Fatal Accident Claims in Bristol

No level of compensation will be able to make up for the loss of a loved one following a fatal accident, particularly if it was the result of someone else’s negligence. However, making a fatal accident claim could help to make things easier, especially where you may have concerns about the potential financial impact on you and your family.

Lyons Solicitors has specialist expertise with a wide range of personal injury matters, including fatal injury claims. Our experts can provide caring support and tailored practical guidance, taking you through every step involved in making a fatal accident claim.

Our fatal accident solicitors in Bristol never delegate any of the work we handle, meaning you can be certain your claim will be dealt with by a highly experienced personal injury solicitor. We can provide you with the close personal support you need during what is likely to be a traumatic time.

The same solicitor will work alongside you from start to finish, so you receive consistent advice suited to your personal circumstances. Should you need to get in touch with our team, you can contact us by whichever means are most convenient, whether that’s by telephone, video conferencing or in person. We can also arrange out of hours home visits where appropriate.

Our clients benefit from our ‘No Win, No Fee’ funding model. By taking this approach, we are able to support anyone making a fatal accident claim who may be concerned about the financial impact or would otherwise struggle to bring a claim forward.

We regularly help clients to pursue potentially risky cases that other firms may be hesitant to take on. We can also take on fatal accident claims where other firms have not been able to secure the maximum available fatal injury compensation or have rejected a claim.

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Our Personal Injury Claims team is led by partner Duncan Shaw. Duncan has more than 20 years of experience in representing clients with fatal accident claims throughout England and Wales.

We have previously been able to secure substantial amounts of compensation for fatal accident claims in Kingswood, Westbury-on-Trym, Chew Magna and the wider Bristol area.

Our fatal accident claims solicitors in Bristol work closely with recommended and highly specialist barristers to ensure the very best expertise is applied to your case.

Speak to us about fatal accident claims in Bristol

We offer a free initial consultation where you can ask us any questions you might have about the fatal injury claims process.

To book a free initial consultation with our fatal accident claims solicitors in Kingswood, Westbury-on-Trym or Chew Magna, please get in touch today.

You can use the contact details for each office or, alternatively, fill in the ‘Ask us a Question’ form on the right-hand side of the page to request a call back.

Types of fatal accident claims we can help you with

Our fatal accident claims solicitors can advise on all types of fatal accidents, including those related to:

  • Fatal road traffic claims
  • Fatal motorcycle accident claims
  • Fatal cycling accidents
  • Fatal accidents at work
  • Fatal accidents in public places
  • Fatal slips, trips and falls
  • Fatal medical negligence
  • Fatal criminal assault
  • Fatal sporting accidents
  • Any other type of fatal accident or injury

To find out more about how we can help you with a fatal accident claim in Kingswood, Westbury-on-Trym, Chew Magna and the wider Bristol area, please get in touch.

Our fatal accident compensation claims fees

Our fatal accident claims solicitors work on a No Win, No Fee basis. We will discuss funding and the options available to you before we agree to take on your case. This is also where we will be able to talk to you about insurance to cover any unexpected costs.

Fatal accident claims FAQs

Who can make a claim for fatal injury?

Typically, the following people will be able to make a fatal accident claim:

  • ‘Dependants’ of the deceased
  • Beneficiaries of the deceased’s estate
  • Often, the people who fall into these categories will be the same. As an example, the spouse of the deceased will also be likely to inherit under their estate.
  • Dependants of the deceased could include:
  • Spouses or civil partners
  • Ex-spouses or civil partners
  • Children and stepchildren
  • Siblings
  • Parents and grandparents

What claims can be made under the Fatal Accidents Act?

Compensation claims under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 encompass various categories:

  • Statutory bereavement award: A bereavement award, presently set at £15,120, is available to the spouse or civil partner of the deceased, or to the parents if the deceased was under 18 and unmarried or in a civil partnership.
  • Loss of consortium: This award acknowledges the loss of special, immeasurable services resulting from the person's death. Examples include a child losing a parent or a spouse losing a partner after a long marriage.
  • Loss of financial dependency: Dependents can seek compensation for the financial income they would have received if the deceased had not passed away. This includes salary, investments, pensions, and state benefits.
  • Loss of services dependency: Dependents may claim for the lost services the deceased would have provided, such as caregiving, cooking, washing, school runs (for children), or tasks like DIY, and gardening (for spouses).

Consultation with a legal professional is advised for specific guidance on making claims under the Fatal Accidents Act.

What evidence is typically required to support a fatal accident claim?

To support a fatal accident claim, several types of evidence are typically required:

  • Official documentation: This includes the death certificate, which confirms the cause of death, and the deceased person's birth certificate, establishing their identity.
  • Accident reports: If applicable, accident reports from the police, workplace, or other relevant authorities can provide details about the circumstances surrounding the accident. These reports can help establish liability and support the claim.
  • Medical records: Medical reports, including hospital records, doctor's notes, and autopsy reports, are crucial in demonstrating the extent of the injuries or illness that led to the fatal accident.
  • Witness statements: Statements from individuals who witnessed the accident or have relevant information about the events leading to it can provide valuable first-hand accounts. These statements can help establish the sequence of events and support the claimant's version of events.
  • Expert opinions: Expert testimony from professionals, such as accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, or forensic experts, may be necessary to provide technical analysis and opinions related to the accident and its consequences.
  • Financial documentation: Documentation illustrating the financial impact of the deceased's death is important. This includes proof of the deceased's income, employment records, tax returns, and financial statements. It helps establish the financial dependency of the claimants and quantify the loss suffered.
  • Photographs or videos: Visual evidence, such as photographs or videos of the accident scene, injuries, or property damage, can help provide a clear understanding of the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
  • Correspondence and communication records: Any relevant correspondence, emails, or communication records related to the accident, such as safety concerns or previous incidents, can support the claimant's case.

It is important to consult with a legal professional experienced in fatal accident claims to understand the specific evidence requirements based on the unique circumstances of your case. They can guide you on the necessary evidence and help build a strong claim.

How long does a fatal accident claim take?

The time it takes to resolve a fatal accident claim will depend heavily on the individual circumstances of the case. Given how serious these matters are, fatal accidents can be very complicated and it will be necessary to gather as much evidence and information as possible before a conclusion can be reached. Accessing the highest level of available compensation will often mean that great care needs to be taken over the investigation.

What is the time limit for a fatal accident claim?

There are strict time limits to be aware of when it comes to fatal accidents claims. You will typically have three years from the date of death to start a claim.

This time limit does not start from the date of the accident itself. So, if someone were to pass away in hospital from their injuries, the time limit will start from this date.

Who benefits from fatal accident claims on behalf of a deceased person’s estate?

Any compensation that is awarded as part of a claim on behalf of a deceased person goes back into the estate. This means that the money is paid out as inheritance to the deceased person’s heirs in line with their Will or the Rules of Intestacy if there is no Will.

Contact our fatal accident solicitors in Bristol

We offer a free initial consultation where you can ask us any questions you might have about the fatal injury claims process.

To book a free initial consultation with our fatal accident claims solicitors in Kingswood, Westbury-on-Trym or Chew Magna, please get in touch today.

You can use the contact details for each office or, alternatively, fill in the ‘Ask us a Question’ form on the right-hand side of the page to request a call back.