Wrongful Death Lawyer Washington
Table of Contents
Life can take an unexpected turn, especially when a loved one’s life is tragically cut short due to the negligence or carelessness of another party. It can be challenging to deal with the legal implications of such a tragic event amid your grief.Â
A Washington wrongful death lawyer can provide invaluable support during those tough times. Murphy Trial Law understands the legal complexities surrounding wrongful death cases. We strive to offer compassionate and comprehensive legal support to families dealing with the loss of their loved ones.Â
Our wrongful death lawyers in Washington seek justice on your behalf and help you secure the financial compensation you deserve.
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What Is A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal claim against a person or entity responsible for causing someone’s death through negligence or misconduct. The deceased person’s estate representatives, often on behalf of surviving family members, typically file these suits.Â
It aims to hold the negligent party accountable and compensate the survivors for their loss, pain, suffering, and financial burdens. A wrongful death lawsuit can help relieve the financial losses and emotional distress the surviving family endures.
Do I Need A Lawyer For A Wrongful Death Claim In Washington?
Navigating through a wrongful death claim can be complicated and emotionally draining. A skilled and empathetic wrongful death attorney in Washington can help ease the process.
A Washington wrongful death lawyer guides you through every step of the lawsuit, from investigating the cause of your loved one’s death to representing your interests in court.Â
They can help you understand your rights, evaluate the worth of your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
How To Find A Wrongful Death Attorney?
Finding the right wrongful death attorney in Washington can be challenging, especially when grappling with losing a loved one. However, the right representation can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Follow the steps below to find the right legal professional for your case.
- Research: Researching online for reputable wrongful death lawyers in Washington. Look at their websites, read reviews and testimonials from former clients, and review their areas of expertise.
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- Consultation: After you’ve shortlisted a few Washington wrongful death attorneys, schedule consultations with them. It allows you to discuss your case, understand their approach, and decide whether they fit you.
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- Experience: Make sure the attorney has experience handling similar cases. Their expertise in wrongful death lawsuits is invaluable to your case.
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- Fees: Understand the fee structure of the attorney. Most personal injury lawyers in Washington work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case.
How To Prove A Wrongful Death Case?
Proving a wrongful death case can be complex and requires a comprehensive understanding of the law. An experienced Washington wrongful death lawyer can help you navigate this complex process and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Below are the main steps involved in proving a wrongful death case.
- Duty of care: The first step is to establish that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased. This responsibility varies depending on the case and can range from a motorist’s duty to drive safely to a doctor’s obligation to provide appropriate medical care.
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- Breach of duty: Once you have established a duty of care, the next step is to prove that the defendant breached this duty. For example, if a driver was intoxicated or a doctor failed to diagnose a condition correctly, they violated their duty of care.
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- Causation: Now you have to show that the breach of duty was the direct cause of the death. It usually requires expert testimony to link the defendant’s actions to the fatal outcome.
- Damages: The final step is to prove that the death has caused measurable damages. These can include economic damages like medical expenses and non-economic damages like loss of companionship.
Common Causes Of Wrongful Death
Wrongful death can occur in various situations. Below are the common scenarios that often lead to wrongful death claims
- Car Accidents: Car accidents are a leading cause of wrongful death. It can result from reckless driving, speeding, drunk driving, or distracted driving. The decedent’s family may file a claim against the at-fault driver.
- Medical Malpractice: Medical professionals fail to meet the standard of care, resulting in a patient’s death. It can involve misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and neglect in nursing homes.
- Workplace Incidents: Certain jobs involve inherent dangers, leading to workplace incidents and fatalities. They may include industrial accidents, mining incidents, or construction site accidents.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrian accidents often occur due to drivers’ negligence, including speeding or failing to yield at crosswalks. These accidents can have deadly consequences, particularly for elderly or young pedestrians.
- Product Liability: When a product is defective or fails to meet safety standards, resulting in a person’s death, it’s a product liability case. It can involve anything from defective machinery to harmful pharmaceuticals.
- Premises Liability: Premises liability encompasses situations where unsafe conditions on a property cause fatal injuries. They can include slip and fall accidents, swimming pool accidents, or inadequate security, leading to violent crime.
Remarkable Settlements​
$1.8 Million
Favorable liability verdict
$1.6 Million
A man injured in rear end car crash
$1.1 Million
Car crash
$1 Million
Wrongful death
$1 Million
Low impact car crash
$1 Million
Car crash, limits tender
What Potential Damages Are Awarded In A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In a wrongful death lawsuit, the court can award different types of damages to compensate for the loss the surviving family members suffer. They may include economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate the family for the quantifiable financial losses related to their loved one’s death. These typically include:
- Medical expenses related to the deceased’s final illness or injury.
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Loss of the deceased’s expected earnings.
- Loss of benefits, such as pension plans or medical coverage.
- Loss of inheritance caused by an untimely death.
- Value of the goods and services that the deceased would have provided.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, however, compensate for the intangible losses that are difficult to quantify in terms of money. These can include:
- Pain and suffering endured by the deceased before death.
- Loss of companionship and love suffered by the spouse and children.
- Loss of guidance and nurturing that the deceased would have provided to the children.
- The family’s emotional distress caused by the sudden loss.
Contact A Top-Rated Washington Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If you have been affected by a wrongful death incident, you don’t have to navigate the legal journey alone.Â
Murphy Trial Law, a leading personal injury law firm in Washington, is committed to helping families seek justice for their loved ones.Â
Our dedicated and compassionate Washington wrongful death lawyers understand the emotional toll such cases can have.Â
We offer professional, personalized legal representation to protect your rights. Reaching out to us at the earliest can significantly impact your case.Â
Don’t delay, and contact us today to discuss your case and understand your legal options.
Washington Wrongful Death FAQs
Is wrongful death a survival action?
A survival action and a wrongful death claim are not the same, though they are related. A survival action seeks to compensate for the damages the deceased person could have recovered if they had survived the accident. On the other hand, a wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the financial and emotional losses the deceased’s family suffers.
Who can sue for wrongful death in Washington?
In Washington State, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The court can appoint one if the deceased person did not appoint a personal representative. The representative typically sues on behalf of the deceased person’s spouse, domestic partner, children, or parents.
What is the wrongful death statute of limitations in Washington?
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Washington is three years from the date of death. However, certain circumstances might alter this timeline. It’s crucial to consult with a wrongful death attorney in Washington to understand the specific deadlines applicable to your case.
How long does it take to get paid after a wrongful death settlement?
The time it takes to receive a settlement after a wrongful death case can vary widely based on the case’s complexity and the number of parties involved. It could take anywhere from a few months to several years. Your wrongful death lawyer in Washington can provide a more precise timeline based on the specifics of your case.
How much time do we have to decide if we intend to bring a wrongful death action?
In Washington, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within three years from the date of the person’s death. It’s advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney in Washington after your loved one’s death as soon as possible. It helps you preserve evidence and secure the best chance of success in your case.
Who can bring a wrongful death action?
The court appoints a personal representative of the deceased person’s estate to bring a wrongful death action. The representative acts on behalf of the surviving family members eligible for compensation.
How much does a Washington wrongful death attorney cost?
Most Washington wrongful death attorneys, including Murphy Trial Law, operate on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees; the attorney only gets paid a percentage of the settlement if they win your case.
Who are the beneficiaries of wrongful death in Washington?
The beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim in Washington State typically include the deceased’s spouse or registered domestic partner, children, and parents.
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