Fatal Accident Solicitors : Making a Claim

Fatal Accident Solicitors 

The loss of a loved one, such as a family member, due to a fatal accident can have an massive impact on the deceased person’s family and friends’ lives. As well as the emotional grievance they will feel, they will also need to deal with investigations into the death and any financial financial burdens, such as funeral costs. 

As fatal accidents are so sudden and traumatic, it can be an overwhelming experience for someone to go through. At Beacon Law, we will help you figure out who was to blame for the death of your loved one, and we will help get you and your family fight for the compensation you need to get through this difficult time. 

What Is A Fatal Accident? 

Fatal Accidents are severe accidents that lead to victims, unfortunately, losing their lives. 

Fatal accidents can occur in many different situations. The majority of fatal accidents are due to unexpected, unforeseen events, such as accidents at work, medical negligence, and road traffic accidents etc. 

If the deceased death was caused due to negligence of someone else, then the deceased’s Estate, husband or wife, and other dependants may be able to make a fatal accident claim for compensation. 

Common Accidents That Can Lead to Fatal Injuries 

Fatal Accidents are more common than people think. Many types of accident, no matter how minor, could lead to severe injuries or even death. Even in safe places, such as the workplace, you may still be at risk of fatal accidents and injuries. 

At Beacon Law, we have dealt with numerous fatal accident act claims. The most common accidents that have lead to fatal injuries are: 

• Road Traffic Accidents- Many road traffic accidents, including car accidents, pedestrian accidents, and cyclist accidents, can lead to Fatal injuries. If someone you know sustained fatal injuries from a road traffic accident, you could be entitled to compensation. You can find out more about claiming a road traffic accident by checking our Road Traffic Accidents page. 
•  Accidents At Work-Your employer has a duty of care to ensure that your workplace is as safe as possible. Your employer must provide the correct training, and make sure protection measures are put in place to protect you against accidents at work. Employers should provide proper training for using dangerous machinery and provide sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), such as goggles and helmets. However, sometimes accidents at work do happen. If the proper training or protection measures were not in place and you suffer fatal injuries at work or any other type of injury, then your loved ones could be eligible to claim against your employer. Your compensation claim will be made against your employer’s Employers’ Liability Insurance, which is compulsory for all employers to have in place. 
•  Slips, Trips And Falls In Public Places- People slip, trip and fall in public places every day, and while it may be embarrassing, many falling accidents can cause serious injuries. Depending on the height and impact of your fall, hitting the ground can cause multiple other injuries in different parts of the body. Severe injuries can lead to severe fatal injuries. In most cases, these accidents could have been avoided if safety procedures and regulations were followed correctly. If you knew someone who has passed away due to a slipping, tripping or falling accident, then you may be able to claim compensation. Check out our article on Claiming for an Accident in a Public Place to find out more information. 
• Sports accidents- Many accidents that happen at sporting events can lead to fatal and severe injuries. You may have been involved in an inappropriate tackle, which caused you to fall over and damage and injure your head, or you may have even sustained an injury because of faulty equipment or poorly maintained fields or courts. Your relatives may be able to claim compensation if you have suffered a fatal injury during a sporting activity. Check out our Sports Injury Claims For Compensation article for more information. 
• Medical Accidents-  If you have an operation, it is a risky procedure. If the operation does not go to plan and a person receives inadequate medical care, the outcome could be fatal.

These are just examples of fatal accidents that can happen. If a close friend or relative has died as the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. Contact us today to speak to one of our fatal accident solicitors. 

How Long Do I Have To Make A Fatal Injury Claim? 

You have three years following the death of a loved one to make a fatal injury claim. The claim time limit normally starts from when the date that the accident causing the fatal injury happened. 

 As fatal injuries can lead to death, in some cases, the time limit can start from when you find out that the accident was the direct cause of the death of your loved one. 

Who Can Make a Fatal Accident Claim? Fatal Accident Act 1976 

The ‘Fatal Accident Act 1976‘ states that the dependants of the deceased are entitled to file an injury compensation claim if the accident of the deceased was caused because of somebody else’s negligence. 

Under the Act, a dependent means

“(a)the wife or husband or former wife or husband of the deceased;

(aa)the civil partner or former civil partner of the deceased;

(b)any person who—

(i)was living with the deceased in the same household immediately before the date of the death; and

(ii)had been living with the deceased in the same household for at least two years before that date; and

(iii)was living during the whole of that period as the husband or wife or civil partner of the deceased;

(c) any parent or other ascendant of the deceased;

(d)any person who was treated by the deceased as his parent;

(e)any child or other descendant of the deceased;

(f)any person (not being a child of the deceased) who, in the case of any marriage to which the deceased was at any time a party, was treated by the deceased as a child of the family in relation to that marriage;

(fa)any person (not being a child of the deceased) who, in the case of any civil partnership in which the deceased was at any time a civil partner, was treated by the deceased as a child of the family in relation to that civil partnership;]

(g)any person who is, or is the issue of, a brother, sister, uncle or aunt of the deceased.”

Fatal Accident Solicitors: What Can I Claim?

In most personal injury claims, the amount of compensation you receive will be based on pain and suffering. There are different types of compensation that can be sought under the Fatal Accidents Act: 

• Loss of consortium (also known as loss of a special person); 
• Loss of past and future service dependency on the deceased’s services; 
• Loss of past and future financial dependency on the deceased income (loss of earnings)
• Statutory bereavement award; 
• Additional costs, such as funeral expenses

No Win No Fee Claims 

We offer our services on a no win, no fee basis. No win no fee means that you will not be required to pay our fees if your claim is unsuccessful. Our fees will be deducted from your compensation at the conclusion of your case if you successfully make a fatal accident compensation claim. 

The only requirement for this agreement is that you cooperate with us throughout the process and that you are honest with us at every stage. 

To find out more, feel free to have a look at our funding section on our website.  

Fatal Accident Solicitors: Why Choose Beacon Law? 

Beacon Law is a leading personal injury law firm that offers a range of personal injury claim services to our clients, including claims for fatal accidents compensation. Our fatal accident solicitors provide a high level of service to all our clients and work hard to ensure they receive the appropriate treatment and highest level of compensation for their injuries. 

We work closely with all clients, following their instructions whilst providing specialist legal advice on each case. We aim to support all our clients throughout their claims processes and to give the best case management possible throughout all legal proceedings. 

If you require advice on a potential case or assistance, please contact us on 0330 1332 857. Alternatively, please complete our online form, and a Personal Injury expert will contact you to help you start your claim. 

Beacon Law are a Solicitors registered in England and Wales, with our registered office based in Manchester. We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.