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Fatal accident claims solicitors

Our personal injury solicitors secure compensation for bereaved and dependent families of people who have suffered fatal injury in accidents caused by negligence.

For over 30 years Boyes Turner’s personal injury lawyers have helped countless families through the emotional trauma, legal formalities and financial devastation that follow the death of a loved one. We support families whose lives have been catastrophically affected by fatal injuries caused by someone else’s fault, including road or workplace accidents, unsafe buildings or public facilities, asbestos exposure, and criminal violence, in the UK or abroad.

We understand that nothing can provide instant relief from the feelings of loss that follow a child, parent, or partner’s death, but we know that where the family relied on the deceased’s income, parenting or home-making, their grief is often compounded by worries about money and how they will cope. Compensation can bring relief from financial hardship at this difficult time. Financial stability gives our clients the means to pay for essential help, and peace of mind for the future, as they adjust to the changes in their family’s life.

For advice about compensation claims for fatal injury caused by medical negligence, you can visit our dedicated page.

Starting your fatal accident claim

We understand that sudden, fatal injury often happens in highly distressing, traumatic circumstances which can be difficult to talk about, but we encourage you to reach out for our help. Our compassionate personal injury team are experienced in helping clients who have experienced trauma or PTSD psychological injury after seeing their loved ones suffering or in the aftermath of fatal or life-threatening accidents. We discuss each claim confidentially, with sensitivity and understanding, and advise you how we can help.

It costs nothing to talk to us to find out about making a compensation claim after a fatal accident involving your partner or a member of your family. You can contact us by telephone or by email for free, confidential advice from a specialist personal injury solicitor. We will ask you to tell us briefly about the accident and the deceased’s circumstances and dependants. We will advise you about time limits and whether we can help you make a claim. Your solicitor will discuss with you how your claim will be funded and advise, fully and clearly, how that works and what it will mean for you. We offer a range of funding options, but most of our clients’ claims are handled on a ‘no win no fee’ basis.

We will put your claim to the defendant individual or organisation whose negligence caused the accident and we will handle all communication on your behalf. The defendant’s insurers will usually handle the claim on the defendant’s behalf and will be responsible for paying any compensation.

Fatal accident claims FAQs

What are fatal accident compensation claims?

When someone dies as a result of an accident or fatal injury that was caused by somebody else’s negligence, the deceased’s closest family, their dependants, and their estate (the legacy that passes to beneficiaries under their will) may be entitled to compensation.

Compensation claims arising from fatal injury are governed by The Fatal Accidents Act 1976 and The Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934. Together, these two statutes give the beneficiaries of the deceased’s estate and the deceased’s dependants the right to claim for their losses in a fatal accident claim.

Fatal accident claims need specialist handling as they have their own legal requirements and additional complexities from other claims. They should be handled by specialist solicitors to ensure that family members, and those entitled under the deceased’s estate, receive their full entitlement to compensation. If any children are entitled to compensation, the court must approve any settlement, to ensure that the children’s interests are properly protected.

Our lawyers are nationally recognised for their expertise in representing bereaved families at coroners' inquests and guiding them through the claims process, to secure the highest levels of compensation that they are entitled to claim.

Who can claim compensation after a fatal injury?

If someone suffers a fatal injury that was caused by somebody else’s negligence, the deceased’s closest family, their dependants, and their estate may be entitled to compensation.

In cases where more than one person is entitled to claim, such as where the deceased left a partner and dependent children, our specialist fatal injury solicitors will ensure that the correct person brings the proceedings and that each eligible claimant’s interests are included in the claim.

We recover compensation for the families of those who have suffered fatal injury:

We can also claim compensation arising from fatal accidents for:

  • ‘secondary victims’ who suffered PTSD from witnessing their loved one’s fatal accident or injury;

What compensation can the deceased’s family claim after a fatal accident?

Fatal injury claims usually involve claims for compensation for:

  • the deceased’s pain and suffering as a result of the negligence which caused their death;
  • reasonable costs and expenses caused by the injury and the deceased’s death;
  • compensation for ‘lost years’;
  • reasonable funeral expenses;
  • a statutory ‘bereavement payment’, which can be claimed where the deceased left:
    • a bereaved husband, wife or civil partner, or unmarried partner who had cohabited with them for at least two years at the time of their death;
    • a minor child.

