Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Washington State

Not sure what a wrongful death lawsuit is? Here’s a brief introduction.

When someone you love has been killed in a car crash due to another person’s negligence, the responsible person should be held accountable. In Washington a wrongful death lawsuit gives certain family members a cause of action to seek compensation for their loss and hold the person who caused the accident accountable. Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 4.20.010.

Accident Types that Result in Wrongful Death Lawsuits

In Washington any accident that causes a fatal injury can lead to a wrongful death lawsuit. Accidents such as:

• Car, truck and motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bike accidents
• Drowning
• Electrical shock
• Workplace accidents

Who May File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Only the following family members related to the deceased are allowed to file for a wrongful death:

• Spouse
• Domestic partner
• Child or children (this includes stepchildren)

The parents or siblings can file a wrongful death claim if there is no spouse, domestic partner or children, but only if they were dependent on the deceased for support.

Wrongful Death Claims Must be Filed Within the Prescribed Time Limit

The time limit, (known as the statute of limitations), for most wrongful death claims is three years from the date of death. However, in some cases this time limit can be longer or shorter.

To avoid filing the claim too late, family members should contact an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Even if the lawsuit is filed one day too late the family may lose out on their claim.

Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Damages included in a wrongful death lawsuit are the economic losses related to the family’s loss as well as non-financial damages associated to the loss of a loved one, and may include:

• Funeral costs
• Loss of the income the deceased would have earned
• Loss of support
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of services
• Medical costs and expenses incurred by the deceased after the accident but before death

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Attorney in the Edmonds WA Area

It can be difficult for the family to think about what to do after a loved one has been killed in an accident. Seek help from an experienced Edmonds, WA wrongful death attorney to guide you and your family through the difficult process of ensuring the persons responsible for the accident are held accountable.

Joe Cunnane at Cunnane Law will watch out for you and fight for your rights. As an expert car crash and personal injury lawyer, he will guide you through the whole process. Let Cunnane Law help you get your life back to normal and recover the compensation you deserve. For a free wrongful death lawsuit consultation, call today.

Note: This information was provided not for any specific claim and is written in broad and general terms and may not be the right path to follow for a particular claim or case. This information is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. It is always best to receive direct legal counsel for your legal issues. It is never too early to call the attorney, but it can be too late.