Seattle Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you have recently lost someone you love, the grief may be all-consuming. However, your mourning could be interrupted when you discover their death was caused by the negligent or wrongful actions of another.

If you are anxious to demand justice on behalf of your deceased family member, take matters into your own hands by consulting a reputable Seattle wrongful death lawyer from Siegfried & Jensen.

With over 30 years of experience advocating for the rights of injury victims, accident survivors, and their surviving family members, you can feel confident when you have a top-rated Seattle, WA personal injury lawyer on your side. We will conduct an intensive investigation into the cause of your loved one’s death so we can identify the liable party and make them pay.

Contact our office to schedule a free consultation today and learn more about how Washington state’s wrongful death laws could impact your settlement and what to expect from the claims process going forward.

Turn to a Seattle Wrongful Death Attorney You Can Trust In

Choosing the right legal advocate could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Thousands of potential wrongful death law firms may be able to take on your case, but that does not mean they are the right law firm to help your family maximize your compensation. Siegfried & Jensen has a powerful track record of success, with over $1.2 billion recovered over the last 30 years.

This includes a $2.4 million wrongful death payout, a construction accident settlement worth $5 million, and a defective firearm claim valued at more than $5 million. Results like these do not come easily. Choose a wrongful death law firm with unparalleled trial experience and dedication to their clients.

Fatal Accidents Can Take Several Forms 

The type of accident you were involved in will determine whether you need a Seattle car accident lawyer, a Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer, or another local personal injury attorney.

Your legal representative should have extensive experience handling fatal injuries related to the type of accident your loved one was involved in. Some of the most common types of accidents our clients have struggled to cope with over the years include:

• Car accidents
• Assault
• Murder
• Motorcycle accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Construction accidents
• Medical malpractice

If your loved one was killed in another type of accident, a Seattle wrongful death attorney may still be able to help your family get through these trying times. Our legal team can take a closer look at how your loved one’s death occurred to determine whether you have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.

We may be able to avoid a trial entirely if we can recover a fair settlement through the insurance company or convince the at-fault party to settle outside of court.

Seattle Wrongful Death FAQ

How Long do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

The statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits in Washington is typically three years from the date the decedent passed away, according to Wash. Rev. Code §4.16.080(2).

This may seem like more than enough time to initiate the claims process. However, your wrongful death lawyer in Seattle needs as much time as possible to build a powerful case against the liable party.

Unfortunately, failure to file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations passes could have devastating consequences. Generally, the court system will deny you the opportunity to move forward with your case. However, if extenuating circumstances apply, you could have additional time to file your lawsuit.

Who Has the Right to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Although you may be anxious to get started on your wrongful death action, it is important to determine whether you have the authority to initiate the claims process. While some states allow the decedent’s surviving spouse or adult children to file the claim under Wash. Rev. Code §4.20.010, the decedent’s personal representative, is responsible for bringing forward a wrongful death lawsuit.

If the decedent named their surviving spouse or adult children as their personal representative, then these parties will have the authority to file the claim.

However, the decedent could have named virtually anyone to act in their interests. If the decedent did not name a personal representative before their passing or there was no will, the court system has the authority to appoint a personal representative. Even though the representative is the one to file the claim, any damages awarded will be provided to the decedent’s surviving family members and heirs.

What Types of Damages Are Included in Wrongful Death Actions 

There are many different damages that can be recovered in a personal injury claim. Damages refer to the various ways the decedent’s life and your family’s lives have been affected by the loss of your loved one. As described under Wash. Rev. Code §4.20.20, your family may be entitled to a wide variety of economic and non-economic damages, some of which include:

• Loss of the decedent’s affection, love, companionship, and care.
• Loss of the decedent’s advice, guidance, and training.
• Loss of the decedent’s household services.
• Loss of the decedent’s financial contributions to the family.
• The decedent’s medical expenses before passing.
• The decedent’s burial and funeral expenses.

If a parent or guardian loses a deceased child, there are additional types of damages that may be awarded as part of the wrongful death action. Per Wash. Rev. Code §4.24.010, the family may be entitled to compensation for the child’s medical expenses, services, and other economic damages.

Additionally, parents and guardians may be entitled to reimbursement for the loss of the relationship they would have had with their child, as well as their child’s emotional support, companionship, and love.

Connect with a Compassionate Wrongful Death Lawyer in Seattle, WA

When the individual or entity responsible for causing your loved one’s death refuses to be held accountable for their negligent or wrongful actions, it is up to you to demand justice for your family member. Whether the liable party faces criminal charges or not, they should be compelled to compensate your family for the trauma of your loss.

Consider every possible opportunity for legal recourse when you have a community-driven wrongful death attorney in Seattle, WA from Siegfried & Jensen working for you.

We work for families struggling to cope with wrongful death on contingency. There is never any cost to you unless or until we recover compensation for your family’s suffering. Fill out our online contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential consultation as soon as today.