Fatal maritime/offshore accident claims

What is a fatal maritime/offshore accident?

Fatal maritime or offshore accidents refer to incidents that occur at sea or in offshore working environments, such as oil rigs, fishing vessels, cargo ships, or wind farms, resulting in the death of an individual. These environments are inherently hazardous, and fatalities can result from a range of causes including equipment failure, falls from height, explosions, poor safety practices, weather conditions, or navigational errors.

Due to the complex nature of maritime law and offshore employment regulations, pursuing a fatal accident claim in these circumstances requires specialist legal knowledge. Whether the incident occurred in UK waters or internationally, our experienced team is equipped to advise on the appropriate legal route available to you.

Can you claim compensation for a fatal maritime or offshore accident?

Yes, the dependants or the estate of the deceased may be entitled to claim compensation if the death was caused by the negligence or breach of duty of a third party – such as an employer, a ship operator, or a maintenance contractor. Compensation may be sought under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 and can cover:

• Loss of financial dependency
• Loss of services provided by the deceased
• Funeral expenses
• Bereavement damages
• Loss of consortium or companionship

A claim may also be brought for any pain or suffering experienced by the deceased prior to death, under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934.

Every case is different, and our legal team will assess your individual circumstances to determine whether you may have a valid claim and what level of compensation you could be entitled to.

Why choose Stephensons?

At Stephensons, we are recognised as a leading national law firm with established expertise in personal injury and fatal accident claims. Our legal team is accredited by the Law Society and we are members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). This reflects our commitment to high professional standards and our success in representing clients in complex and sensitive cases.

We adopt a compassionate and pragmatic approach, working with clients across the UK to secure the justice and compensation they deserve. With decades of experience in handling fatal accident claims, including those involving offshore and maritime incidents, our solicitors understand the nuances of applicable legislation, such as the Merchant Shipping Act and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) offshore regulations.

How we can help

Our specialist fatal accident solicitors will guide you through every step of the claims process. This includes:

• Investigating the circumstances of the accident
• Obtaining evidence and expert witness reports
• Liaising with coroner’s inquests and regulatory bodies
• Determining liability and pursuing the responsible party
• Calculating the full extent of your financial losses
• Negotiating settlements or representing you at court if necessary

We offer initial advice without obligation and may be able to represent you on a no win, no fee basis, depending on the merits of your case.

Who can make a fatal maritime/offshore accident claim?

Claims are typically brought by the deceased’s dependants – such as a spouse, civil partner, children, or financially dependent family members. The personal representative of the deceased’s estate can also bring a claim on behalf of the estate. Our solicitors will help you understand who is eligible to claim and advise on the most appropriate legal avenue.

Time limits for claiming

There are strict time limits for making a fatal accident claim. In most cases, the claim must be brought within three years from the date of death or from the date when the death was linked to negligence. However, maritime and offshore claims can involve international laws and conventions that may have shorter time limits, and exceptions may apply, therefore we recommend seeking legal advice as soon as possible to avoid missing any critical deadlines.

Contact us

If you have lost a loved one in a maritime or offshore accident and believe their death was caused by negligence, please call us on 0161 696 6235 to speak with one of our specialist personal injury solicitors. Alternatively, complete our enquiry form and we will call you back at a convenient time.

Frequently asked questions about fatal maritime/offshore accident claims

How long does a fatal offshore accident claim take?

The duration of a claim depends on its complexity and whether the responsible party accepts liability. Straightforward cases may conclude within 6 to 24 months, while more complex or contested cases can take longer.

What evidence will I need to support my claim?

Evidence may include accident reports, witness statements, medical records, financial documentation, expert reports, and coroner’s findings. Our team will assist in gathering all necessary evidence.

Can I claim if the death occurred outside UK waters?

Yes, it may still be possible to claim. Maritime law often allows for claims when UK citizens are involved, even if the incident occurred internationally. Our solicitors will advise on the jurisdiction and legal route applicable to your case.

Will I need to go to court?

Many fatal accident claims are settled outside of court. However, if a settlement cannot be agreed upon or liability is disputed, your solicitor will represent you in court proceedings.

What compensation can I expect?

Compensation varies depending on the circumstances of the case and the extent of financial and emotional dependency. Our solicitors will provide a tailored assessment once the relevant information has been reviewed.