However, pursuing a wrongful death claim can help secure the financial stability your family needs to move forward. At Bernard Law Group, we fight for justice for grieving families across Washington State.
What Is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies due to the negligent or wrongful actions of another party. In Washington State, wrongful death claims are governed by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 4.20.010, which allows certain surviving family members to seek compensation for their loss.
Common causes of wrongful death include:
- Car accidents, including those involving impaired, distracted, or reckless drivers
- Workplace accidents, including construction site fatalities
- Defective products that cause fatal injuries
A Top-rated Injury Attorney in Seattle can help you determine if you have a case and guide you through the legal process to pursue compensation from the responsible party.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Seattle?
In Washington State, the right to file a wrongful death claim is limited to certain family members. According to RCW 4.20.020, the following individuals are eligible to file a claim:
- The spouse or registered domestic partner of the deceased
- The children or stepchildren of the deceased
- The parents or siblings of the deceased (if there is no spouse, domestic partner, or children)
In some cases, other dependents who relied on the deceased for financial support may also be able to file a claim. Our experienced Seattle wrongful death attorneys can help you understand who in your family is eligible to file a claim and what damages may be recoverable.
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Compensation in a Seattle Wrongful Death Case
A successful wrongful death claim can compensate your family for your losses. This compensation typically includes:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the deceased’s final injury or illness
- Loss of financial support, including future earnings
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before their passing
While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, financial compensation can help ensure that your family is not burdened with significant expenses or loss of income.
The Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Washington State
Washington State imposes a three-year statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit (RCW 4.16.080). This means that you have three years from the date of your loved one’s death to take legal action. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Contacting a PI attorney in Seattle as soon as possible is important to begin building your case. It can result in lost evidence, difficulties locating witnesses, or other challenges that could weaken your case.
Why Choose Bernard Law Group?
At Bernard Law Group, we have been helping families like yours for over 30 years. As one of the top-rated injury attorneys in Seattle, we have successfully handled numerous wrongful death cases and recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Here are just a few reasons why families trust us with their most sensitive cases:
1. Experience
With decades of experience, we know the ins and outs of Washington State’s wrongful death laws. Our team of attorneys understands how to gather crucial evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case on your behalf.
2. Compassionate Advocacy
We understand that the legal process can be daunting, especially when you are grieving the loss of a loved one. We are committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal support throughout your case. We will handle the complex legal aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on healing and supporting your family.
3. No Upfront Fees
At Bernard Law Group, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you won’t owe us any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. This ensures that you can seek justice without worrying about the cost of legal representation.
4. Proven Results
Our results speak for themselves. We have recovered over $500 million for our clients, including multiple multi-million-dollar wrongful death settlements. Our reputation as a leading wrongful death lawyer in Seattle is built on our ability to deliver results for families in need.
5. Comprehensive Legal Support
Wrongful death cases often involve complex legal issues, including insurance disputes, liability determinations, and negotiations with large corporations. Our legal team has the experience and resources to navigate these challenges and secure the best possible outcome for your family.
Real-Life Wrongful Death Cases in Washington State
Wrongful death claims can arise from a wide range of tragic circumstances. Here are a few examples of real-life wrongful death cases in Washington State:
- Medical Malpractice: A recent report from the Washington State Department of Health revealed that approximately 85 people die each year in Washington due to medical errors. A wrongful death lawsuit can help hold negligent healthcare providers accountable for their actions.
- Car Accidents: In 2021, there were over 700 fatal crashes in Washington State, many of which involved negligence, such as impaired driving, speeding, or distracted driving. Families who have lost a loved one in a car accident can seek justice through a wrongful death claim.
- Workplace Accidents: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington State recorded 87 fatal occupational injuries in 2022. Employers have a responsibility to maintain a safe work environment, and families can pursue compensation if a loved one dies as a result of unsafe working conditions.
We have extensive experience handling wrongful death cases at Bernard Law Group in these and other areas. If your loved one’s death was caused by negligence, a wrongful death lawyer in Seattle can help you seek justice.
How a Seattle Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
- Investigating the cause of your loved one’s death: We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s passing, gathering evidence and consulting with experts to build a strong case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in wrongful death cases. We will negotiate aggressively on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Filing the necessary legal paperwork: Wrongful death claims require significant legal documentation, and we will handle all the paperwork needed to ensure your case proceeds smoothly.
- Representing you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, we will represent your family in court and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact Bernard Law Group Today
Losing a loved one is never easy, and pursuing legal action may seem overwhelming. However, with the help of a skilled personal injury lawyer in Washington State, you can hold the responsible party accountable and obtain the financial support your family needs during this difficult time.
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact Bernard Law Group today for a free consultation. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys are ready to help you seek justice and secure the compensation you deserve.
