Losing a loved one in a fatal accident is a devastating experience—especially when that loss was caused by someone else’s negligence. While no amount of compensation can ease the pain, pursuing a fatal accident claim can help provide financial stability and a sense of justice during an incredibly difficult time.
At NJS Law, we offer sensitive, professional support to families dealing with wrongful death. Our experienced team will guide you through the legal process with care and respect, working to secure the compensation you’re entitled to for funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional impact of your loss.
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Our fatal accident claim solicitors have successfully supported families in securing compensation across a wide range of fatal accident cases, including:
Workplace Fatalities: Deaths caused by unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, or employer negligence.
Road Traffic Accidents: Fatal car, motorcycle, cycling, and pedestrian accidents involving negligent or reckless drivers.
Medical Negligence: Loss of life resulting from surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or delayed treatment.
Public Liability Claims: Fatal accidents in public or private places caused by dangerous premises or poor maintenance.
Criminal Injury Fatalities: Deaths caused by violent crime, assaults, or other unlawful acts.
Losing a loved one in a fatal accident is devastating and can place an enormous emotional and financial strain on families. Our experienced fatal accident solicitors understand the sensitivity of these cases and will fight to secure the maximum compensation you and your family deserve under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.
We are here to guide and support you through every step of the claims process during this most difficult time.
Under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, certain relatives and dependants of the deceased are legally entitled to bring a claim. These include:
Spouse or Civil Partner – including common-law partners who lived with the deceased for at least two years before the death.
Children – including biological, adopted, and sometimes stepchildren who were financially dependent on the deceased.
Parents (or those acting as parents) – this can include adoptive parents or others who acted in a parental role.
Other Dependants – such as siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, or anyone who was financially supported by the deceased.
In addition, the executor or administrator of the estate can bring a claim on behalf of the deceased’s estate under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934.
Every fatal accident claim is different, and the amount of compensation awarded will depend on the individual circumstances of the case. In general, compensation is calculated by considering several key elements:
1. Bereavement Award
A fixed statutory sum (currently £15,120 in England & Wales) payable to certain close relatives, such as a spouse, civil partner, or parents of a minor child.
2. Loss of Financial Dependency
Compensation for the financial support the deceased provided to their dependants, such as:
3. Loss of Services
The value of services the deceased provided, including childcare, household tasks, care for elderly relatives, or other domestic contributions that now must be replaced.
4. Funeral Expenses
Reasonable funeral and associated costs can usually be recovered as part of the claim.
5. General Damages (Estate Claim)
If the deceased suffered pain, suffering, or financial losses between the accident and their death, these may be claimed on behalf of the estate under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934.
Courts and insurers will also take into account:
The deceased’s age, health, and life expectancy.
Their income and future earning potential.
The level of dependence family members had on them (financial, practical, or emotional).
Circumstances of the accident and its impact on the family’s future stability
→ To gain a deeper understanding of how serious injuries are assessed and valued, read Understanding a Serious Injury.
Calculating compensation in fatal accident claims can be complex, particularly when assessing long-term financial dependency and services. An experienced fatal accident solicitor ensures all possible elements of the claim are considered so families receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to. The same level of specialist expertise is crucial in serious injury claims, where long-term needs, future losses, and ongoing care must be carefully assessed.
Losing a loved one in a fatal accident is devastating. Our fatal accident solicitors guide families through every step of the claims process, making it as straightforward as possible while ensuring you secure the compensation you are entitled to.
We offer a free consultation to assess your case honestly and without obligation, giving you clear advice on whether you can claim.
We gather medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony to prove liability and build the strongest possible case.
We identify who is legally responsible for your injury — whether that’s an employer, driver, medical professional, or another party — and present your case to them.
We calculate compensation to cover bereavement damages, loss of financial dependency, funeral expenses, loss of services, estate claims for pain, suffering or financial loss before death.
Most cases settle out of court. If liability is disputed, we negotiate firmly and, if needed, represent you in court to secure fair compensation.
→ For a step-by-step overview of what to expect, read our Serious Injury Claim Guide.
When your family is dealing with the devastating loss of a loved one, you need a solicitor who combines legal expertise with compassion. At NJS Law, we understand the emotional and financial challenges that follow a fatal accident and are dedicated to guiding families through this difficult time.
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Following a devastating forklift accident at work, where our client suffered a life-changing spinal injury after driving over a water-covered pothole, NJS Law successfully secured a £3.7 million settlement.
The injury left him initially unable to move and required months of treatment in specialist spinal hospitals and rehabilitation centres, with a long and challenging recovery process.
Our serious injury solicitors obtained interim payments to fund accessible housing, mobility equipment, therapy, psychological support, and expert case management, working closely with leading barristers and medical professionals to evidence his lifelong needs and future losses.
The final settlement reflected the profound impact of the injury and enabled our client to regain independence and rebuild his life, demonstrating the importance of specialist legal support in serious workplace injury claims.
You can read more about this case in our article Forklift Accident Compensation Claim – £3.7m Settlement.
Our fatal accident claims solicitors combine decades of experience with a client-first approach. We know how difficult this time can be — and we’ll stand by your side throughout your claim.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.
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