Edmonds Wrongful Death Lawyer

When the unimaginable happens and you lose a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, the emotional and financial toll can be devastating. At Wells Trumbull, our dedicated team has the resources to successfully represent families facing such tragedies. Our wrongful death lawyers in Edmonds understand that no amount of money can replace your loss, but we are committed to seeking justice on behalf of your loved one and easing the financial burdens that often accompany these unfortunate events. Armed with experience, empathy, and a relentless drive to achieve the best possible outcome, we guide you through the complex legal landscape to hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact an Edmonds personal injury attorney today for your free consultation.

ben wells and joshua trumbull

Why Choose Wells Trumbull As Your Wrongful Death Lawyers in Edmonds?

You deserve time to grieve the loss of your loved one without facing financial hardship or the legal complexities of a wrongful death claim on your own. An experienced wrongful death attorney from Wells Trumbull in Edmonds is ready to take on your case with the dedication we’d give our own family members. At Wells Trumbull, we provide the following benefits to a wrongful death claim for our clients:

  • A free case consultation and no fees until after we secure your compensation
  • Open and honest communication throughout your claim so you always know the latest updates on your case and are included in all decisions
  • A thorough investigation to ensure we have the most compelling argument for your compensation and the at-fault party’s liability
  • Skilled negotiations with the insurer while our firm’s reputation for success puts a strong voice behind your claim
  • A dedicated advocate for your loved one to give them back their voice to ensure your family receives compensation and justice

By reaching out to an Edmonds wrongful death lawyer from Wells Trumbull, you can let your attorney deftly navigate the legal system to get the most out of your Washington wrongful death claim while you focus on caring for your family through this difficult time.

Meet Attorney Ben Wells

ben wells

Experienced in personal injury law, Ben Wells shares his path from modest origins to receiving the 2020 Trial Lawyer of the Year award from the Washington State Association of Justice. Emphasizing mentorship and introspection, he underscores sincerity, rapport with jurors, and client commitment, endeavoring to pass on these principles to emerging legal professionals. For a complimentary consultation with Ben Wells, reach out to Wells Trumbull at (360) 435-1663.
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“He is truly a caring individual and that makes him the best lawyer ever!”

“I would recommend Ben Wells and his law firm to family, friends, or anyone that is seeking professional and competent representation. I was so impressed with the personal attention he and Beth provided as they take, or make, time for you when you have any questions, no matter how often you have them. The promise to keep costs low was fulfilled beyond my expectation. I also received the maximum available in my settlement! However, the best part for me was the humanity that is a part of who Ben is. He is truly a caring individual and that makes him the best lawyer ever!”

Meet Attorney Joshua Trumbull

joshua trumbull

Joshua Trumbull is an experienced personal injury attorney with extensive experience across diverse industries and responsibilities. He thrives on integrating information from various disciplines to solve complex challenges in a welcoming environment. He prioritizes fostering meaningful relationships, recognizing their significance in both personal and professional life. For a free consultation with Joshua Trumbull contact Wells Trumbull at (360) 435-1663 today.

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“They will go above, and beyond for their clients.”

“Highly recommend Wells/Trumbull law group! They will go above, and beyond for their clients. Great people, with a true drive to support you in your time of need. Local, Reliable, and Fair.”

Successful Case Results:

The Edmonds wrongful death attorneys at Wells Trumbull have years of experience successfully handling a variety of auto accident cases. Our team of personal injury lawyers have received large settlements and recovered compensation for clients who have lost loved ones due to someone else’s negligence. Some notable case results include:

  • $4.5 Million Settlement: In October 2021, in Snohomish County, a 26-year-old dump truck driver was injured when an oncoming dump truck caused him to swerve, resulting in a permanent low back injury and PTSD symptoms; despite the insurance company’s attempt to discredit him with Facebook posts, the jury awarded over 4.5 million dollars, finding no fault on the part of our client.
  • $4.1 Million Settlement: In October 2020, our team secured a 4.1-million-dollar verdict in King County for a man injured while working in a trench at a construction site, despite the insurance company’s three-week argument attributing fault to our client for using hand signals to direct the excavator; the jury, however, upheld the evidence and disregarded the insurance company’s attempt to deflect responsibility by emphasizing the construction company’s familial ties.
  • $3 Million Settlement: In November 2022, in Snohomish County, we secured a jury verdict for a woman injured in a slip and fall incident while working at a nursing home, resulting in low back and hip pain; despite the insurance company’s highest offer of $600,000, we opted to proceed to trial, leading to the jury awarding our client $3 million for her injuries.

