Multiplier method governs fatal accident compensation, with notional income and age-based multiplier guiding the final award.

Fatal motor accident compensation is assessed by applying the multiplier method: the annual dependency is first fixed and then capitalised by an appropriate multiplier. Where the deceased's actual income is not proved by reliable material, a reasonable notional contribution may be taken after deduction for personal expenses. The selection of multiplier depends on the deceased's age and relevant contingencies, and an excessive multiplier may be reduced to achieve a proper recalculation of compensation with interest.

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Issues: Whether the compensation awarded in a fatal motor accident claim required interference on the question of assessment of income and selection of the appropriate multiplier.

Analysis: In assessing compensation for a fatal accident, the governing approach is the multiplier method, under which the annual dependency is first ascertained and then capitalised by an appropriate multiplier. The deceased's actual income was not established by reliable material, so the Court proceeded on a reasonable notional contribution to the family after deduction for personal expenses. Having regard to the age of the deceased and the prevailing principles governing selection of multiplier, the multiplier applied by the High Court was found excessive and was reduced to 13. On that basis, the compensation was recalculated at a lower figure with interest at 6% per annum.

Conclusion: The compensation was modified downward by reducing the multiplier and fixing a lower monthly contribution, and the appeal succeeded to that extent.

Ratio Decidendi: In fatal accident claims, compensation must be determined by first fixing a reasonable multiplicand from the proved or notional dependency and then applying an appropriate multiplier having regard to the deceased's age and other relevant contingencies.

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