Death and Dependency Claims

What is a death or dependency claim?

A death or dependency claim may arise when a person dies as a result of another person’s negligence and leaves people who depended on them for support.

These claims focus on the impact of the death on surviving family members and dependants, including financial and practical support that has been lost.

Who can be affected?

Death and dependency claims commonly involve:

• • partners or spouses
  • children
  • sometimes other family members who were financially dependent

 In some cases, close family members may also suffer a recognised psychiatric injury as a result of the death, called a nervous shock claim. 

How does James Law approach these matters?

These matters are handled with care and restraint. 

We explain how death and dependency claims work, what information is needed, and whether the law supports further steps. Not every tragic death results in a legal claim, and not every claim should proceed.

Where the evidence does not support continuing, we explain that honestly.

Are there time limits?

Yes. Death and dependency claims are subject to strict time limits.

In most cases:

• • notice must be given within set timeframes
  • court proceedings must be started within three years 

Missing these time limits can prevent a claim from proceeding.