If a loved one has suffered from a fatal accident due to someone else’s actions or negligence, you don’t have to face it alone. You may have the right to claim compensation and support on a No-Win, No-Fee basis.
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A fatal accident claim is a type of legal claim for compensation after a loved one has died because of somebody else’s negligence. If it is proven during the claims process that someone else was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation.
This can never make up for your loss, but it can help ease financial pressure and give you some breathing space while you focus on what truly matters.
Most fatal injury claims are made under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. This law allows families to seek compensation after a death caused by negligence and to receive financial support when it is needed most.
Compensation in a fatal injury claim can help cover things such as:
We know how devastating and life-changing a fatal injury can be. Our role is to handle the legal process for you, so you can focus on your family while we work to secure the financial support you deserve.
You typically have up to three years from the date of your loved one’s death, or from the date a post-mortem or inquest confirms that negligence was the cause, to make a fatal injury claim.
When a loved one dies under the age of 18, the time limits for making a fatal accident claim are different, meaning the three years do not usually begin until the child would have turned 18. This means a claim can be brought at any point up to their 21st birthday.
However, seeking out a fatal accident lawyer as early as possible ensures your case has the strongest chance of success.
We understand how overwhelming things can feel. Our dedicated fatal injury solicitors will guide you through each step of the claims process with clarity and care.
Let us take the pressure off and help you move forward with confidence.
Sadly, fatal accidents are more common than many people realise, affecting families from all walks of life every year.
Fatal personal injuries and accidents are often caused by negligence, where a person or organisation has failed in their duty of care. Below are some of the most common situations in which fatal accidents and injuries occur:
These may involve cars, motorcycles, cyclists or pedestrians, and are often caused by careless driving, speeding, drink or drug use or a failure to follow road laws.
Fatal outcomes can occur when mistakes are made by healthcare professionals, such as missed diagnoses, delays in treatment, surgical errors or inadequate care.
Workplaces have a legal responsibility to keep employees safe. Fatal accidents can happen when proper training, safety equipment or risk assessments are not in place.
Some deaths are caused by long-term exposure to hazardous substances, such as asbestos or harmful chemicals, leading to serious and often fatal illnesses, sometimes many years later.
Construction work is high-risk, and fatal accidents may happen due to unsafe working practices, poor supervision, faulty equipment or falls from height.
Fatal injuries can also occur in places such as shops, car parks, pavements or leisure facilities (for example, in the form of slips, trips or falls) where hazards were not properly maintained or made safe.
Making a claim after losing a loved one is not just about money. It is about protecting your family’s future, getting answers, and holding the right people to account. Under English law, a successful fatal accident claim can provide support in several important ways:
The law allows certain close relatives, such as a spouse, civil partner or parents of a child, to receive a fixed bereavement award. This is a formal recognition of the emotional loss suffered.
Compensation can cover funeral costs and other immediate expenses following a death, helping to ease the financial strain at a very difficult time.
If your loved one contributed to household income, the claim can include the earnings your family has lost and may continue to lose in the future.
Many people provide practical and emotional support, such as childcare, home help or care for relatives. The law allows this lost support to be valued and included in a claim.
If medical treatment or care was provided before your loved one passed away, the claim can include hospital bills, nursing care and other related expenses.
A claim ensures the organisation or individual responsible for the death is held legally accountable, which for many families is an important part of finding closure.
We keep the process clear and supportive, so you can focus on your loved ones while we take care of the legal side:
Ensure the death is registered and obtain the death certificate, along with any post-mortem or inquest details if these are available.
Keep any documents linked to the accident or medical treatment, including hospital records, correspondence and witness details.
Contact our fatal accident solicitors for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to what has happened, assess your case, and explain your options in clear, simple terms.
If you choose to proceed, we will gather evidence, instruct experts where needed and submit the claim on your behalf, dealing with insurers and solicitors for the other side.
Most fatal accident claims are resolved without going to court. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will take your case forward and fight for the compensation your family is entitled to.
Speak to our friendly team today. You are not alone, and you may have a case.
You may be eligible if your loved one has passed away due to someone else’s negligence or actions. It’s essential to demonstrate that the other party was at fault and that their actions directly caused your injury.
Consulting a solicitor can help assess your case’s eligibility.
Every fatal accident claim is unique, and the amount of compensation awarded can vary depending on the individual circumstances.
It may include a bereavement award, funeral costs and compensation for any financial support lost as a result of your loved one’s death. While no amount can make up for such a loss, compensation can help relieve some of the financial strain during a difficult time.
“No-win, no-fee” means you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
There are no upfront costs and no hidden charges. If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t owe us a penny. If we win, our fees will be taken from the compensation we recover for you — and we’ll explain all of this clearly before you sign anything.
It’s a simple promise: if you don’t win, you don’t pay.
This may include a death certificate, medical records, accident reports, witness statements or findings from a coroner’s inquest. In some cases, financial documents may also be required to show the impact the loss has had on your family.
A fatal accident solicitor can help identify and gather the right evidence for your situation, easing the burden during an already difficult time.
In most cases, you will not need to go to court. Most fatal accident claims are settled outside of court through negotiation between your solicitor and the insurance company or the party responsible for the death.
If an agreement cannot be reached, however, the claim may proceed to court. If this happens, your expert fatal injury solicitor will guide you through the process and handle the legal steps on your behalf.
Every case is different – meaning, each resolution period differs, too. If the defendant admits liability, the claim could be resolved in a few months. However, for more complicated cases, such as disputes over medical evidence or neglect, this could be longer.
We have extensive experience handling fatal injury claims.
Nothing to pay up front. You only pay if we win.
Every accident at work claim is different, so we tailor our service to your needs.
Our team of at-work-injury lawyers is committed to getting the best outcome for our clients.
If a loved one has been impacted by someone else's negligence, don't wait. Contact CEL Solicitors to explore your personal injury options.
