Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences we go through in our lifetimes. However, when the death is caused by the negligent actions of another party, this loss can be even more senseless and painful. We put our faith in other drivers, workplace safety experts, and product manufacturers to take reasonable care that prioritizes the safety of others. Unfortunately, a careless error or negligent behavior—even if the mistake is seemingly minor—can lead to catastrophic injuries or trigger fatal outcomes. The sudden and tragic death of a spouse or family member is not only an overwhelmingly emotional experience, but it can send the surviving family members into financial uncertainty. Washington State recognizes the significant financial concerns that arise from the sudden and senseless death of a loved one, especially if the victim of the tragic death served as the primary breadwinner for the family. When someone suffers injuries at the hands of a negligent or reckless party, they may be entitled to recover compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party (or the insurance carrier). Should the injuries caused by the incident prove fatal, a surviving spouse, child, parent, or financial dependent of the deceased individual may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to hold the negligent party legally and financially liable for this tragic loss of life.
If your family has experienced a wrongful death due to someone else’s negligence, it’s natural to feel disoriented and shocked by this event. As you grieve this tragic loss, it’s important to recognize that dedicated and experienced legal advocates are just a phone call away to help you understand your legal rights and explore your options for taking action against the at-fault party. The highly qualified wrongful death lawyers at Scott & Scott, PLLC, understand the devastation that your family is experiencing in the wake of this loss. Although no amount of compensation can ever account for the death of your loved one, we are ready to help you secure the compensation you need to cover the medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses, and the emotional toll of losing a beloved family member. Let’s take a look at how wrongful death settlements typically unfold in the greater Seattle area and the steps you can take to maximize your chances of obtaining a fair and favorable outcome.
Key Elements of Wrongful Death Cases in Washington State
Essentially, wrongful death refers to a situation in which someone’s life is taken due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another person or party. Wrongful death cases can arise from any number of contexts, such as car accidents, workplace incidents, defective products, and medical malpractice (to name just a few). When it comes to wrongful death lawsuits in Washington State, a surviving family member can take legal action against the negligent party whose carelessness or errors led to the death of their loved one. Let’s look at some of the elements that wrongful death claims should include when someone files a lawsuit in the greater Seattle area.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Washington State?
According to RCW 4.20.020, the individuals who may pursue a wrongful death action in Washington State include the deceased individual’s “spouse, state registered domestic partner, child or children, including stepchildren.” In cases where none of the above apply, “such action may be maintained for the benefit of the parents or siblings of the deceased.” If you have questions about your legal right to pursue a wrongful death claim in the greater Seattle area, reach out to a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney to discuss the details of your situation.
What Should a Wrongful Death Claim Include?
Just because your loved one passed away while working at a construction site or as a result of a car accident does not automatically mean that another party acted negligently. A successful wrongful death claim must establish a clear link between the at-fault party’s errors or negligent actions and the resulting fatal outcomes. For instance, if your loved one was involved in a workplace accident because the safety supervisor made a careless or egregious error that caused the sudden and unexpected death of the employee, you may have a valid reason to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party. Fatal injuries caused by defective products, unsafe workplace environments, or grossly negligent drivers may be grounds for pursuing wrongful death claims in King County, as long as you can draw a clear line from the other party’s negligence to the fatal outcome.
Recovering Compensation for Surviving Family Members
The tragic reality is that no amount of compensation can bring your loved one back. However, filing a wrongful death claim can give the surviving family members the financial support they need in the wake of this unfortunate and senseless event. Additionally, taking legal action against the negligent party can give grieving family members a sense of control during a time when they usually feel powerless. The compensation people receive from wrongful death settlements may cover the following costs.
Medical, Funeral, and Burial Expenses
Laying your loved one to rest can be expensive. Some of the compensation you recover from a wrongful death settlement can go toward paying these considerable costs. Additionally, any medical bills associated with your loved one before they passed, such as hospital bills, may be factored into settlement calculations.
Lost Income and Benefits
The sudden death of a hard-working partner or family member can trigger considerable financial anxiety. Without the reliable paycheck and healthcare benefits that your loved one provided through their job, you may worry about how you will afford your monthly payments. When you file a wrongful death lawsuit, you can account for the financial toll of this death in the amount of compensation you are seeking from the at-fault party.
Loss of Companionship
Not all losses are quantifiable in monetary terms. The emotional toll of an unexpected and inexplicable death is considerable, which is why Washington State allows family members to seek damages to account for the loss of companionship and other emotional aspects associated with the loved one’s passing.
Compassionate Legal Advocacy When You Need It Most
Understanding the legal intricacies and the burden of proof required in wrongful death cases is crucial, which is why enlisting the support of a highly qualified Seattle wrongful death lawyer is recommended during this challenging time. If your loved one lost their life at the hands of a negligent party, you may be entitled to recover compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party. Call Scott & Scott, PLLC, today at (206) 622-2200 to discuss your legal rights and options with a dedicated and experienced wrongful death lawyer.
