Fatal Accident Claims2023-08-24T16:08:53+01:00

Fatal Accident Claims Solicitors

Fatal Accident Claims Solicitors

Losing a loved one in a fatal accident in Northern Ireland is catastrophic, both emotionally and practically. We’ll offer sensitive legal advice and help you claim fatal accident compensation to ease any financial stress during this traumatic time.

  • Vastly experienced fatal accident solicitors
  • Successfully pursuing similar claims since 1993
  • Sympathetic understanding of your circumstances
  • Simple claims process so you can focus on other things
  • Free, independent legal advice during your initial consultation

Fatal Accidents & Wrongful Death in Northern Ireland

If you’ve lost a loved one or family member due to a fatal accident or wrongful death, we can scarcely imagine the emotional turmoil you’re currently experiencing. While compensation might not be your priority at this difficult time, it is something we can handle for you to help lift some of the financial and administrative burdens you may be facing, giving you more time and space to grieve.

You might be wondering whether the loss of your loved one is considered a fatal accident in legal terms. If they died as the result of the negligence of another person or an organisation in an unexpected or unforeseen event, that is a fatal accident and you may be entitled to compensation.

There were 29 fatal workplace accidents in Northern Ireland in 2021/22 and 55 deaths on our roads in 2022. Some of the types of fatal accidents that often lead to claims include:

Fatal Car Accident
When your loved one was a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian who lost their life in a road traffic accident due to someone else’s negligence. In these circumstances, you can make a road traffic accident claim.

Fatal Accident at Work
If your loved one lost their life in an accident at work, you can claim compensation. This includes fatalities caused by falling from heights, crushing, farming accidents, construction accidents, chemical misuse and accidents involving machinery.

Industrial Disease Fatality
You can claim if your loved one died due to an industrial disease they suffered as a result of their employment. This includes diseases and chronic illnesses linked to exposure to asbestos, loud noises, chemicals and vibrations.

Fatal Medical Negligence
Did your loved one die as a result of medical negligence? If misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose an illness, mistakes in A&E or an error by an anaesthetist contributed to their death, you can make a fatal medical negligence claim.

Public Place Fatal Accident
If your loved one lost their life in an accident in a public place because of negligence, you’re eligible to make a public place fatal accident claim. This could involve accidents at theme parks, horse riding falls, dog attacks and restaurant allergy negligence.

If the circumstances in which you lost your loved one are not mentioned above, you will still be able to make a fatal accident claim if they died due to somebody else’s negligence. Please get in touch to discuss your situation in a free, no-obligation consultation.

Fatal Accident Claims, Northern Ireland

Making a fatal accident claim will not be the first thing you think of when you’ve lost a loved one in tragic circumstances. But as you try to adjust to life without them, the compensation you deserve will help you to avoid further hardship at an already difficult time.

As well as being compensated for your loved one’s death, you’re also entitled to compensation for their contribution to your family. This could include the income they provided or support such as childcare or housekeeping that your family has now lost. You should also claim for funeral costs, legal fees and any other expenses you’ve encountered through no fault of your own.

Depending on the circumstances of your loved one’s death and whether anyone is facing criminal charges, a claim might also help you to feel that the negligent party is being held accountable for the loss you’ve suffered.

Who Can Make a Fatal Accident Claim?

If you’ve lost a close family member or loved one in a fatal accident, you’re eligible to make a fatal accident claim. You can claim if the person who lost their life was:

  • Your husband or wife (even if you’ve divorced or annulled your marriage)
  • Your partner (and you had been living together for at least two years at the time of the accident)
  • Your civil partner or former civil partner
  • Your child or stepchild
  • Your brother or sister
  • Your mother or father (or someone who you treated like a parent)
  • Your grandmother or grandfather

Fatal Accident Claim Process

We’ve designed our fatal accident claims process to be simple and straightforward. At a time when you’re coming to terms with a devastating loss and may be going through a highly emotional inquest, our experienced fatal accident claim solicitors will support you through all the legal proceedings relating to your loved one’s death. Here’s what you can expect:

Step 1: Contact Reid Black
Call us or send an email to discuss your situation in a free, no-obligation consultation. Once you’ve taken this important first step, our fatal accident claim solicitors can start to share your legal and administrative burden.

