Overview

Before any schedule is drafted or evidence obtained, the right questions must be asked. This webinar provides a clear and practical introduction to the legal framework governing fatal accident claims, focusing on early case assessment and strategic issue-spotting.

Grounded in the principles of the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 and related estate claims under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934, the session explains how to determine — at the outset — whether a viable claim exists, who has standing to bring it, and how different causes of action interact.

Through structured guidance and practical examples, participants will gain confidence in distinguishing between dependency claims and estate claims, identifying eligible claimants, and avoiding common early-stage errors that can undermine otherwise meritorious cases.

This session is essential viewing for lawyers new to fatal accident litigation and for experienced practitioners seeking to refine their early case analysis.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Identify when a fatal accident claim can (and cannot) be brought, including key statutory requirements and limitation considerations.

• Determine who is entitled to bring a claim, including identifying qualifying dependants under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.

• Assess financial dependency in practice, including evidencing and quantifying dependency claims.

• Distinguish accurately between Fatal Accidents Act claims and estate claims, understanding the separate causes of action and recoverable heads of loss.

• Conduct effective early-stage case analysis to minimise procedural and strategic errors.