We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
Mobile friendly number:
0333 240 0871
When someone has been suddenly killed, their family and friends will have many emotions including asking the question 'why?' and, although it may not always be clear-cut, once responsibility for a death has been established, the dependents of the victim may wish to make a fatal accident claim for compensation.
In England and Wales, the inquest system inquires into all unexpected deaths with a fatal accident inquiry being the equivalent in Scotland.
The coroner who presides at an inquest has a legal duty to hold a hearing to identify the dead person and decide how and why he or she died. The result of an inquest will not include naming any person or organisation which could be deemed by a criminal or civil court to be liable for the death.
Sometimes the coroner will make a recommendation for action to be taken either to prevent another death occurring in similar circumstances or for an investigation by police or a body such as the Health and Safety Executive.
Where someone has been charged with causing a death, such as by dangerous driving in a car crash or committing manslaughter, the inquest will be adjourned until after the criminal trial is concluded. At that stage, the coroner will decide whether enough information about the sudden death was revealed in court and if an inquest is still necessary.
Any inquest after a trial cannot come to a different conclusion than that of the court.
There is a set list of verdicts available to coroners to cover all the various circumstances of a sudden death. These are: natural causes; accident or misadventure; suicide; unlawful killing; lawful killing; industrial disease or open.
A narrative verdict gives the facts in detail and explains the coroner's reasons.
Once an inquest has been heard and any criminal proceedings resolved, it is then possible for a civil claim for damages to be considered by the dependents of the accident victim.
Where an inquest and/or court case has revealed details of the background of a sudden death, a personal injury solicitor will then be able to advise on the possibility of seeking compensation from any person or organisation found at fault.
Solicitor for a fatal accident claim
Seeking compensation in a fatal accident claim is not an easy decision for a family to make but where the loss of a loved one has bereaved a partner, children, parents and siblings of victim as well as caused potential source of livelihood, they are entitled to monetary damages to help them repair their lives.
An experienced personal injury solicitor, such as those who work with YouClaim, can act on behalf of close relatives in a civil court case for damages brought against the person or organisation deemed liable for the death.
Not only can you be assured of the highest professional standards, as monitored by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, but we pledge to use plain English in all our communications with you and, in most cases, can use the no win no fee system, meaning you keep every penny of compensation won for you.
To find out more about our special fatal accident claim service, you can send us information by completing the form on this page or speak to one of our sympathetic legal advisers by calling 0800 10 757 95.