Edmonds Wrongful Death Quick Links

What Constitutes a Wrongful Death in Edmonds

  • Violent Crimes – Wrongful death claims stemming from violent crimes could involve intentional acts of harm such as assault or even murder. In such cases, the perpetrator is usually the liable party, but in some instances, property owners might also be held responsible if they’ve failed to provide adequate security measures.
  • Boating and Water Accidents – Given Edmonds’ proximity to water bodies, boating and water accidents are a concern. These claims can involve negligence on the part of the boat operator or defective equipment. Victims’ families may seek compensation for funeral costs, emotional suffering, and more.
  • Exposure to Hazardous Substances – Exposure to toxic or hazardous substances can lead to wrongful death claims if it results in fatal illnesses or immediate fatalities. Employers, property owners, or manufacturers could be held responsible for failing to provide adequate safety measures or warnings.
  • Product Liability – When defective or dangerous products result in death, wrongful death claims can be filed against manufacturers, retailers, or any party involved in the chain of distribution. These claims must prove that the product was inherently dangerous and directly led to the death of the victim.
  • Pedestrian Accidents – These involve incidents where pedestrians are struck and killed by motor vehicles. Claims usually focus on proving the driver’s negligence or recklessness. In some cases, the municipality could also be partly responsible if, for example, a poorly designed crosswalk contributed to the accident.

A personal injury lawyer in Edmonds can help you navigate these common causes of wrongful death and the rules or laws that apply to them.

Contact an Edmonds Wrongful Death Lawyer Today by Calling (360) 435-1663.

What Compensation Is Available in a Wrongful Death Case

A wrongful death claim in Washington provides relief of the undue hardship caused by a provider’s death as well as compensating grieving family members for their anguish. It also gives a deceased loved one a voice for justice and accountability for their preventable death. A successful claim for compensation in a wrongful death claim may include any or all of the following common damages:

  • Your loved one’s last medical bills if they had treatment for the injury before their death
  • Funeral expenses
  • Burial costs
  • Loss of income for the number of years the deceased family member had left to them had they survived the injury
  • Loss of benefits such as healthcare coverage and retirement contributions
  • Loss of household services
  • Loss of companionship and consortium from a spouse
  • Loss of support and guidance from a parent
  • Compensation for emotional damages like grief and anguish

Your wrongful death attorney in Edmonds can help you carefully calculate your damages so you miss no avenue for the compensation your family deserves.

How to Estimate How Much Your Wrongful Death Claim is Worth

Your Edmonds wrongful death attorney will explore all avenues for compensation by determining all of the monetary losses associated with your family member’s death as well as appropriate compensation for emotional losses such as the loss of a spouse’s companionship or the loss of parental support and guidance. You can estimate the value of your wrongful death claim by multiplying your loved one’s gross income per year times the number of working years they would have had until retirement. Then add the value of any lost benefits, including their retirement contributions. Factors to consider when estimating the value of your claim include the following:

  • The age of the victim when they died
  • The number of years they would have worked until retirement
  • The cost of a reasonable funeral and burial
  • The total cost of medical care for treatment before the death

Your wrongful death lawyer in Edmonds will also consider the number of years surviving family members will be deprived of the love, support, and companionship of their loved one. While financial compensation for non-economic or emotional damages doesn’t bring the loved one back or erase grief, it does relieve financial hardship and gives family members the freedom to grieve and focus on recovering from their loss so they can move forward with fewer financial concerns.

