Fatal accident compensation

Fatal accident compensation

For getting your life back on track

The loss of a loved one is a devastating experience that words can hardly capture. These events bring not just overwhelming grief, but also practical challenges like funeral costs and the loss of their income. These obstacles can be even more challenging if you believe someone else's negligence or direct action was responsible for your loved one’s death. Switalskis is here to assist you in claiming the compensation you may be entitled to.

At Switalskis, we understand that grief is a personal experience and everyone faces it differently. However, thanks to our experience, we know that providing you with clear, straightforward advice during such a difficult time can help. Through honest, direct guidance, we can help you navigate the process of making a legal claim.

A compassionate approach to your fatal accident claim is essential, but you also need reliable legal experts capable of navigating the complexities involved. Switalskis combines both, helping you to deal with the legal side while understanding the pain and grief at the heart of the matter.

The fatal accidents team at Switalskis is made up of professionals who want to help you through this experience. For bespoke guidance and services tailored to your unique circumstances, contact us today on 0800 138 0458 , or connect with us through our website .

Contact us today and let's start your journey together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.

How Switalskis can help you

When you first contact us, we'll want to hear about the circumstances of your loved one’s death. This will be a sensitive, confidential discussion, and we’ll provide whatever emotional support we can to help you through. We need to know what happened so we can help you understand the possibilities of making a fatal accident compensation claim, determine how likely you’re to succeed in securing compensation, and advise you on what you can expect from the claims process.

Claiming compensation for a fatality isn't a straightforward process, but we're committed to simplifying it for you as much as possible. We'll handle the legal details, allowing you to focus on healing and coming to terms with your grief. From collecting any necessary evidence, to filing paperwork, to representing you in legal proceedings if your case goes to trial, we'll be by your side from start to finish.

We strive to understand the full scope of how the loss has affected you and your family. Through this approach, we aim to build a close working relationship with you. This isn't just about legal formalities; it's about providing the emotional and professional support you need during a difficult time. It also allows us to make sure you receive every penny of the compensation you may be entitled to.

Our solicitors are experienced in handling fatal accident claims with the utmost sensitivity and expertise. With us, you're not just getting practical and straightforward legal advice; you're gaining a supportive team deeply committed to fighting on your behalf.

Read what our clients had to say about the help they received from Switalskis

Making a fatal accident claim

Throughout the claims process, we’ll guide you with care and expertise and keep you informed at each step of the process.

Here's how the process typically unfolds:

Step 1: Initial consultation

The first step is to reach out to us. We'll discuss the details of the case, giving you an initial idea of what you could expect from a claim. This allows us to understand your needs and to build our services around you.

Step 2: Establishing your claim

We'll get straight to work gathering evidence. This may involve collecting police reports, medical records and witness statements. We'll also help you calculate any financial losses, like funeral expenses or lost income, that you may be able to claim for.

Step 3: Notifying the defendant

Once we've compiled a compelling argument, we'll send a letter of claim to the person or organisation we believe was responsible. This will notify them that you're making a claim.

Step 4: Negotiation

Once a response on liability is received, we will focus on negotiating your compensation. However, fatal accidents can be more complicated than routine personal injury claims, and we may need to take the defendant to court for the claim to be resolved.

Step 5: Court proceedings (where necessary)

Should we need to take your claim to court, we’ll represent you during the proceedings and make sure you have the best chance of success. You can trust in our team's expertise to present your case compassionately but effectively and uphold your rights at all times.

Step 6: Settlement and compensation

Once a successful outcome is achieved, we'll make sure that the compensation agreed upon is promptly paid.

Throughout each step, we'll help you to make decisions with confidence.

What are the time limits for making a fatal accident compensation claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of your loved one's death to initiate a compensation claim. In most cases, this includes if the deceased was a child under the age of 18, which makes this different from other types of personal injury compensation claims.

In fatal accidents involving criminal actions, the time limits may differ. Claims through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) have their own set of guidelines, which generally gives a timescale of two years to bring a claim but we can help you explore this option.

