The government has announced that as from 6 October 2020 certain cohabitees will be entitled to claim for bereavement damages in the event that a loved one is lost in the circumstances of a successful personal injury/clinical negligence claim.
The Fatal Accidents Act 1976 has been amended to include such claims provided that the cohabiting partner of the deceased must have lived with the deceased for at least 2 years before the date of death.
The change in the law will also only apply to personal injury/clinical negligence claims which occur on or after 6 October 2020 and is therefore not going to be retrospective.
Other amendments have also been introduced in the circumstances where a spouse/civil partner/parents may have competing claims.
The current amount of the award is £15,120 and is in addition to all the other financial losses caused by the death of the loss of a loved one.
If you require representation/assistance in such claims please do not hesitate to contact George Owens and Phil Weaver at the St Austell office on 01726 879333.