Close family members or dependents may be able to claim compensation when a loved one dies as a result of negligence (for example as a result of medical negligence or in an accident).
These claims consider the financial and practical losses suffered because of the death. They cover the loss of financial support the deceased would have provided from their work and wages, the value of the loss of services the deceased used to provide (like childcare or household work) and the cost of funeral services. These claims can be open to spouses and partners, children and sometimes other dependents if they were financial reliant on the deceased.
These claims can be complex: proof of dependency and the calculation of financial loss often requires expert evidence, so please contact us if you seek advice about your circumstances.
In addition to dependency claims, sometimes close family members may also be able to claim for psychiatric injury (sometimes called a “nervous shock” claim) if they suffered a recognised mental health condition because of witnessing the death or its aftermath. This is a separate legal claim and has its own legal requirements.
Michelle,
I hope you keep fighting for people like me.
If people didn’t take on these cases, we’d never get justice. You and your team did really well.
To you, Tatiana, Nadine and Angela and everyone on your team I want to say Thank you.
A. N.
Re: Historical Abuse Case
I am so grateful for the care, professionalism and dedication shown by Michelle and her team through my historical abuse claim. From the very start I felt listened to, believed and supported. Michelle kept me informed at every stage and ensured my case was handled with care and respect. Thanks to Michelle’s dedication and expertise I achieved a positive outcome. I would recommend Michelle to others seeking advice for sensitive matters.
E. M.
Re: Historical Abuse Case
Tatiana handled my case and I can’t thank her enough for her support. I am so grateful for everything she did for me. Tatiana’s guidance made a difficult journey much easier.
Z. T.
Re: Historical Abuse Case
Thank you Michael for your help regarding my “slip and fall” accident. You explained everything so well and kept me informed. Thanks to you I achieved a great outcome. I will definitely recommend you to my friends and family.
P. W.
Re: Public Liability Claim
I am a survivor and North Star Law handled my abuse claim. They listened and supported me. They were compassionate and respectful and treated me with dignity and care. The money I received will help my family and grandchildren. Seeking justice is important and I am glad I was told by your firm.
B. D.
Re: Historical Abuse Case
I rang North Star Law after being told I have no claim by other firms. My wife nearly died in hospital and our family has never been the same. I was treated with compassion from the start and we received an amazing outcome which has changed our family’s future. Forever grateful.
A. P.
Re: Medical Negligence Claim
Michelle Martin is not only an excellent lawyer but also a true friend.
R. C.
Re: Historical Abuse Case, Tamworth Boys Home
Michelle,
I am so proud you are my lawyer.
R. D.
Re: Historical Abuse Case, Daruk Boys Home
Dear Tatiana, James and Nadine,
I am so incredibly grateful and really appreciate all your help and support.
Thank you so much for not giving up on me, when so many others did.
Kind regards,
D. S.
Re: Historical Abuse Case, Religious Organisation
Dear Michelle,
Thank you so much for all your hard work on my case. It will truly change our lives to have this financial security!
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you to anyone who would need your services.
C. C.
Re: Motor Vehicle Accident Claim
My wife was injured in a motor vehicle accident which was a traumatic experience for our family. We lodged a CTP claim with the insurer and engaged North Star Law to act on our behalf. Michelle’s compassion, communication and attention to detail were all very impressive and this culminated in an excellent resolution with the insurer, which exceeded our expectations. The legal fees charged by North Star were, in my opinion, very reasonable considering the amount of work involved.
K. B.
Re: Motor Vehicle Accident Claim
Tatiana,
We can’t thank you enough for your support, kindness, diligence and advocacy. From the day we met at my home it’s been a long road to today – and there’s still a journey ahead. But thankfully today justice was served.
We are so grateful to you for being such a key part in today’s success.
