Fatal Accidents

If a member of your family has died as a result of an accident, illness or a disease, caused by someone else’s negligence, then you may be entitled to pursue a compensation claim.

Having recently been bereaved this is probably the last thing you want to think about but a compensation award can help out financially, and at least ease some of your worries and concerns.

How can we help?

It is at times like this that you need expert legal advise, coupled with compassion and understanding. Our lawyers have these qualities together with considerable experience in dealing with claims arising from fatal accidents.

Fatal accident claims are complicated because there are three different claims that can arise and specific rules about who can make which claim.
Firstly there may be a claim for the pain and suffering experienced by the deceased from the time of the accident to the time of death.  This claim will also include any financial losses and the funeral expenses.  If the deceased died instantly or did not regain consciousness before death then such a claim is likely to be of low value.

Secondly a bereavement award of £10,000 is payable to a surviving spouse or to the parents of a deceased child who was under 18 years of age at date of death. These criteria are strictly applied and exclude cohabiting and gay couples.

Thirdly anyone who was dependent upon the deceased or who expected to be dependant in the future can claim compensation provided they fall within the classification specified in the Act.

These include: the surviving spouse, a civil partner or former civil partner of the deceased,  a co-habitee who has lived with the deceased for more than 2 years, children, parents, persons treated as children or parents, grandchildren and grandparents.

Dependency claims usually arise where a spouse or child was dependant upon the income of the deceased, but they also arise where the deceased provided services such a s childcare and DIY. In such cases the claim will be for the lost income and/or the financial equivalent of the lost service.

If you have lost a loved one as result of an accident, then it is essential that you get the best free legal advice. Instructing Gorman Hamilton Solicitors to handle your  claim will not cost you a penny. Whether you win or lose our Legalprotect scheme will give you complete peace of mind, knowing that you will not have any legal costs to pay.