Fatal Accident Compensation

Claiming for accidents causing death

Fatal accidents are always a tragedy and as well as the premature death of some unfortunate soul, they cause significant amounts of psychological distress to all those involved and related.

Fatal accident classification

Because of the mortal nature of these types of accidents it is not the victim who can claim compensation, rather two different groups are entitled to submit a case:

1. Dependents of the deceased – there are several kinds of relations that are considered to constitute dependents:

a) husband, wife or civil partner

b) cohabiting partners – must have lived together for two years prior to death as partners

c) ancestors; parents, grandparents etc.

d) child or other descendents – not only biological children are included in this, adopted and step children are treated equally

e) brother, sister, aunt or uncle

2. The estate of the deceased

Note – claims for criminal acts are only available to immediate parents and children.

Compensation claims

If you are considered the dependent of someone who has died in an accident then you may be able to claim compensation. You should begin by contacting a solicitor who will be able to offer you expert advice on how to process a claim for compensation.

The types of compensation you can claim for a fatal accident are as follows:

• A dependency income claim – if you are a dependant and relied on the income of the deceased then you could get compensation to substitute for this lost money. The figure will be calculated according to each individual case.
• Funeral expenses – this is based only on reasonable amounts that are spent.
• Bereavement payment – this is different to the other two types in that you are only entitled if you are a close relative, it is for the psychological torment that you may have suffered. If the deceased is under 18 years old then you can only claim if you are the recognised parent. The amount for bereavement compensation is £11800, and it is divided amongst those who claim.