Loss Of Dependency Claims
In fatal accident cases it is normal to claim a dependency percentage of two thirds if there are no minor children and 75% for the period when there are minor children. However, we have been able to achieve dependency percentages for our clients of up to 90% by carrying out a forensic analysis of the income and expenditure of the family prior to the fatal accident.
We work closely with the surviving spouse and any accountant that has previously been employed by the family.
We will also consider the application of the methods suggested by the Ogden working party for calculating multipliers in fatal accident cases. This detailed method (as set out in the 4th edition Ogden Tables ) can be compared to the multipliers calculated at the date of the death and appropriate consideration of the value of a claim can then be made.
If you have any cases where you hear that the deceased was particularly generous to the spouse or to the children, then you should consider instructing us to advise on the dependency percentages. A substantially higher percentage than normal could be achieved and this, of course, substantially increases the overall claim for loss of dependency.