What to Do After Your Loved One Dies Due to Someone Else’s Careless, Reckless, or Violent Actions

Losing a loved one in an untimely manner due to someone else’s actions or negligence is a painful experience, adding a new layer of loss and grief. You may also feel a justifiable anger. It’s difficult to keep a cool head during this terrible time but by taking the following steps after the sudden wrongful death of a loved one, you can protect your family’s future:

  • Save all medical bills from the care your loved one received before their death
  • Document the cost of the funeral and burial and keep all receipts for expenses
  • Obtain a copy of your loved one’s most recent medical report before the death
  • Obtain a copy of the medical examiner’s report or autopsy results
  • Provide documents showing the normal income your family member provided to the family as well as their benefits
  • Write down all of the household services your loved one provided such as caring for the children, maintaining the home and vehicles, cooking, lawn care, and other household chores so your lawyer can calculate the value of replacing those services

Call the wrongful death lawyers at Wells Trumbull before speaking to insurance company representatives. Never accept a fast settlement offer from the insurance company of the at-fault party. These are almost always much lower than the amount you can successfully recover. Settlements also require you to sign away your right to a lawsuit. You should direct all communication with the insurance company to your lawyer from Wells Trumbull.

Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim In Edmonds?

In Edmonds personal injury law, the people who can file a wrongful death claim with a personal injury lawyer are determined by the wrongful death statutes of the State of Washington. Typically, the following individuals have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim:

  • Spouse or Registered Domestic Partner: The surviving spouse or registered domestic partner of the deceased individual has the primary right to file a wrongful death claim.
  • Children and Stepchildren: If the deceased person leaves behind children or stepchildren, they may also have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
  • Parents: If the deceased individual has no surviving spouse or children, the parents of the deceased may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This is particularly true if they were financially dependent on the deceased.
  • Legal Representatives: In some cases, the personal representative or executor of the deceased person’s estate may also be entitled to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate and beneficiaries.
  • Other Family Members: In the absence of a spouse, domestic partner, children, or parents, other family members like siblings may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim, though this is less common.

A personal injury attorney in Edmonds can help you file your wrongful death claim and ensure that you are doing everything you can to get justice for your loved ones.

Statute of Limitations in Edmonds Wrongful Death Cases

The statute of limitations for wrongful death cases in Edmonds is generally three (3) years from the date of death. However, certain circumstances can alter this timeframe. For example, if the deceased was a minor or mentally incapacitated, the statute might be extended. An Edmonds personal injury lawyer can help you understand these statutes before you file your claim.

How Can a Wrongful Death Attorney in Edmonds Help You?

At Wells Trumbull, our wrongful death lawyers have years of experience obtaining millions of dollars in settlements and court awards for damages for injured clients and those who’ve lost loved ones due to someone else’s careless, reckless, or wrongful actions.
Your Edmonds wrongful death lawyer will take the time to hear your personal stories about your loved one. We believe in getting to know our clients so we truly understand how the family member’s death impacts the entire family.
Your lawyer will do the following:

  • Document evidence of the at-fault party’s liability by thoroughly investigating all aspects of the incident that caused the death
  • Present a compelling case for liability to the appropriate insurance company
  • Carefully calculate your family’s damages including compensation for emotional damages associated with the death of a beloved family member
  • Negotiate with the insurance company to maximize an out-of-court settlement so you are unlikely to have to go to court
  • Advocate aggressively for your compensation in court if it is required to secure your settlement

No one should go it alone against powerful insurance companies who prioritize their profits over paying out on claims that provide critical compensation for families who’ve suffered a grave loss.

Contact An Edmonds Wrongful Death Attorney Today

Losing a family member is a tragedy that leaves families in a state of shock, grief, and financial burden. At Wells Trumbull, we take on the legal complexities so that you can focus on grieving and healing. With meticulous attention to detail and a compassionate approach, we will fight tirelessly to ensure justice for your family member is served and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our Edmonds wrongful death lawyers today for dedicated, compassionate legal support in your time of need.