Fatal Accident Claims
If a family member or loved one has been killed due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to pursue compensation through a fatal accident claim or wrongful death claim. Tragically, some accidents result in death immediately or following complications from catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage. In New Brunswick, surviving relatives may bring special statutory claims for wrongful death that seek compensation for funeral costs, grief, loss of companionship, loss of financial support, and other pecuniary losses. In some cases, catastrophic injury claims that existed prior to death can also be continued by the estate or family members.
Our firm has over 35 years of experience representing families in fatal accident and wrongful death claims throughout Fredericton and across New Brunswick. As seasoned catastrophic injury attorneys, we are committed to advocating for the rights of injured individuals and their loved ones. Our legal team exclusively represents victims, not insurers, and we are trained in trauma-informed practices to provide both strong legal advocacy and compassionate support as you navigate the legal system. We work tirelessly to help you pursue justice and recover the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Fatal Accident and Wrongful Death Claims
A fatal accident claim or wrongful death claim may be brought when an individual’s death is caused by the negligence of another party. In New Brunswick, two primary statutes govern how these claims are handled and what compensation may be available to surviving family members or the deceased’s estate.
The first, the Fatal Accidents Act, permits eligible family members to pursue compensation for losses that arise directly from the death of a loved one. The types of damages awarded vary based on the relationship to the deceased. For example, parents may seek compensation for loss of companionship and grief if a dependent child has passed away, while children may pursue damages for loss of guidance and support after the death of a parent. Additional recoverable losses under this Act include funeral expenses and other pecuniary losses related to the death.
The second statute, the Survival of Actions Act, allows the estate of the deceased to pursue claims that the individual could have brought had they survived. This is especially relevant when catastrophic injuries are sustained, and there is a period of time between the incident and the individual’s passing. In these situations, the estate may be entitled to recover damages for catastrophic injury claims, including pain, suffering, and financial expenses incurred before death.
In many cases, both types of claims may be applicable. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand which damages apply in your unique situation and guide you through the process of securing compensation after a catastrophic loss.
Why Hire a Fatal Accident or Wrongful Death Lawyer in New Brunswick
Pursuing a fatal accident claim or wrongful death claim can be an emotionally and legally complex process. These cases often involve catastrophic injuries and challenging questions of liability, especially when there’s a gap between the incident and the victim’s passing. Claims can take months—or even years—to resolve and require an in-depth understanding of both the Fatal Accidents Act and Survival of Actions Act in New Brunswick.
The law surrounding wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims is continually evolving. In many cases, there is limited legal precedent on the amount and types of damages that can be recovered, including pecuniary losses, grief, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses. That’s why it is critical to work with a lawyer who has deep knowledge of relevant case law, statutory interpretation, and courtroom strategy.
There are also strict limitation periods in New Brunswick that govern when a fatal accident or wrongful death claim must be filed. Failing to act within these deadlines may result in the loss of your legal right to seek compensation. A skilled lawyer can ensure these dates are met, protect your rights, and preserve essential evidence early in the process.
At Melanson Law, our team has over 35 years of experience representing families in wrongful death and fatal accident claims across New Brunswick. We are well-versed in the nuances of these claims and have a proven track record of securing fair settlements and outcomes for grieving families. Our lawyers are trained in trauma-informed practices, and we take care to manage every case with the compassion and professionalism it deserves.
Whether your case involves catastrophic injuries, complex liability issues, or a challenging claims process, Melanson Law is here to help you navigate every step with clarity, respect, and expertise.
Our Experienced Fatal Accident and Wrongful Death Claim Lawyers
Melanson Law is led by the father-daughter legal team of Brent and Jessica Melanson. Brent has over 35 years of experience handling fatal accident claims and wrongful death claims, and Jessica has been representing clients in catastrophic injury claims and serious personal injury matters for over a decade. Together, they provide trusted, client-focused representation to families navigating some of the most devastating circumstances of their lives.
With deep knowledge of the Fatal Accidents Act and Survival of Actions Act, our personal injury lawyers understand the complexities involved in these cases. We have successfully resolved numerous claims involving catastrophic injuries, grief, loss of companionship, and pecuniary losses, and we have built strong working relationships with insurance adjusters and defence counsel across New Brunswick. This experience and professional reputation help ensure that your claim is taken seriously from the outset.
At Melanson Law, we believe that part of being an experienced personal injury lawyer is guiding clients through the entire legal process. We explain each step clearly, provide ongoing legal advice tailored to your situation, and maintain consistent communication so you always know where your claim stands. Our trauma-informed, compassionate approach means that clients are not only well-represented but also well-supported.
Insurance companies rarely offer fair compensation in fatal accident cases without strong legal representation. Our role is to advocate on your behalf, protect your rights, and work tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve. At Melanson Law, helping our clients through this difficult process is not just our job—it’s our commitment.
Contact Us
If you’ve lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, Melanson Law is here to help. We offer a free consultation to individuals and families seeking guidance on fatal accident claims or wrongful death claims. Whether you’re uncertain about your rights or are actively looking for a catastrophic injury attorney, we’ll walk you through your legal options with clarity and care.
During your consultation, our lawyers will explain how the claims process works, what types of compensation may be available to you, and how limitation periods might affect your case. We understand how overwhelming this time can be, and we’re committed to helping you take the next step with confidence.
You can book a free consultation by phone or meet with us in person. If you’re located in Fredericton, we’re happy to schedule a time for you to visit our office. Call our toll-free line anytime to connect with a member of our team and take the first step toward securing the support and compensation you deserve.
