Fatal Accidents Act. The statutory award allows certain family members of the deceased to claim bereavement damages, in the form of a fixed sum, from the defendant in their case.

Fatal Accident Act claims increased the average accidental death compensation payout in 2019 by over £2,000 to £15,120. The sum recognises that the death of your family member was wrongful and seeks to compensate you for your suffering and financial burdens beyond your compensation award.

There are limited family members who are eligible to make this claim. Get in touch with our team on for more information about the statutory award for bereavement and the Fatal Accidents Act.

What factors are considered in the amount of fatal accident compensation I could receive?

When deciding on the fatal injury compensation amount to be awarded in your case, a court will look at a wide range of factors:

• The nature of your experience, the accident and the pain and suffering caused to the deceased, you and your family.
• The financial impact that the accident has had on your life, including funeral expenses incurred as a result of the accident and any ongoing medical expenses such as trauma counselling.
• The emotional distress caused to you and any dependants of the deceased.

To find out more, contact our team on to arrange your free, impartial, no-obligation consultation, and we can advise on the factors affecting your fatal accident claim.

Our accidental death compensation lawyers will always work to get you the compensation that you deserve.

Why make a claim for fatal accident compensation?

Adjusting to life without your spouse or a loved one is extremely difficult, especially if you were fully or partially reliant on their income. If they have passed away due to someone else's negligent or reckless behaviour, we don't believe that you should suffer the financial burden.

While it won't replace or make up for your loss, claiming for fatal accident claim damages could provide funds to cover the missing financial contribution that the victim made to your family. The death of a non-dependant family member can also leave you out of pocket when it comes to funeral costs, legal fees and more.

Accidental death compensation can also support you in other areas such any long-term counselling fees.

Making a claim could also lead to positive changes such as through health-and-safety training in a workplace, for example, helping to ensure that the same accident doesn't reoccur in the future.

If you are struggling financially since the accidental death of your spouse or family member, talk to our team now to see if we may be able to help you to get the compensation that you deserve.

Why should I choose National Accident Law?

As well as having teams across the UK, we:

• Have many years of experience in handling fatal accident claims so our experts will understand how to proceed with your case.
• Take most cases on a no win no fee agreement, so there will be nothing to pay even if you lose.
• Will handle your claim with compassion and sensitivity at every stage.
• Will make sure that you understand every step in the process, without legal jargon.
• Will never pressure you into making a claim about which you are unsure.
• Are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, which ensures that we adhere to the highest legal standards.

Who can make a fatal accident claim?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you will make your claim under one of the following two claim types:

Dependant's claim

If you were financially supported by the income of a loved one who died as a result of an accident that wasn't their fault, you would make a 'dependant's claim'.

Under the Fatal Accidents Act of 1976, dependency claims allow you to make a claim to recover financial losses if you were fully or partially reliant on the deceased's income.

Victim's claim

A fatal accident claim can also be made on behalf of the deceased by a member of their close family.

Not all accidental death is instant. Your loved one might have incurred costs and financial hardship between their accident and their death as a result of their accident. A 'victim's claim' allows you to make a claim for any losses that they suffered during that period, helping you to reclaim costs.

Our experienced and friendly team have detailed knowledge of the claim areas for fatal injuries and the limitations in fatal accident claims. Get in touch with us today on or request a call back for more information.

You can also start your claim online today.

How long do I have to make a fatal accident claim?

Typically, fatal accident compensation claims need to be made within three years of the date of the fatal accident. The three-year time limit will start from the date of death.

If the deceased was already in the process of making a personal injury claim when they passed away, the three-year limit would start again from the date of death. This will allow surviving family members to make the fatal accident claim.

If you are not ready to discuss your loved one's fatal accident just yet, keep in mind that there is a three-year limitation. It is also a good idea to record the details of the accident or negligence as soon as possible.

We know that it's hard but try to keep clear and concise notes of conversations and timelines, as they will be beneficial should you do decide to make a fatal accident claim in the future.

If you are unsure if you still have time to make a claim or you're approaching the three-year time limit,  with our team of fatal injury solicitors or call us on .

How do I make a claim for fatal accident compensation?

1. Call us on or request a call back and we will be in touch.
2. In your free, no-obligation conversation, you will be able to tell our friendly advisors about the situation. We will then be able to advise you on whether you could proceed with your fatal accident claim.
3. If you decide to go ahead, we will put you in touch with one of our fatal accident solicitors.
4. Your solicitor will oversee your case, gathering the relevant information. They will also tell the other party that you intend to make a claim.
5. Your claim will then be submitted to court for review.
6. If you win, you will receive fatal accident compensation and your solicitor will take a pre-agreed fee. If you lose, and you have claimed on a no win no fee basis, you won't pay anything.

You may be concerned about going to court and having to relay your painful experience. Don't worry; in most cases, you will not need to enter a courtroom. In fact, only around 5% of claims ever go to court and your fatal accident solicitor will be on hand to support you if you do.