Each case brings its own unique challenges. The sooner we can begin assembling your case and collecting evidence, the better.

What will fatal accident compensation cover? How much compensation can I claim?

The emotional toll of losing a loved one in an accident is enormous, and no amount of money can make up for your loss. However, financial compensation can ease some of the practical burdens you may face.

Compensation for fatal accidents generally falls into covers any financial hardships you have are likely to experience as a result of the loss. This can include funeral costs, loss of earnings and dependency on the things your loved one did for you and your family.

It’s impossible to estimate the amount of compensation you could receive until we’ve looked at your circumstances in detail, as there are many factors that we’ll consider in our calculations.

How are fatal accident claims funded?

After losing a loved one, the last thing you need is extra financial stress. We're here to ease your worries about legal costs.

We handle most fatal accident claims on a no win, no fee basis. Simply put, this means you won't need to pay us any legal fees unless we win your case. Once we successfully secure your compensation, a previously agreed portion of the final award will go towards your legal expenses.

There may be other avenues for financial assistance you can pursue if you’re eligible, such as legal expenses insurance. We believe that financial concerns shouldn't be a barrier to pursuing a claim, and we’ll talk you through all of the available options before you decide to go ahead with your claim.

What to remember when making a fatal accident claim

If you're considering making a compensation claim, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Collect evidence: as difficult as it may be, gathering any form of evidence such as contact details for witnesses or documentation relating to financial losses can significantly strengthen your claim. We’ll use this as the basis for the evidence we gather.
  • Secure professional help: this isn't something you have to go through alone. Consult with our specialist solicitors and we can guide you through what is often a complex and emotionally draining process, making it as straightforward as possible.
  • Legalities: following the death of a loved one, certain legal steps need to be considered regarding their will and who is the appropriate person to bring a claim. We can help you look into this during the early stages of our communications.
  • One claim: when pursuing a claim of this nature, it’s important to consider that only one claim can be brought and this should cover all persons who might be entitled to compensation. We will talk through this with you during the early stages of the claim and help navigate any difficult situations that might arise.

Contact us today and let's start your journey together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.

Our fatal accident compensation specialists

Photo of Rosie Dodds
Rosie DoddsAssociate Solicitor
Photo of Stephanie Veysey
Stephanie VeyseySenior Associate Solicitor
John McQuaterDirector and Solicitor Advocate
Photo of Maria Dallas
Maria DallasChartered Legal Executive
View more

Why Switalskis?

We understand the emotional turmoil you might face when taking legal action following a fatal accident. When doing so, you need solicitors who you can rely on to provide simple and supporting advice, allowing you the space you need. If you're considering pursuing a fatal accident claim, here's why you can trust Switalskis to be the people you turn to first:

Clarity in complexity

Fatal accident claims can be complicated and emotionally taxing, but we can make it easier to navigate. Our team translates complicated legal jargon into straightforward terms you can understand. We're here to answer any questions and make sure you're well-informed at every stage.

Empathy at every step

We appreciate that you're going through an incredibly difficult period. We’ll work as closely or as distantly as you need, balancing support with the space to grieve. To us, you're not just a client; you're someone who is facing something that nobody should have to go through, and we aim to deliver the support you need in the ways that you need.

Expertise you can trust

Navigating a fatal accident claim needs specific legal expertise. At Switalskis, you're in safe hands. With years of experience and a proven track record, we're experts at managing a wide array of personal injury claims for accidents, including those that have sadly resulted in fatalities.

Championing your rights

Our primary goal is to uphold your rights and give a voice to your family. We’ll guide you through each phase of the claim process, keeping you informed so that you can make the best decisions to meet your needs.

What are the types of personal injury claims?

Personal injury claims come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own set of rules, challenges and considerations. At Switalskis, we've got the expertise to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. Here's a quick rundown of the various types of personal injury claims we can help you with:

Find out how Switalskis can help you

For compassionate advice on how you may be able to claim compensation for the loss of a loved one, call us on 0800 1380 458 or get in touch with us through our website.

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