Step 2: Gathering Information
We will then start gathering as much information as we can to support your claim. This will include evidence relating to the fatal accident as well as the financial impact on your life.

Step 3: Coroner Inquest and/or Criminal Proceedings
Our solicitors will support you through any legal proceedings relating to the fatal accident. The outcome of the proceedings may be a conclusive legal verdict on who was responsible for your loved one losing their life.

Step 4: Compensation Negotiations
Next, we will use the outcome of the legal proceedings and the information we have gathered to negotiate the maximum compensation to which you are entitled from the negligent party or their insurer.

Step 5: Compensation Payout
Once we have agreed on a compensation amount, we will oversee the payout to make sure that it is paid to you promptly to give you extra financial support at this difficult time.

Fatal Accident Claim Time Limits

You usually have three years from the date of the fatal accident in which to make your claim. This time limit may be extended in certain circumstances. These include:

  • You were a child under 18 at the time of the accident, in which case you must claim before your 21st birthday.
  • You lacked the mental capacity to claim within three years, in which case no time limits apply.
  • It was not known that negligence resulted in your loved one’s death within the three-year time frame, in which you can claim within three years of becoming aware of the negligence.

In all cases, we would recommend arranging a free initial consultation and starting your claim as soon as possible.

Fatal Accident Compensation & Bereavement Damages

Your fatal accident compensation claim will include both general damages and special damages. General damages are compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve suffered directly from the loss of your loved one. Special damages relate to financial hardship you’re experiencing because of their death, such as the loss of their earnings and paying their funeral costs.

Additionally, you may also claim a bereavement award under the Fatal Accidents (Northern Ireland) Order of 1977. This is a sum of £17,200 awarded to bereaved spouses, civil partners and parents of children aged under 18.

We understand that the financial impact of your loved one’s loss may be instant. If that is the case for you, we will seek an interim payment on your behalf. This is a partial compensation payment that will give you a financial cushion while we pursue your claim for full compensation.

Why Choose Reid Black?

We’ve got a wealth of experience of pursuing fatal accident compensation claims in Northern Ireland, including acting for the family of Steven McTeague, who lost his life as a result of health and safety failings at the Terex plant in Omagh. Our experience of dealing with PSNI investigations and Public Prosecution Service decisions will help us to support you as we secure the compensation you deserve.

Our Specialist Fatal Accident Claim Solicitors

Our Specialist Fatal Accident Claim Solicitors

Peter Lynch
Peter Lynch
30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Peter Lynch of Reid Black Solicitors is one of Northern Ireland’s Leading Road Traffic Accident Experts.
  • He will act for you solely and does not accept referrals from insurers or Accident Management companies thus ensuring we have your interests first.
  • Have an initial no-cost chat about any Road Traffic Accident to see if you have a case.
  • He acts in Car Accidents, Cycling & Motorbike Accidents and Pedestrian Accident Claims.
  • Peter will be able to Fast track your claim to get you the compensation you deserve.
Libby Smyth
Libby Smyth
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Libby Smyth is one Northern Ireland’s leading Road Traffic Accident and Personal Injury Solicitors.
  • She will handle your Road Traffic Accident Claim effectively and efficiently, keeping your best interests as her prime concern.
  • Specialist in all types of personal injury claims, with a focus on Road Traffic Injury Claims.
  • Libby can expedite your injury claim to ensure you get your compensation as fast as possible.
  • If you’ve been injured as a result of a Road Traffic Accident, contact Libby today for free initial chat to see if you’re eligible for a claim.
Eilis McQuillan
Eilis McQuillan
14 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Elis McQuillan has extensive experience dealing with Road Traffic Accident Claims in Northern Ireland.
  • She will prioritise your interest’s first and act solely on your behalf.
  • Specialist in all types of Road Traffic Accident Claims and Litigation, including Car Accidents, Cycling Accidents and Motorbike Accidents.
  • Ellis can Fast Track your Road Traffic Accident Claim, so you get your compensation as soon as possible.
  • Contact Ellis today for a free initial consultation to determine if you’re entitled to a Road Traffic Accident Claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

