Fatal Accident and Injury Compensation Claims

If you have lost a loved one as a result of an accident that wasn’t their fault, our personal injury solicitors can provide specialist guidance on making a fatal injury compensation claim.

After losing someone unexpectedly, taking legal advice is probably the last thing on your mind. However, you’ll need specialist advice from a fatal injury claims solicitor to ascertain whether compensation is recoverable.

Our expertise in fatal injury claims

Sensitivity and commitment at every step

Our specialist personal injury team are experienced in managing fatal accident claims. We understand how emotional this time can be, and you can feel confident that our solicitors will support you through every step of the legal process.

Compensation claims involving fatal accidents are dealt with in two parts. The first part of the claim is for the pain and suffering of the victim. This is from the time of the accident up until the date of death.

The second part of the fatal injury claims process is to provide financially for the victim’s family. You may be eligible to make a compensation claim if you’re a relative or ‘dependent’ of the deceased. However, the interpretation of ‘dependent’ is broad.

You can also claim for financial losses, such as funeral expenses.

We know that no amount of money can adequately compensate you for the loss of a loved one. However, receiving compensation for a fatal accident can remove the financial burden and help you achieve the security you need.

What types of accidents can result in a fatal injury claim?

Generally speaking, any serious accident or negligence which led to a fatality can mean you are eligible to claim compensation. There are, however, some accidents or incidents that are more likely to result in a fatal injury. These include:

Who can claim for a fatal injury?

Any person who was a dependent of the deceased prior to their death can start a fatal injury claim. This includes:

  • A spouse, former spouse, civil partner or former civil partner if they are financially dependent on the deceased
  • Children or grandchildren, including adopted children or those treated as a child of the family
  • Cohabitees of at least two years
  • Parents, grandparents and others with parental responsibility
  • Close relatives, such as siblings, aunts and uncles

If you have lost a loved one as a result of a fatal accident or injury, our personal injury solicitors can talk you through the claims process in detail.

How long do I have to start a fatal injury claim?

You generally have three years to make a claim for a fatal injury, starting from the date of the injury or accident. However, the time limit can sometimes start from when you realise the injuries sustained caused the death of your loved one.

Our specialist fatal injury lawyers will advise you on time limits for making a claim, as well as the overall claims process, during your initial meeting.

Why choose Barcan+Kirby for your fatal accident claim?

Our personal injury solicitors advise clients throughout the UK from our offices in Bedminster, Bishopston, Bristol city centre, Kingswood and Thornbury.

Our lawyers are Business Members of the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) and are listed in their guide to choosing a specialist Personal Injury Solicitor. Our personal injury team is also included in the Headway Head Injury Solicitors Directory.

We’re highly ranked by Chambers and Partners UK and hold a band 3 ranking for our expertise and the quality of our work. We’ve also received a tier 3 ranking for the South West by Legal 500.

Contact our fatal injury solicitors in Bristol

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our personal injury team. During this, we will talk about your options and how best to fund your claim.

To discuss a fatal injury claim, call 0117 325 2929 or complete our online enquiry form.

    Close

    How can we help you?


    We’re here to help. Please fill in the form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Or call us on 0117 325 2929.






    • "A personal and local touch with very committed and diligent practitioners who are always willing to go the extra mile."
      Legal 500 UK 2025
    • "Myfanwy Buckeridge, Samantha Castle and Emily Williamson all stand out as first-rate lawyers. I have been repeatedly impressed with their client care, work ethic and organisation."
      Legal 500 UK 2025
    • "I felt in safe hands with Samantha. She kept me informed throughout the entire process and instilled confidence and trust."

      Chambers and Partners UK 2025
    • "Samantha is good with clients and caring. She is organised and thorough."
      Chambers and Partners UK 2025
    • "Jay is an absolute credit to Barcan+Kirby. She deserves major recognition for all the hard work she does in ensuring cases are brought to a successful conclusion."
      Chambers and Partners UK 2024