FAQs

The law restricts claims to dependents: a surviving spouse or civil partner, children, parents (in some circumstances), and sometimes other relatives who were financially dependent on the person who died. Broadly, anyone who relied on the deceased for financial support has a potential claim, but the rules are strict about who qualifies. It's important to take advice early, as there are time limits and the rules can be complex.

The bereavement award is a statutory sum (currently £15,120) available to certain relatives, namely a surviving spouse or civil partner and parents of a child who died. Only one claim can be made per death, regardless of how many relatives might otherwise qualify, and the payment goes to whoever has the legal right to make the claim. It's a fixed amount, not calculated on loss or need.

If you relied on the deceased for financial support, the claim covers your lost income for the period you would have received it: until retirement age or, for children, until they complete education or become independent. The calculation considers the deceased's likely earnings, the proportion they contributed to your household costs, and how long that support would have continued. These claims can be substantial, but the amount depends on the individual circumstances.

An inquest is a fact-finding hearing held by the coroner to establish the cause of death and the circumstances. If the death resulted from someone else's fault, the inquest evidence often establishes liability, saving the need for later litigation. Witnesses give evidence, including expert witnesses, and the coroner records findings. We can represent the family at the inquest and use the findings to support any personal injury claim that follows.

There's no fixed timescale. If the inquest clarifies liability, the claim can move to compensation negotiations and settlement within months. If liability is disputed and legal proceedings are needed, claims take longer. We understand that families are already under extreme stress and do everything possible to avoid unnecessary delay, but the complexity of the case and the court's schedule will affect the timeline.