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.
No Win No Fee: The law limits our success fee to 25% of the compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity and for past financial losses, after any state benefits are repaid. Compensation for future losses is not counted. If you win, our success fee is deducted from your compensation. It is a percentage of our basic charges, and the law limits it as set out above. Any After the Event insurance premium is payable only if you win, and is never charged upfront. Your letter of engagement sets out exactly what you will pay for your type of claim, and we explain it before you sign. If you lose, you pay us nothing. This applies as long as you keep to your responsibilities under the agreement. You may have to pay costs if you end your claim early, fail to beat an offer the other side made, or a court finds your claim dishonest or exaggerated; where we have arranged After the Event insurance, it covers some of these costs if you keep to the policy's terms. See exactly what you pay.
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.
Check If You're Eligible With Our Fatal Accidents Solicitors
Discover today if you’re eligible to make a claim. Tell us what happened using the enquiry form on this page.
Types of Fatal Accidents Claims Our Solicitors Handle
Our fatal accident claim solicitors have successfully supported families in securing compensation across a wide range of fatal accident cases, including:
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Workplace Fatalities: Deaths caused by unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, or employer negligence.
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Road Traffic Accidents: Fatal car, motorcycle, cycling, and pedestrian accidents involving negligent or reckless drivers.
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Medical Negligence: Loss of life resulting from surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or delayed treatment.
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Public Liability Claims: Fatal accidents in public or private places caused by dangerous premises or poor maintenance.
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. We gather the evidence, value your claim and negotiate with the insurer 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.
Who Is Eligible to Make a Fatal Accident Claim?
Under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, certain relatives and dependants of the deceased are legally entitled to bring a claim. These include:
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Spouse or Civil Partner – including common-law partners who lived with the deceased for at least two years before the death.
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Children – including biological, adopted, and sometimes stepchildren who were financially dependent on the deceased.
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Parents (or those acting as parents) – this can include adoptive parents or others who acted in a parental role.
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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.
How Compensation Is Calculated in a Fatal Accidents Claim
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:
- Earnings or pension the deceased would have contributed.
- Benefits such as healthcare, housing, or other financial support.
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.
Factors Considered in Calculating Compensation
Courts and insurers will also take into account:
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The deceased’s age, health, and life expectancy.
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Their income and future earning potential.
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The level of dependence family members had on them (financial, practical, or emotional).
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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.
Why Specialist Legal Advice Matters
Calculating compensation in fatal accident claims can be complex, particularly when assessing long-term financial dependency and services. An experienced fatal accident solicitor considers every element of the claim and works to recover the full compensation the family is 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.
The Fatal Accidents Claim Process Explained
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.
Free Initial Consultation
We offer a free consultation to assess your case honestly and without obligation, giving you clear advice on whether you can claim.
Evidence Gathering
We gather medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony to prove liability and build your case with evidence.
Establishing Liability
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.
Calculating Your Losses
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.
Negotiation or Settlement
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.
Why Choose NJS Law as Your Fatal Accident Claim Solicitors
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.
- Clear, jargon-free legal advice
- Full support from claim to compensation
- Our team has more than 200 years of combined legal experience, and we act only for people who have been injured.
- National service across England & Wales
- No Win No Fee
Experienced
- More than 200 years of combined legal experience, delivering tailored and reliable personal injury support
What our clients say
- Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot from 874 reviews.
Serious Injury Claim – Case We Won
Following a devastating forklift accident at work, where our client suffered a life-changing injury, NJS Law successfully secured a £3.7 million settlement.
Figures are compensation before any deductions.
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 more than 200 years of combined legal 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 the law allows for your injury and losses.
Thinking about a claim? Read about Serious Injury Claims and how No Win No Fee works, or send us your enquiry.