If the deceased left dependants, the claim will also include compensation for ‘loss of dependency’ (financial loss) suffered by those who depended on the deceased’s:

  • income (earnings, pension);
  • ‘services’, meaning the cost of replacing the things that the deceased did for them, such as providing child-care, housework, cooking, driving, gardening, or DIY.

The deceased’s dependants are usually their children, husband, wife, partner, grandchildren or elderly relatives, but can include other people whom the deceased supported financially on a regular basis.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, we also claim compensation for injured survivors from the same accident, such as passengers who were sharing the same vehicle, or ‘secondary victim’ family members who suffered PTSD from witnessing their loved one’s traumatic death.

 

What are fatal accident compensation claims?

When someone dies as a result of an accident or fatal injury that was caused by somebody else’s negligence, the deceased’s closest family, their dependants, and their estate (the legacy that passes to beneficiaries under their will) may be entitled to compensation.

Compensation claims arising from fatal injury are governed by The Fatal Accidents Act 1976 and The Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934. Together, these two statutes give the beneficiaries of the deceased’s estate and the deceased’s dependants the right to claim for their losses in a fatal accident claim.

Fatal accident claims need specialist handling as they have their own legal requirements and additional complexities from other claims. They should be handled by specialist solicitors to ensure that family members, and those entitled under the deceased’s estate, receive their full entitlement to compensation. If any children are entitled to compensation, the court must approve any settlement, to ensure that the children’s interests are properly protected.

Our lawyers are nationally recognised for their expertise in representing bereaved families at coroners' inquests and guiding them through the claims process, to secure the highest levels of compensation that they are entitled to claim.

Who can claim compensation after a fatal injury?

If someone suffers a fatal injury that was caused by somebody else’s negligence, the deceased’s closest family, their dependants, and their estate may be entitled to compensation.

In cases where more than one person is entitled to claim, such as where the deceased left a partner and dependent children, our specialist fatal injury solicitors will ensure that the correct person brings the proceedings and that each eligible claimant’s interests are included in the claim.

We recover compensation for the families of those who have suffered fatal injury:

We can also claim compensation arising from fatal accidents for:

  • ‘secondary victims’ who suffered PTSD from witnessing their loved one’s fatal accident or injury;

What compensation can the deceased’s family claim after a fatal accident?

Fatal injury claims usually involve claims for compensation for:

  • the deceased’s pain and suffering as a result of the negligence which caused their death;
  • reasonable costs and expenses caused by the injury and the deceased’s death;
  • compensation for ‘lost years’;
  • reasonable funeral expenses;
  • a statutory ‘bereavement payment’, which can be claimed where the deceased left:
    • a bereaved husband, wife or civil partner, or unmarried partner who had cohabited with them for at least two years at the time of their death;
    • a minor child.

If the deceased left dependants, the claim will also include compensation for ‘loss of dependency’ (financial loss) suffered by those who depended on the deceased’s:

  • income (earnings, pension);
  • ‘services’, meaning the cost of replacing the things that the deceased did for them, such as providing child-care, housework, cooking, driving, gardening, or DIY.

The deceased’s dependants are usually their children, husband, wife, partner, grandchildren or elderly relatives, but can include other people whom the deceased supported financially on a regular basis.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, we also claim compensation for injured survivors from the same accident, such as passengers who were sharing the same vehicle, or ‘secondary victim’ family members who suffered PTSD from witnessing their loved one’s traumatic death.

£1 million settlement
We secured compensation for the family of a man killed by HGV driver’s dangerous driving.
Read the story

The deceased had pulled over onto the hard shoulder to exchange details with another driver following a minor collision, when the HGV veered onto the hard shoulder, fatally injuring the two men. We pursued a compensation claim for the widow and their child.

"In addition to the statutory bereavement award, funeral expenses and other expenses, our client and child were entitled to compensation for their “loss of dependency” and “loss of love and support” from the deceased."

