When someone close to you dies because of an accident that could have been prevented, it is not just a tragedy. It raises real and difficult questions. You may be left wondering what went wrong, who was responsible and how you are expected to move forward. At a time when nothing feels steady, it helps to speak with someone who can give you honest, practical guidance without pressure.
When someone close to you dies because of an accident that could have been prevented, it is not just a tragedy. It raises real and difficult questions. You may be left wondering what went wrong, who was responsible and how you are expected to move forward. At a time when nothing feels steady, it helps to speak with someone who can give you honest, practical guidance without pressure.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we do not use big promises or scripted sympathy. We focus on what the law allows, what your rights are and how best to protect your family’s future. Fatal accident claims are not about compensation alone. They are about truth, accountability and ensuring that those left behind are not left struggling.
We have worked with families across Clare and the west of Ireland in the aftermath of sudden, preventable loss. Many come to us unsure if they even have a claim. Others are concerned about how to approach the process without adding to their distress. Our role is to steady the ground, explain things clearly and take on the burden of dealing with the legal side while you focus on your own priorities.
If you are trying to make sense of what happened or feel that something important has been ignored, we are ready to listen. The first step is a quiet conversation.
Speak to Crimmins Howard Solicitors in complete confidence today.
In Ireland, fatal accident claims are brought on behalf of the deceased’s dependants those who were financially or emotionally supported by the person who died. These claims are governed by Part 4 of the Civil Liability Act 1961, which outlines who may bring a claim and how it should be handled.
Only one fatal injury claim can be made in relation to a person’s death. This claim must be brought by one of the eligible dependants, acting on behalf of all others. It is usually best when the family agrees who that person should be, but if there is no agreement, the Court can decide how any award is shared among those affected.
Statutory dependants who may be entitled to claim include:
The relationship must be genuine, and in some cases, proof of dependency may be required. For example, a parent who lived with their adult child and relied on them financially might be able to bring a claim, even if they were not named in a will.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we handle these matters with discretion and care. We understand that family dynamics can be sensitive, particularly when grief is still fresh. If you are unsure who should act as the lead claimant, or what your position might be as a dependant, we can provide calm and clear advice to help you make informed decisions.
Fatal accident claims can arise from many different situations, but they all share one thing in common—the loss could have been prevented if proper care or safety measures had been followed. When someone dies because another person or organisation failed in their legal duty, the law gives the family a right to seek accountability and financial support.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we have seen fatal injury cases emerge from a wide range of tragic circumstances. Some of the most common include:
Each case is different, and we take the time to investigate the full picture. If you have lost someone suddenly and believe it could have been prevented, our team can help you explore what happened and what can be done next.
A fatal accident claim does not try to put a value on a person’s life. It focuses instead on the very real financial and emotional impact of their loss. The law in Ireland allows certain family members or dependants to claim compensation for specific types of loss. These are meant to help support families left behind and to ease some of the burdens that follow a sudden death.
You may be entitled to claim for:
These expenses must be documented with receipts wherever possible.
This part of the claim often requires documentation such as payslips, contracts or pension records.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we make sure no detail is missed. Every loss emotional, financial or practical is considered carefully. Our role is to ensure your family is not left carrying a burden that should be shared by those responsible.
In some fatal accident cases, the emotional toll on a loved one goes far beyond grief. If you have suffered a recognised psychiatric injury after witnessing or learning of a sudden death, you may be entitled to bring a nervous shock claim. This is a separate legal action and can be taken in addition to a fatal accident claim.
Nervous shock refers to a medically diagnosed mental or emotional condition that results from either seeing the fatal event itself or arriving at the scene very shortly after. This might include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression or other psychiatric trauma. Ordinary sadness or heartbreak, however real, is not enough the injury must meet a specific legal and medical standard.
To qualify for a nervous shock claim in Ireland, you generally need to show:
These claims are especially relevant in situations like fatal road collisions, workplace deaths or medical errors, where family members arrive quickly or witness events unfold in real time.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we treat these cases with exceptional care. We understand how difficult it can be to revisit the details, and we only move at a pace that suits you. If you have experienced trauma after a loved one’s death and feel it has affected your health or wellbeing, we can help you understand if a nervous shock claim is an option.
In Ireland, fatal accident claims are subject to strict legal time limits. These deadlines are known as the Statute of Limitations, and missing them may prevent a claim from going ahead.
In most cases, the time limit is two years from the date of death. That means the family must start legal proceedings within two years of when the person passed away, not necessarily when the accident happened.
However, there are some important exceptions:
Given how easily deadlines can pass without warning, it is always best to get legal advice as early as possible even if you are still waiting on inquest findings or investigations. Early involvement gives us time to gather records, assess eligibility and protect your family’s right to bring a claim.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we help families act in time, with no pressure and full support at every stage.
Yes. A fatal accident claim is a civil matter. It does not require a criminal conviction or prosecution. If someone else’s actions or failings contributed to the death whether proven in court or not you may still have a valid claim.
The maximum solatium payment for emotional distress is €35,000. This amount is shared between all qualifying dependants. If there is agreement, it can be divided informally. If not, the court will decide how it is allocated based on each person’s relationship to the deceased.
You may still bring a claim. In Irish law, this is known as contributory negligence. If the deceased was partly responsible, any award may be reduced, but not necessarily denied. Each case is judged on its specific facts.
It is strongly recommended. Receipts help ensure that all reasonable funeral costs including burial, headstone, wake, and travel are included in the claim. If you are unsure what qualifies, we can help you review everything.
Only one claim may be brought, but it must be made on behalf of all dependants. Where more than one family is affected such as in blended families or where parents and a partner are both involved the courts can divide compensation between them based on dependency and closeness.
Many claims settle outside court through negotiation. However, if agreement cannot be reached, court proceedings may be necessary. We will prepare everything and represent your family throughout.
If you are facing unanswered questions after a sudden death, we can help you find clarity. We work quietly, carefully and with respect for what your family has been through. You will not be rushed or overwhelmed. Just steady, local support from people who listen. Speak to Crimmins Howard Solicitors in complete confidence when you are ready.
