Fatal accident claims

If you’ve lost a loved one, pursuing a fatal accident claim may be the last thing on your mind. But securing compensation could help you find some financial stability, during a time which must feel otherwise uncertain. Our specialist team will guide you through this with care and expertise.

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Author

Stephen Hussey

Associate, Head of Personal Injury

Reviewer

Jenny Stevenson

Associate & Head of Personal Injury

Last Updated

19th July 2026

Who is eligible to claim for a fatal accident?

A fatal accident claim can be made by the family or dependents of someone who has died due to another party's negligence. Losing a loved one in this way is one of the most painful experiences anyone can face, but the legal process that follows should not add to that burden.

You may be able to make a fatal accident compensation claim if your loved one died as a result of an accident at work, a road traffic collision, or medical negligence. Common circumstances include falls from height, contact with moving machinery, surgical errors, misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of a serious condition such as cancer, and road traffic accidents where a collision resulted in loss of life.

Even if you are unsure whether the circumstances qualify, or if some time has passed since your bereavement, it’s still important to seek legal advice. In most cases, you have three years from the date of your loved one’s death to make a fatal accident claim, though exceptions do apply. Our solicitors will listen carefully to your situation and tell you whether you have a case.

Example of a fatal accident claim

A construction worker falls from an inadequately guarded scaffold and sadly dies from their injuries. If their employer failed to put proper safety measures in place, breaching their duty of care, the worker’s family may be able to make a fatal accident claim. The family could seek compensation for the financial losses they have suffered, as well as for their bereavement.

Related fatal accident claims we support

What compensation can help with

Two women embracing outdoors in comforting hug

Providing financial security for the family left behind.

A fatal accident claim ensures the people your loved one left behind are not left struggling financially because of someone else’s negligence. Compensation is there to help cover the losses, both financial and otherwise, that flow from an untimely and preventable death.

The claim can cover a range of immediate and long-term losses. This includes the income your loved one would have provided, the care and support they gave to the family, and the practical and emotional costs that come with bereavement and rebuilding life without them.

Successful fatal accident claims may help fund:

Loss of financial dependency, including income and financial contributions the deceased would have provided
Loss of practical support, such as childcare, household tasks, and care responsibilities
Bereavement award for qualifying dependants
Funeral costs and related expenses
Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity experienced by the deceased before death
Psychological support and counselling for bereaved family members
Travel and other costs arising from the circumstances of the death or claim

What compensation can provide

When we consider your compensation package, we take into account the family left behind, and the impact on those who were dependant on your lost loved one. We consider several factors, including the age of the deceased, their earnings, the number and age of dependants, and the level of financial and practical support they provided to the family. Each case is different, and our solicitors work to understand the full picture of what has been lost. Our experienced team has handled many complex fatal accident claims and strives to secure an outcome that truly reflects the impact on your family – providing financial security for the future.

Understanding special and general damages

A fatal accident settlement is made up of general damages and special damages. General damages address the non-financial impact of the fatality, including pain and suffering that affects the wider family. Special damages cover the specific financial losses we can evidence for you, which might include lost income and travel expenses. Our team will make sure both are carefully calculated and properly reflected in your claim.

Expertise you can trust

9/10 clients would recommend us
APIL accredited experts
4,000+ client outcomes achieved in the last 12 months

Specialist fatal accident solicitors

Our team supports bereaved families through fatal accident claims.

Why choose Fletchers for your fatal accident claim?

Fatal accident claims are among the most sensitive and complex in personal injury law. The legal team you choose matters enormously for both the outcome and how you are supported along the way. We combine specialist legal expertise with genuine care for every family we work with.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist fatal accident and serious personal injury solicitors with extensive experience in complex claims
Ranked among the leading firms in personal injury law, recognised by the Legal 500 Directory
Committed to a personal, client-focused approach – not just a legal outcome
Experienced in claims involving workplace accidents, medical negligence, and road traffic collisions
Trusted by families to handle some of the most difficult cases with care and professionalism
Rated highly by the clients we have supported for communication, compassion, and expertise
‘No Win, No Fee’, so you can pursue your claim without any upfront financial risk

You're not alone

We understand the weight of what you're going through.

