This book provides a practical guide to the law of claims following fatal accidents and the rights of action on death. It covers in particular claims which continue on behalf of the estate and which are governed by the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934. In addition, it examines the workings of the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 ranging from the definition of dependants to the types of loss which are recoverable and how these are assessed. It also looks at the procedure which follows a fatal accident claim from the first days in the coroners' court to the final days in the county court. Introduction Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934 7Claims on behalf of the estate 7Claims which do not survive Fatal Accidents Act 1976 7Definition of dependancy 7Categories of dependant 7Impact of Human Rights Act 1998 7Law Commission Proposals 7Fretwell v Willi Betz (2001) 8 March, unreported 7Arising out of the dependancy 7Damages for bereavement 7Funeral expenses 7Gammell v Wilson 1981 1 All ER 578 Assessment of damages 7Davies v Powell Duffryn Associated Collieries Ltd 1942 AC 601 7Level of dependancy 7Valuing mother's care 7Harris v Empress Motors 1984 1 WLR 212 7Multiplier 7Section 3(2): prospects of re-marriage 7Section 4: benefits arising as a result of death 7Examples of benefits which may be disregarded Procedure 7Gathering of evidence 7Coroner's Court 7Magistrates' Court 7Civil Action Readership: Solicitors and barristers, insurers, the courts