Fatal accident solicitors

Penningtons Manches Cooper’s fatal accident solicitors are experienced in handling complex and sensitive fatal accident cases. We support grieving families following the sudden loss of a loved one by guiding them through the claims process with care and compassion, and working to claim compensation for their financial losses and emotional hardship.

Expert support for fatal accident claims

A fatal accident claim is a legal action brought when a person dies due to someone else’s negligence. These claims often arise from road traffic accidents, workplace accidents, acts of medical negligence or incidents involving dangerous premises or equipment. Our fatal injury claim solicitors provide clear advice and practical support to help bereaved families recover damages for their losses.

Fatal accident claims carry particular challenges. The injured person cannot give evidence, and court proceedings may involve a coroner’s inquest. Families may also face uncertainty over who can make a fatal accident claim, what compensation is available, and how to navigate the process. Our serious injury team is well-versed in these matters and works closely with family members, including spouses, civil partners and financially dependent relatives.

Most fatal accident compensation claims fall under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 and/or the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934. We advise on the full range of compensation that may be available. Bereavement damages, currently set at £15,120, can be claimed by spouses, civil partners, cohabiting partners of more than two years, or parents of unmarried minors. Funeral expenses can also be recovered where reasonable costs were incurred.

Where the deceased did not die immediately, a separate injury claim may be made on behalf of their estate for the pain and suffering experienced between injury and death. Fatal accident dependency claims are available to family members who were financially or practically dependent on the deceased. We carry out a detailed assessment of income contributions, care provided, and the cost of replacing domestic services to help secure appropriate fatal accident compensation.

Listened, empathising with delicate and difficult situations and realistic and open with you about your case.

Each fatal accident claim is unique. Our specialist team will collect evidence, medical records and expert reports to support the case. We also assist clients in understanding how much compensation might be available, whether interim payments can be made, and what legal fees might apply on a no win, no fee basis.

Our personal injury solicitors handle a significant number of claims involving fatal accidents and injuries. As well as our expertise in dealing with the issues that can arise, we are known for our sensitive and supportive approach to our bereaved clients, and ensuring that the compensation awarded meets their needs.

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident, contact our team for an initial consultation. We’ll explain your rights, guide you through the process, and help you secure compensation to attain the financial support which you deserve.

How we help our clients

Legal representation for fatal accident claims following road and workplace incidents

Support with fatal accident dependency claims for dependent family members

Recovery of bereavement damages, funeral expenses and financial losses

Advice on inquests and support during court proceedings

Gathering evidence to establish liability and support complex compensation claims

Guidance on fatal accident compensation under the Fatal Accidents Act

Advocacy for estates in fatal injury claims involving pain and suffering

Personalised legal advice throughout the fatal accident claims process

Useful resources

Funding a personal injury claim

Making a personal injury claim

Leading practice, well known for its expertise in catastrophic injury cases, particularly matters arising from RTAs. Handles a range of claims pertaining to fatal accidents, head and spinal injuries and amputations.

The team offers a high level of expertise and client-focused guidance. From the beginning, contact and engagement has been professional, caring and comprehensive.

The team are prompt and clear with their knowledge, and explain things easily and in a way that demonstrates deep understanding of the processes involved.

The whole team is superb and works well together. The level of expertise is excellent.

Recent work highlights

Fatal bicycle crash and liability admission

Acting for a widow whose husband was tragically killed when a car driver collided with the back of his bicycle. We were able to secure an admission of liability from the negligent driver.

Compensation for bereaved fiancée

Settling a claim for a bereaved fiancée whose partner was killed by a hit and run driver who fled the scene. The insurers had argued that her relationship with the deceased did not meet the claim criteria.

Victim of country lane accident

Achieving a settlement for a driver seriously injured in a fatal road traffic accident while driving to work along a country lane, sustaining a traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures and the loss of sight in one eye.

Collision between car and skip lorry

Settling a claim for over £1.1 million for our client who suffered catastrophic spinal injuries in a road traffic accident in which a skip lorry collided with his vehicle killing three of his passengers.

Compensation for triathlete’s family

Securing a full admission of liability and financial security for the family of a triathlon cyclist who died after being hit by a car. The defendant drove in a dangerous way trying to overtake other vehicles and failed to see him.

Family tragedy due to drunk driver

Representing several members of the same family in an upsetting case where a drunk driver mounted a pavement and killed two of the family members while seriously injuring three others.

Multi-million pound settlement

Obtaining substantial damages for a mother of two with multiple disabling injuries from a head on collision with a drunk driver who was killed instantly. Part of our role involved inquest representation.

Young survivor rehabilitation case

Acting for a young woman who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a head-on collision where the driver of the car she was in lost control, hit another car and was killed. We have secured funding for the care she needs.

Multi-million pound settlement

Young survivor rehabilitation case

Case studies

We have recently settled a claim for damages of more than £1 million for the family of a man who died in a road traffic accident while driving to work one morning.

Our team settled a claim for Elizabeth Boyd in relation to the loss of her fiancé, Trevor Bird. He was killed by a hit and run driver who fled the scene, leaving him fatally injured.

Our personal injury specialists secured damages for a family following the death of an 89 year old grandfather who was killed in a road traffic collision.

We reached a settlement for the widow and daughter of a 41 year old man who was killed in a head-on RTA. The accident occurred as a result of two drivers racing each other.

Our personal injury team represented the wife of a man who was killed in a cycling accident in the Peak District when a motorbike lost control on a corner and hit him head on.