The Department of Justice has announced a welcome increase to the statutory bereavement award for Northern Ireland, with the fixed amount rising from £17,200 to £19,700. This change will take effect from 1st December 2025 and is set out fully in the Damages for Bereavement (Variation of Sum) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025.
Under the Fatal Accidents (Northern Ireland) Order 1977, spouses, civil partners, and parents of children under 18 who have died as a result of the negligence of another, are entitled to make a claim for such a payment. These damages apply no matter the nature of the fatal accident (e.g medical negligence, personal injury, work accident, road traffic accident or industrial disease), and a claim must be brought within 3 years of the accident, subject to a limited number of exceptions.
The statutory award was last revised in 2022 and while the pending increase is welcome, we acknowledge that this award does not compensate any family for the loss of a loved one.
If you have lost a close family member as a result of negligence, our dedicated personal injury team can assist you and provide expert advice surrounding a potential action for damages, the statutory damages award, and other heads of compensation including funeral expenses, legal costs, loss of your loved one’s income or pension, and damages for pain and suffering.
If you have any queries and would like further advice on pursuing a personal injury claim, please contact Katrina Lagan on [email protected] or contact 02890 434015.
028 9043 4015 