Losing a loved one to a preventable accident or act of negligence is an experience that changes everything. Beyond the grief, there are often practical and financial pressures that arrive quickly. For the people we support, this includes lost income, funeral costs, and the weight of uncertainty about the future. It can feel impossible to think about a legal claim alongside all of this.

Navigating life without someone you loved can feel impossible. Many of our clients are exhausted by bereavement, and overwhelmed with the additional pressures and complications that a preventable loss can bring. Some of the families and loved ones who come to us are unsure they are doing the right thing by pursuing a fatal accident claim. This is understandable. But we aim to listen and provide reassurance, so that you can make the decision that is right for you, without pressure.

Although financial security is hugely important in these cases, we understand that for some families, a fatal accident claim is not just about financial security. It’s about accountability, understanding what happened, and making sure it does not happen to someone else. We will always take the time to understand what matters most to you and work towards the outcome that is right for your family.

Whatever you are facing, you do not have to face it alone. Our specialist solicitors will handle every part of the legal process, keep you informed at every stage, and make sure your loved one’s story is heard.

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FAQs about fatal accident claims

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

In most cases, you have three years from the date of your loved one’s death to make a fatal accident claim. However, some exceptions do apply. For example, where the death followed an earlier injury, or where the circumstances are more complex.

Our experienced team will discuss the time limits that apply to your specific situation. If you are unsure, it’s important to get in touch as early as possible.

How much does it cost to make a fatal accident claim?

We work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not pay anything. Our fee only applies if your case succeeds, and we will agree on this fee with you before we start. You can pursue your fatal accident claim without any financial risk.

How long does a fatal accident claim take?

The length of time it takes for your claim to settle will depend on the complexity of your case. Some cases where liability is admitted early may take a few months, while more difficult cases can take years to settle.

Who can make a fatal accident claim?

Fatal accident claims are typically brought by the family members or dependents of the person who died. This includes spouses, civil partners, children, and other close relatives who were financially or practically dependent on the deceased. If you are unsure whether you are eligible to bring a fatal accident claim under personal injury law, we can advise you when you get in touch.

Does it matter which solicitor I choose?

Yes, it really does matter. Fatal accident claims are legally complex, and choosing a solicitor with genuine specialist experience in this area can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case.

You should take the time to research your options and ask about a firm’s track record in handling these types of claims. If you are already receiving advice from another firm but are unsure about the quality of that advice, you have every right to seek a second opinion.

Can I change my solicitor during a fatal accident claim?

Yes. The choice of who represents you is yours and yours alone. If you are not confident in the advice you are receiving from your current solicitor, you are entirely within your rights to seek a second opinion or to switch to a different firm. We would encourage you to speak to a specialist if you have any concerns.

What evidence is needed for a fatal accident claim?

The evidence needed for a fatal accident claim will depend on the circumstances of the death. Our solicitors may need to gather documents such as accident reports, medical records, witness accounts, employment records, and expert evidence from independent specialists.

We will handle the evidence-gathering process on your behalf; you do not need to have everything in place before you speak to us. We will guide you through what is needed at each stage.

What support is offered during a fatal accident claim?

We understand that the legal process is only one part of what you are dealing with. Our team will keep you informed and supported throughout your claim, explaining every step in plain language so you always know what is happening and what comes next.

We take on the complexity so that you can focus on your family. If you have additional support needs, for example, if you use British Sign Language, we are also able to provide access to a BSL interpreter through the SignVideo platform.

Can funeral expenses be included in a fatal injury claim?

Yes, reasonable funeral expenses can often be included in a fatal injury claim, where successful. Your solicitor will be able to advise you on this during your initial consultation and throughout the claims process.