Losing someone in a fatal accident is one of the most traumatic things we can experience. We could help you make a compensation claim so you and your family have the financial support you need at this incredibly difficult time.
We understand that during this most distressing time, you might not be focused on your finances. But we also know that this sort of devastating event can bring financial worries with it.
If you’ve lost someone in an accident through someone’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. We know that nothing can replace your loved one. But you are entitled to justice for what has happened.
Claiming compensation for the accident can help you settle any costs and allow you to start planning for your future security when you are ready.
The Fatal Accidents Act 1976 allows dependants to claim damages where a person was killed due to the wrong-doing of another. This means you will claim on behalf of the person who has died.
In this situation, dependants refer to:
If you have any questions about whether you will be able to make a claim, just get in touch with our understanding and compassionate team. We’ll talk you through it – at no cost with no obligation to go ahead with anything.
Whether you lost your loved one in a fatal car accident, an accident at work or through medical negligence, you shouldn’t have to go through this alone.
How much you’ll receive in fatal accident compensation depends on your situation and the circumstances around your loved one’s accident and death.
Compensation payments will take into account:
You could also be entitled to a Statutory Bereavement Award. This is a payout from the government of £15,120 and acts as recognition of a wrongful death.
This payment will be added to any compensation you receive as a claim – you are not limited to receiving just one of these forms of payout.
By making a claim, you are holding someone responsible for the death of your loved one. You will be holding them to account for their wrong-doing, which can help to provide some peace of mind.
Doing so can force them to take action to correct the behaviour or action that caused the accident in the first place. This can then help prevent it happening to anyone else, sparing another family from experiencing what you are going through.
An unexpected death also results in unexpected costs, which can cause even more distress during an already traumatic time. The compensation you are awarded for a successful claim can help to ease any financial pressure you find yourself under.
Accident compensation can give you some much-needed security as you grieve.
In most cases, you’ll have three years from the date of the accident to make a fatal accident claim. There may be some exceptions to this rule, though.
If you only discovered after the accident that it was responsible for your loved one’s death, you will usually have three years to claim from the day you found out. This is known as the date of knowledge.
Meanwhile, if you’re claiming on behalf of someone who lacks the capacity to make a claim themselves, you won’t face a deadline.
It’s important to remember that although three years sounds like a long time, it’s always best to begin your claim as soon as you can. This means your solicitor can start putting your case together sooner, leading to a quicker conclusion.
You may also find it more straightforward to access certain pieces of evidence when you start your claim quickly, such as police or medical reports and CCTV footage.
In most cases, our expert solicitors will be able to process your claim on a No Win No Fee basis. That means you won’t have to worry about paying for your claim upfront.
It also means you won’t have to pay anything if you are not successful. There is no financial risk to you when you make a No Win No Fee fatal accident claim.
When you make a No Win No Fee claim, you will usually claim against the insurer of the person or organisation responsible for causing your loved one’s death. That’s who will pay your compensation.
Only pay a fee if you receive compensation
Our No Win No Fee solicitors will take a success fee from the compensation you are awarded for a successful claim in the form of a percentage of your damages. This could be up to 25% but it won't be more than that, except in cases of road traffic accidents. Changing laws mean our solicitors will now take a payment of 30% of the final compensation amount plus VAT for all road traffic accident claims.
First4Lawyers are an award-winning claims management company with a track record of delivering service that our clients love.
If you have any questions about starting a fatal accident claim, just get in touch. Our advisors will ask about your case and set out your options. We will help you work out the best course of action for you.
We will then match you to one of our specialist solicitors if we think you have a claim, who will manage your case. They will investigate what happened, compiling evidence to present to the responsible party.
Once they have put your case to the responsible party, they will then negotiate with them to get you the compensation you are entitled to.
Most fatal accident claims are settled without needing court proceedings, so there is a very small chance you will have to appear in court.
If you have any questions about making a claim or whether you will be able to do so, just give us a call, request a call back at a convenient time or start your claim online.
We are here to support you.
Whether you want to make an accident and injury claim, or need a solicitor for personal or business law matters - our friendly team are here to help, 24/7.
Our fully trained legal advisors are happy to offer initial guidance and advice for free
No Win No Fee solicitors - you don't pay a penny up front when making a claim
We offer advice with no obligation. We never cold-call or apply pressure to our customers
