What Are the Fatal Accident Laws in Perth? A Complete Guide

February 18, 2026    Workers Compensation Lawyers
What Are the Fatal Accident Laws in Perth? A Complete Guide

The loss of a loved one due to an accident is actually one of the toughest situations that a person can ever encounter in their life. Apart from having problems related to their mental state, they also tend to encounter problems related to their finances. Understanding fatal accident laws Perth can help you in such situations.

In Perth, there are two different avenues available where a death results from an accident. These options include statutory compensation for a work-related accident provided in the Workers’ Compensation legislation and a claim for statutory compensation as a dependent under the Fatal Accidents Act 1959 (WA). It is vital to grasp how such legislation operates and how a claim for a fatal accident in Perth is possible.

1. Overview of Fatal Accident Laws in Perth

The framework of law that regulates fatal accidents in Perth is essentially determined by the state workers’ compensation law and the Fatal Accidents Act 1959 in Western Australia. The law offers a form of compensation to family members who qualify for it by virtue of death occasioned by negligence or accident at work.

Two important channels that frequently emerge are:

  • Death in the workplace is handled under the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 and related laws, which pay compensation to the dependents of the deceased worker.
  • Also responsible for actions claiming dependency under the Fatal Accidents Act 1959, as well as actions in accordance with deaths due to negligence, such as car collisions and other illegal actions.

2. Who Can Make a Fatal Accident Claim in Perth?

Under the Fatal Accidents Act in WA, only specific “relatives” or persons dependent on the deceased are able to lodge their claim. Dependents may include:

  • Spouses/de facto partners (dependent on relationship duration and conditions)
  • Children and step-children
  • Parents and grandparents
  • Siblings (including half-siblings)
  • Former partners are financially dependent on the deceased

3. Types of Compensation Available

Workplace Fatality Compensation

If the employee passes away as a result of work-related injuries, the dependents are entitled to file a fatal accident claim in Perth under the workers’ compensation scheme. This is not compensation for negligence but rather is based on a statutory entitlement with the purpose of providing for dependents after the death of a worker.

Payments may include:

  • A lump sum to named dependants
  • Regular allowances for dependent children
  • Funeral costs up to a statutory maximum
  • Reasonable medical and health expenses that the deceased may have had before the time of death

Dependency Claims Under the Fatal Accidents Act

A fatal accident lawyer in Perth will discuss that under the Fatal Accidents Act, the dependants have the right to make a claim for damages from a negligent third party (such as a negligent driver) for their dependant’s death in circumstances where the wrongful act resulted in the death. Such claims are termed dependency claims.

Compensation under this law focuses on economic loss, including:

  • Loss of financial support made by the deceased
  • Loss of services the deceased would have provided (like household help)
  • Funeral and related expenses

It should be pointed out that this claim does not usually extend to non-economic loss like grief and mental suffering unless other claims are made in respect of known psychological damage resulting from the death. You can consult a fatal accident compensation lawyer in Perth if you are uncertain of the processes involved.

4. Understanding the Fatal Accident Claims Process in Perth

Handling a claim after a fatal accident in Perth could be a bit intricate, but generally, the fatal accident claims process in Perth involves the following steps:

  • Establish Eligibility

Whether this is for workers’ compensation benefits recoverable under statute law or for dependency benefits recoverable under the Fatal Accidents Act, the first step is to identify dependants and assess their benefit entitlements.

  • Gather Evidence

Such documents as death certificates, proof of relationship, financial documents that show dependence, and sometimes proof of negligence would be required. With regard to workplace accidents, information about the employer’s insurance provider would also be needed.

  • Lodge a Claim

For work-related deaths, claims are made to the employer’s insurer through the WorkCover WA claims process under the supervision of workers compensation lawyers Perth WA. For dependency claims, proceedings under the Fatal Accidents Act are generally commenced in court on behalf of the interested party.

  • Compensation Assessment and Resolution

WorkCover WA or the court will assess the claim, and compensation will be awarded as may be deemed fit. Any dispute concerning liability and/or entitlements may proceed to arbitration or litigation.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the fatal accident laws in Perth can be important for families that have lost a loved one in a tragedy such as a car accident in Perth. Workers’ compensation and fatal accident claims provide avenues for financial assistance. Taking immediate action by consulting expert workers compensation lawyers Perth can make a big difference and ensure that families get what is rightfully due to them.

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