The amount you can claim following a loved one’s death in a car crash will depend on your circumstances. Spouses, civil partners and parents of under-18s will receive a bereavement award of £17,200. But you may also be entitled to a larger amount of general damages and special damages. Please arrange a free initial consultation to discuss your circumstances for more detailed guidance on the amount of compensation you could be owed.
Medical negligence compensation varies considerably depending on the circumstances of your loved one’s death, the nature of the negligence involved and the financial impact of the loss on your life. Get in touch for free legal advice on your case and guidance on the level of compensation you’re entitled to.
A straightforward fatal accident claim could be settled in as little as 12 months. In complicated cases, cases where liability is not accepted, or there are criminal proceedings taking place, a claim may take much longer.
If criminal proceedings are taking place, the PSNI and PPS believe there is evidence that criminal negligence played a part in your loved one’s death. In those circumstances, it makes sense to have all of the evidence and await any criminal verdicts reached by the court before agreeing on compensation.

We will support you through any criminal proceedings and seek interim compensation payments to make sure you don’t suffer financially because of a criminal case.

This will depend on the circumstances in which your loved one lost their life, but it is certainly possible for someone to be pursued for a fatal accident or wrongful death claim even if a criminal court has acquitted them of related charges. One of our experienced fatal accident solicitors will be able to offer advice on the specifics of your case.

Let Us Take Care of Your Fatal Accident Claim

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal accident in Northern Ireland, we’re here to support you as you seek compensation for their wrongful death. Arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our fatal accident solicitors today.

