Our Fatal Medical Negligence Solicitors are by your side at every step. We can assist you to get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Fatality Claims.
- Medical Fatality Specialists
- Legal 500 Recommendations
- Chambers UK Band 1 for Clinical Negligence
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Claiming for Death by Medical Negligence.
When the loss of a loved one could have been prevented, the grief is often accompanied by shock, anger, and an overwhelming need for answers.
At Lanyon Bowdler, we understand that no amount of compensation can ever replace the person you have lost. But pursuing a Fatal Medical Negligence Claim can help bring clarity, secure justice, and ensure your family is supported, both emotionally and financially, as you face the road ahead. These claims also play an important role in highlighting failings within the healthcare system, helping to prevent similar tragedies in future.
Our specialist medical negligence solicitors approach every case with empathy, discretion, and unwavering dedication. We will take time to understand your situation and the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s care, working with leading medical experts to determine whether their death resulted from substandard treatment.
We are here to support you with compassion and professionalism at every step of your medical negligence claim, whether you are seeking accountability, financial support for dependants, or simply the truth. You do not need to face this alone. We’re here to listen, to guide you, and to help ensure your loved one’s voice is heard.
Can I make a Medical Fatality Claim?
In order to make a successful claim for Medical Negligence Death Compensation, you must prove two basic facts:
- The practitioner or healthcare organisation in charge of the care of the deceased committed a breach of their duty of care towards the patient.
- The breach of the duty of care is clearly related to the death of the patient.
Because of the nature of these cases, claims are brought forward by family members or loved ones. Following a fatality or wrongful death, there are two types of claims you are able to make.
The executor, administrator or personal representative of the estate can claim compensation for the pain and suffering of the deceased and their ‘loss of amenity’. This refers to the loss of the enjoyment of life, such as being unable to indulge in hobbies and interests.
Pain and suffering arise where death has been caused by a disease or condition with a lengthy period of suffering.
If this ‘loss of amenity’, pain and suffering was a result of medical negligence, then a claim for general damages can be made. However, no claim for future financial losses can be brought on behalf of the estate.
A claim can be brought by dependents of the deceased if they can show that they were, in fact, dependent or reliant upon the deceased in some way. Dependency essentially is a matter of fact and involves asking whether the dependent had a prospect of obtaining a financial benefit or services from the deceased.
The most common example of this is when a man dies as a result of clinical negligence and his wife previously relied upon his wage to maintain a certain quality of life. She is therefore entitled to compensation for the loss of income. If he was self-employed it would be loss of profit. It is likely that their children would also be dependent on that income.
Dependency can also cover things such as a company car or health insurance, and other fringe benefits associated with work. It may also include less tangible services – anything with a financial benefit, ranging from care, DIY or gardening to important matters such as the loss of a mother’s service when she tragically dies.
As well as proving dependency, claimants must show they are within one of the categories of people set out in the Act. This list has changed to reflect social developments over the years. Dependents are defined as the surviving spouse or cohabitee of the opposite sex, who has lived with the victim for more than two years, children or parents, or those persons treated as children or parents, grandchildren or grandparents.
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 must now also be taken into consideration by solicitors when determining who is dependent in a medical fatality claim.
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Our Medical Fatality Claims Expertise
The Medical Negligence Team is recognised in Tier 1 for the West Midlands in the 2026 edition of Legal 500. A testimonial reads “The clinical negligence team at Lanyon Bowdler are committed, passionate, compassionate and caring. They take time to fully understand their client’s needs and wishes and provide the necessary support and care to holistically manage their client’s case.”
Chambers UK 2026 rank the department in Band 1 in the Midlands and state “an impressive practice group with a growing presence across the West Midlands. The team offers specialist advice across the full gamut of clinical negligence mandates, with particular experience in cases of surgical error, delayed diagnosis and failure to supervise those at risk of suicide. The firm is additionally skilled in cases relating to post-surgical negligence, brain injury and fatal claims.”
Lanyon Bowdler were shortlisted at the 2024 Personal Injury Awards for Outstanding Case of the Year, having also been shortlisted for the Team of the Year award in 2022 which they had previously won in 2018.
Department head Beth Heath, won Clinical Negligence Lawyer of the Year in 2022.
The Personal Injury Awards provides a unique opportunity to highlight and celebrate the excellence of individuals and organisations across the sector. The team is both proud and delighted to be recognised.
Your Medical Fatality Compensation questions answered
Mistakes or omissions in medical care can sometimes have devastating consequences. Tragically, there are cases where these failings result in death due to medical negligence. Such circumstances can arise in a variety of ways, including:
- GP’s failure to diagnose worrying symptoms or failing to instruct the correct treatment
- Surgical errors made during routine surgery
- Anaesthetist errors that lead to an overdose of painkillers or that cause a lack of oxygen to the brain
- Prescription of incorrect drugs or doses of drugs
- Mistakes made in A&E
- Insufficient protection or monitoring of a mental health patient who is a suicide risk
- Cosmetic surgery complications
- Contraction of a hospital infection by vulnerable patients (children and the elderly)
The list above is certainly not exhaustive. Often, we can add a great deal of value to the investigation surrounding the death of a loved one under the care of medical professionals. In some cases, an inquest may be sought, or a post-mortem may be required if the cause of death is unknown or disputed.
Above all else, we will help you get justice for your loved one and help secure the compensation and closure your family deserves.
Claims for compensation for death due to medical negligence have been known to settle for a wide range of amounts, from a few thousands pounds to over £1 million. Each fatal medical negligence claim is unique, and it is impossible to give a general estimate on what your case would be valued without an assessment from our team. However, we can outline the process of how the value of your claim is calculated.