Our fatal accident cases

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What our clients say

"Personal Injury claim"

Excellent service from Claire and her team at all times. We were kept up to date at each stage of our claim. The outcome was much better than we expected and we would not hesitate to recommend Boyes Turner to family and friends.

Boyes Turner Client

"deepest gratitude for everything you have done for me"

When I first came to you for help with my injury claim, I could never have imagined the level of dedication, professionalism, and care you would bring to my case. From day one, you fought for me with tireless energy and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Thanks to your hard work and expertise, you were able to secure a settlement of just over £250,000 — a result that truly exceeded my expectations. More than just the financial compensation, it brought me a great sense of justice and relief after what was a very challenging time in my life. You always made me feel heard, supported, and informed every step of the way. It was clear that you genuinely cared about my wellbeing as well as the success of my claim, and for that I am incredibly thankful. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you, and I will not hesitate to recommend you to anyone in need of a top-tier solicitor. Your work has made a real difference in my life, and I will always be grateful.

"Personal Injury Claim"

Claire is exceptionally knowledgeable in the personal injury legal domain, especially in the specific area of my injury. From our very first conversation, she was clear in explaining the potential different routes that the process could take and provided me with expectations of what I could expect along the journey.

She ensured that all bases were covered, organising meetings, discussions and necessary specialist appointments, in order to bring together the case and take it forward. Claire was then able to use her extensive pool of contacts, to appoint an "area leading" barrister, to represent me.

Overall, I was very pleased with appointing Claire and Boyes Turner to act as my solicitor for the legal claim that I pursued. Thank you for all of your support.

"Outstanding case management and outcome"

I almost lost my leg during an accident. Claire and her team came recommended from a friend. I cannot overstate the excellent management of the case from Claire. In my professional life I deal with the other side of this injury and in the medico-legal aspects and it was phenomenal to see how Claire and her team managed not only the legal side but stayed on top of the holistic side of my post injury care when no one else was. I have no doubt my outcome is far better than it would have been had I been left to the routine devices of the healthcare system. Following on from this her guidance and expertise in negotiating a settlement was outstanding.

Yaser

"Exceptional"

Kim at Boyes Turner was recommended to me after I had received ineffective service from another company. From the outset, Kim has been professional, reassuring and supportive. I have always had faith in her ability to get the best outcome, not only financially, but also in helping my rehabilitation from a traumatic brain injury. She is friendly and empathetic, with unquestionable professional integrity. She was quick to grasp the important issues in my case, was meticulous in her investigating the details and analysing them, realistic in what the outcomes were likely to be and achieved a successful outcome. I would not hesitate in recommending her and Boyes Turner.

Boyes Turner Client

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"Our clients receive the highest standards of advice and representation and are always treated with compassion, outstanding care and understanding of the physical, emotional, psychological and financial impact that life-changing injury can have upon their lives."

We are nationally acclaimed for our personal injury expertise and the outstanding results we achieve for our clients.
We secure early, funded rehabilitation and maximum compensation in claims for adults and children who have suffered catastrophic injury, and provide practical support for their families.
Our integrated multidisciplinary team offers our clients a full range of specialist help with compensation, rehabilitation, SEN, deputyship, personal injury trusts and community care.
We are ranked as leading personal injury experts in the Chambers Directory and Legal 500 guides to the legal profession and are accredited for their specialist expertise by the Law Society and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).

Our people

Meet your specialist team
 
Kim Milan

Kim Milan

Senior Partner

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Claire Roantree headshots

Claire Roantree

Partner

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Martin Anderson

Martin Anderson

Associate Solicitor

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Hannah Lindley

Hannah Lindley

Solicitor

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Lucy Poulson

Lucy Poulson

Solicitor

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Eve Gunner

Eve Gunner

Paralegal

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Beth Hatton headshoot

Beth Hatton

Paralegal

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Leading personal injury solicitors for over 30 years

Our solicitors’ expertise in personal injury claims and their dedication to improving the lives of their injured clients has been recognised by the legal profession and disability charities for over 30 years.