What is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the negligence or misconduct of another party. This legal concept allows the deceased's survivors, often their immediate family members, to file a lawsuit against those responsible for the death. The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to seek compensation for their loss. The compensation can cover a variety of expenses and damages, including medical costs prior to death, funeral and burial expenses, loss of income and support, and pain and suffering of the deceased before they died, as well as the emotional distress of the surviving family members.
These cases can arise from various situations, including but not limited to car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and incidents involving defective products. In general, wrongful death claims are intended to provide financial support to the deceased's dependents or beneficiaries and to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Washington State?
In Washington State, the laws regarding who can file a wrongful death claim are specific. The claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate. This representative, often named in the deceased's will or appointed by the court if there is no will, acts on behalf of the deceased's survivors.
The beneficiaries of the wrongful death claim can include:
The deceased person's spouse or state-registered domestic partner.
The deceased person's children or stepchildren.
If the deceased has no spouse, domestic partner, or children, then the parents or siblings of the deceased may be beneficiaries, but only if they were financially dependent on the deceased and were residents of the United States at the time of death.
These laws ensure that those closest to the deceased and most affected by their loss are the ones who receive compensation for their suffering and financial losses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Washington State?
In Washington State, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally three years from the date of the deceased person's death. If you don’t file your case within that timeframe, the courts will not hear it. There are exceptions to this, however. As such, it is important to discuss your case with an experienced Seattle wrongful death lawyer at our law firm immediately. We can listen to your story and help you explore your legal options.
No Upfront Costs - Always on Contingency
We firmly believe that quality legal representation should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. That's why Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon operates on a contingency fee basis. You won't be asked to pay any upfront legal fees. Our compensation is a portion of the settlement or award we secure on your behalf. If we don't win, you don't owe us. This commitment to accessibility is coupled with complete transparency about any financial aspects of your case, ensuring no surprise bills or hidden fees.
We are committed to standing by your side from start to finish. Our injury legal team is here to guide you through the legal process with compassion and clarity, taking on the legal burdens so you can focus on your family. We're not just your legal representatives but your advocates, fighting tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you need to move forward after the wrongful death of someone you love.