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      Client Testimonials

      Client Testimonials

      William Campbell
      William Campbell
      16:37 13 Nov 19
      Great if you get stuck in a jam with the local police.
      Harry Walmsley
      Harry Walmsley
      14:51 22 Aug 19
      Brilliant solicitor. Thank you.
      Andrew Aicken
      Andrew Aicken
      08:51 20 Apr 18
      Great service from a professional company. Eilis McQuillan handled a case for me and was outstanding. I was kept informed at every stage and would recommend Reid Black without hesitation.
      Victoria J
      Victoria J
      10:12 18 May 18
      I would highly recommend this company and I have used them a few times . Absolutely Fantastic company .
      Alan Cromie
      Alan Cromie
      14:54 08 Nov 15
      I approached Reid Black Solicitors having known Hamill Clawson for many years as a good dependable lawyer and having been badly let down and grossly overcharged by another solicitor. He referred me to his colleague, David French who was very approachable and went out of his way to help resolve matters equitably in a timely and stress free manner.As a busy professional, this invaluable advice from Hamill and, especially his partner David was greatly appreciated. I am impressed by the high standard of service offered by this Firm and would recommended their services without caveat.read more
      Stephen Lavery
      Stephen Lavery
      09:12 21 Feb 20
      1st class service. Case was resolved quickly, handled with sensitivity and professionalism. Couldn’t recommend Eilis highly enough. Very happy.
      David Hogg
      David Hogg
      12:07 09 Mar 20
      Very helpful....quick results...
      Conor Mccomish
      Conor Mccomish
      21:47 25 Jul 20
      David helped me get a licence reinstated with the council. Very fast, efficient and professional service. I would highly recommend this company.
      mike naylor
      mike naylor
      09:41 06 Sep 20
      Great business
      Seema King
      Seema King
      17:07 30 Sep 20
      Highly recommend Reid Black Solicitors. David French handled my case and guided me step by step. Very fast and professional. Made my whole experience stress free. Couldn't be more thankful. 🙂
      Jonathan Loughlin
      Jonathan Loughlin
      16:52 29 Nov 20
      Highly experienced staff have helped me massively and would recommend them to anyone 10☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
      Shaun Leese
      Shaun Leese
      13:18 31 Mar 21
      Worked with Karen Cox on house purchase. Fantastic service!
      Adrian Bodle
      Adrian Bodle
      14:57 23 Jul 21
      I would highly recommend Reid Black Solicitors. my experience was totally stress free and easy from the start. David handled my case in a professional manner, notifying me every step of the way. Thank you for all your hard work. A1read more
      James Cullen
      James Cullen
      14:53 23 Jul 21
      Had the best service from all at Reid black from David and Karen who dealt with my claim, all in all a great service I would highly recommend this Company to anybody wanting a professional service, thankyou to everyone at your office. odyread more
      TONIK TZW (tonik_tzw)
      TONIK TZW (tonik_tzw)
      14:17 29 Jul 21
      Reid and Black were absolutely outstanding and extremely professional in their handling of my case, They were well organised, timely and informative in their updates as the case progressed. The outcome was even better than anticipated which can only be due to the excellent knowledge, tenacity and determination in seeking a satisfactory outcome. I would highly recommend their services to anyone.read more
      Phoebe Brigginshaw
      Phoebe Brigginshaw
      17:09 08 Dec 21
      Karen was wonderful and took fantastic card of us as first time buyers. Excellent service all round, thank you so much!
      David Raeburn
      David Raeburn
      11:48 10 Feb 22
      I would like to thank Reid Black solicitors for the outstanding work you have done for all the veterans who have mostly suffered in silence and would never have thought to start any sort of compensation claim against the MOD,also to find out that your firm does not take a penny from the veteran's settlement just shows the amazing integrity of Reid Black.read more
      Luke Tedford
      Luke Tedford
      12:26 31 Mar 22
      Just want to start off by Thanking Eilis for helping me through everything. I arrived in with very little expectations to get anywhere and I came out with exactly what I wanted, all thanks to the hard work and dedication of Eilis. When I first met Eilis she gave me the warmest reception and was fully understanding and complient with what I wanted. The best solicitors in Belfast hands down! would very highly recommend to anyone!read more
      Jude Campbell
      Jude Campbell
      13:18 11 May 22
      We would like to thank Reid Black Solicitors and specifically David French for helping us in a recent professional negligence case. His professionalism was a breath of fresh air and the positive outcome we received has been a weight off our shoulders, we would highly recommend David and his team.read more
      CJ MCKIMM
      CJ MCKIMM
      11:13 05 Jun 22
      A big thanks to David and the team for sorting out my hearing loss claim. Very professional, polite and efficient throughout.
      Leonidasz Rafael
      Leonidasz Rafael
      14:29 25 Jun 22
      at this location The staff is very kind quick helpful hilarious Mr Hamill very professional defense attorney I recommend to everyone protection and tranquility are highly guaranteed always provides the best and fastest help if you are looking for the best defense attorney Mr Hamill 💯💯read more
      James Tate
      James Tate
      22:28 26 Aug 22
      Excellent attraction staff super.
      Jennifer McCann
      Jennifer McCann
      14:25 10 Oct 23
      They are a fantastic company to represent you
      Russdamuss
      Russdamuss
      07:02 26 Nov 23
      Was recommended Reid Black by others on my claim from the MOD. From start to end this company have been brilliant in particular DF whom was personally dealing with my case. If you are looking for a professional solicitors to deal with claims against the MOD look no further. Thank you all at Reid Blackread more
      tomsturdy1
      tomsturdy1
      09:51 28 Nov 23
      I cannot recommend this firm highly enough. For any ex army out there with hearing problems please contact them. The process was easy and more importantly they do not take any money from you unlike a lot of firms that take up to 33%. I thoroughly recommend Reid Black.read more
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