Firstly, eligible dependants may receive a statutory bereavement award for the death of a relative or loved one. This is currently valued at £15,120 – more details lower down in this page.
In addition to the flat rate of bereavement award, dependants will be able to claim compensation for a medical negligence related death as outlined in the Judicial College Guidelines. The range specified for this amount, which is effectively the General Damages or PSLA part of your compensation award for a medical fatality, is £15,300 to £29,060.
You may also be able to claim for Special Damages for a medical negligence death claim. These may include reimbursements for:
- Funeral expenses
- Dependency costs if you relied on the earnings of the deceased
- Loss of services, such as childcare or housework provided by the deceased
- Loss of consortium, meaning the loss of companionship
To find out how much your claim could be worth, contact Lanyon Bowdler today. Our expert ‘No Win No Fee’ Medical Negligence Death Solicitors will be able to guide you through the process of calculating, filing, and settling your claim for death due to medical negligence. Our legal support means that you can be sure to be in safe hands in such a difficult time, and we can help you bring a claim to the practitioner, trust, or hospital that has caused the loss of a loved one.
As well as claiming damages for dependency, the Act also provides for a statutory award for bereavement. The categories of dependents who can claim the bereavement award are limited. If a husband or a wife dies, then the remaining spouse can claim for bereavement. If a child dies, then the parents can claim for bereavement if the child is a legitimate minor. If the child is an illegitimate minor, then the mother alone can claim bereavement.
The law allows for the following modest amounts to be recovered as a bereavement award in a medical negligence death pay-out:
- For deaths before 01 January 2008 – £10,000
- For deaths on or after 01 January 2008 – £11,800
- For deaths on or after 05 March 2013 – £12,980
- For deaths on or after 01 May 2020 – £15,120
Cases for compensation for death due to negligence are often complicated because of the large amount of money involved. As such, it is vital to build a strong case with good evidence of wrongdoing.
Some of the types of evidence you may require to claims for medical negligence death compensation are:
- Medical records related to the care of the deceased, especially in the weeks and months approaching their death.
- A report clearly stating the cause of death, likely from a coroner.
- Test results for the deceased from a time close to their death.
- Witness statements from others who can testify to the standard of care the deceased received.
Our Medical Negligence Death specialists can help you collect evidence and build a strong case that is more likely to receive the award it deserves. Contact us today.
Yes, your claim for compensation related to a medical negligence death is subject to time limits. This is typically 3 years from the date of death, although some exceptions may apply.
Note that while the Court may have the power to extend or otherwise modify this time limit, this is very rare and it should not be generally relied upon. If you are reaching the end of your claim’s eligibility, please contact Lanyon Bowdler today to find out how we can help.
What our clients say.
The team at Lanyon Bowdler have been nothing but highly professional, supportive, understanding and have excellent communication skills.
Navigating medical negligence is exhausting, but having a firm that combines rigorous professional standards with genuine heart made all the difference. We are so grateful for their dedication to justice for our family.
From our very first meeting, it was clear that we were in capable and caring hands. This was a deeply delicate and complicated case involving significant suffering for both the individual and our entire family.
The solicitors were brilliant and I was happy with the outcome of the claim.
…(the positive outcome) was down to the professionalism and competency of the Lanyon Bowdler team, and we will be forever grateful.
You have been exceptional in managing my expectations and explaining the processes to me. You have managed to navigate the very difficult and emotional turmoil that I have experienced during the course of this process.
I could not have asked for a more sensitive and thorough approach. I am grateful to you for securing the outcome that we sought, but more than that I am thankful to you for the kindness that you have shown to me.
From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.
I contacted Lanyon Bowdler for advice on a Welsh Redress offer I received after a recent never event incident that happened during my ectopic pregnancy procedure. The advice and service I received from the very first phone call was fantastic. The advice and information from Emma Hart was clear and her approach was professional while being in a friendly manor. I was kept fully aware of what was happening and I am so thankful to her for sorting everything so quick and easy on my behalf. Her service was truly amazing.
Was satisfied with the work they’ve done for my family, my experience with them all was very good and welcoming thank you all involved.
Communication was second to none. Thank you.
Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.
I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.
All work carried out effectively and efficiently.
An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.
From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.
Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.
Over the last seven years I have been represented by Lanyon Bowdler in a clinical negligence case. Throughout this time, I put my complete trust in the firm and they did not let me down.
My solicitor kept me informed on everything in the five years that it took to have a successful claim.
Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.
I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.
Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.
Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.
Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.
Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.
Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.
We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.
Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice
Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.
Our first experience with a medical claim has been made that much more painless by the clear and consistent advice provided to date, thank you.
Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.
Related services.
Contact Our Fatal Medical Negligence Claim Experts
Losing a loved one is devastating in any circumstance, but when their death was the result of substandard medical care, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. If you believe that negligence played a part in their passing, you may be able to pursue a medical negligence death compensation.
Our specialist Fatal Medical Negligence Solicitors understand that no amount of compensation can ease your grief, but seeking accountability can be a vital step toward closure and future security. As part of our highly regarded team, our experienced medical negligence lawyers are here to provide clear, compassionate support at every stage of the legal process.
We have extensive experience representing families who have suffered tragic losses due to delays in treatment, surgical errors, misdiagnosis, and poor hospital care. We regularly act for clients on fatal medical negligence claims in Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales, and are recognised as leading Fatal Medical Negligence Solicitors for Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Worcester.
At Lanyon Bowdler, we are proud to be a full service law firm in Wales, with offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Conwy, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, and Telford. Wherever you are based, we are ready to support you with kindness, expertise, and unwavering commitment.
If you have lost someone due to medical failings, we will listen with care, explain your options clearly, and stand with you as you take the next step forward.
Speak to us in confidence. We listen and we care.
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