C. S.
Re: Workers Compensation Claim
Tatiana,
I spoke with you regarding my workers compensation case and whether I should go ahead with a claim for negligence against my employer. I found your advice to be invaluable. You were warm yet sharp, with a comprehensive knowledge of this area of law and incredibly helpful in steering me towards a decision that would bring you no reward. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated all of that.
Tatiana, thank you. From the bottom of my heart.
S. C.
Re: Workers Compensation Claim
Thank you so much for your hard work, Tatiana!
I am finally able to begin securing a home for my dear wife and my two kids, to live together as a family. If it weren’t for your hard work, not for you helping us through, who knows how much longer it could have been. Tatiana, I really thank you from my heart.
S. N.
Re: Medical Negligence Claim
Dear Michelle,
I just wanted to say Thank You for all your time and commitment, I truly appreciate it.
K. P.
Re: Motor Vehicle Accident
Dear Michelle and Tatiana,
Thank you for your wonderful efforts to ensure my case was well presented. Your hard work has been rewarded with a fabulous result! I have appreciated your friendly, professional advice over the past two years and would not hesitate to recommend North Star Law to anyone in need of your services.
Many thanks,
J. C.
Re: Motor Vehicle Accident
Tatiana,
I received the payment yesterday. Thanks again for everything you had done for me. All the best. I trust you and your professional work. I'm happy to do business with you…
Many thanks,
X. W.
Re: Motor Vehicle Accident
Michelle,
Initially, I was told by people to just go on my own and lodge a claim (with no knowledge of litigation).
How fortunate was I to be referred on to you by somebody who spoke so highly of your compassion and sincerity!
I appreciate all your communication and keeping me informed in clear and simple terms - you always had my best interests in mind and were successful in obtaining such an excellent outcome.
I would have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone who is in need of legal help.
Thank you so much!
J.P.
Re: Personal Injury Claim
Dear Tatiana,
I just wanted to thank you for all your ongoing hard work as I have just received a lump sum payment for monies owing to me from the insurer, it has certainly taken some of the stress off. The effort you have gone to in making the insurer accountable is far outside my scope but so much appreciated by me.
Thank you!
D.B.
Re: Workers Compensation Claim
Tatiana,
A sincere huge Thank You for the wonderful support you have provided me along the way - not just in your professional legal capacity which has obviously given us a good outcome, but also on a personal level, I truly felt safe and understood from you along the ups and downs of my very first ever engagement with lawyers. You truly are a credit to your profession.
J. S.
Re: Personal Injury Claim
A bouquet of thanks for your professionalism and assistance to me in my compensation claim. You are so appreciated.
M. C.
Re: Motor Vehicle Accident
Hi Michelle!
Just wanted to thank you for all that you have done to help W. We are so grateful that you were representing us.
We are very pleased with the outcome and happy that it is now behind us. If we ever get the chance to recommend you and North Star, we won't hesitate.
Kindest Regards
L. & W.P.
Re: Personal Injury Claim
Dear Michelle,
Thanks so much for your years of hard work and support. I couldn’t have asked for a more stable and professional team so pass on my thanks to the rest of the team as well.
Kindest Regards
C.R.
Re: Motor Vehicle Accident
Dear Michelle,
I would like to extend my deepest appreciation for the exceptional assistance and support both you and Shirley have provided throughout this case. Your professionalism and dedication were truly commendable.
Once again, I am sincerely grateful for your efforts in successfully resolving this matter.
J.L.
Re: Medical Negligence Claim
Thanks Michelle,
Thank you for all the hard work you and your team put into this case. You kept me up to date the whole way through the process, and at no stage was I left guessing. I am truly grateful. I'm grateful too, to A. for putting me onto you. I will most certainly be recommending you to anyone who is in need of your expertise. Thank you again.
Kind regards
M. G.
Re: Motor Vehicle Accident Claim
Dear Michelle,
We can't thank you enough for all your support, advice, and compassion over the past couple of years.
Thank you for truly caring, for pro-active and professional approach and a wonderful outcome.
Kind regards
R. A.
Re: Public Liability Claim