Australian injury guide
Fatal Injury and Dependency Claims
Bereavement, coronial, insurance, estate and compensation processes serve different purposes. The people authorised to act and the losses recoverable depend on the jurisdiction and pathway.
Prioritise immediate support
Use emergency, health, funeral and bereavement services as needed. A family member should not be expected to investigate legal responsibility while urgent practical needs remain unresolved.
Preserve official references and communications
Keep police, coroner, employer, insurer and incident reference numbers. Save the death certificate, funeral accounts, employment and dependency records, and communications without publishing allegations.
Identify who can act
The executor or administrator, partner, child, parent or other dependant can have different rights. Ask which person brings each claim and whether estate administration is required.
Separate the available processes
Ask about statutory death benefits, dependency or nervous-shock claims, life insurance and superannuation, coronial participation, estate issues, and any criminal or regulatory process.
Sources and scope
Services Australia — what to do following a death ↗
Australian legislation databases by jurisdiction ↗
Sources checked 25 September 2026. General information only. Check current state or territory legislation, scheme guidance and individual advice before acting on a time limit.