Losing a loved one is a difficult experience. When your loved one dies because of another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, the anguish can be overwhelming.
If your loved one died because of someone else’s fault, you may have the right to bring a wrongful death claim.
At Wells Trumbull, we understand that no amount of money can fully compensate you for losing someone dear to you. However, we also know that you deserve justice, and financial compensation can help ease some of the burdens caused by your loved one’s death.
Our Lake Stevens personal injury attorneys have been representing wrongful death clients for decades. We handle every case with compassion and integrity.
Call us today at (360) 322-1477 or go to our contact page now to schedule a free consultation. We will listen to your story with compassion, answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you take the next steps to get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Understanding Wrongful Death in Washington
A wrongful death is the loss of life caused by the neglect, wrongful act, or default of another party. A wrongful death suit is similar to a personal injury suit. However, it seeks to recover the damages sustained by the deceased person’s family members.
The wrongful death suit is brought by the decedent’s personal representative against the party that caused the death for the economic and noneconomic damages sustained by the decedent’s beneficiaries.
Washington law designates the spouse, state-registered domestic partner, child, or children, including stepchildren, as the beneficiaries in a wrongful death suit. If there is no spouse, registered partner, or child, then the parents or siblings become the beneficiaries in a wrongful death action.
Statute of Limitations for a Lake Stevens Wrongful Death Suit
A statute of limitations sets the deadline for when a claim must be filed. You will most likely be barred from receiving any compensation if you miss your deadline.
Washington’s statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is three years from the date of the deceased person’s death. However, there are a few exceptions to the three-year rule. You must speak with an experienced wrongful death lawyer to understand your deadline for filing.
Types of Compensation in Washington Wrongful Death Claims
When you lose a loved one in a preventable accident, you may suffer economic and noneconomic damages. With the help of an experienced Lake Stevens wrongful death attorney, you can prove the full extent of your damages and recover the maximum compensation.
Some of the types of damages you may be entitled to receive include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills if the decedent had any surgeries, treatments, or procedures necessitated by the accident before their death
- Loss of financial support and services that the decedent would have provided had they survived
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of Companionship
These are only some of the possible types of damages you could recover. Please note that the types of compensation available can be slightly different for spouses or domestic partners than for children and parents.
Contact a Lake Stevens Wrongful Death Attorney
If you have lost a loved one due to the fault of another party, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages.
The wrongful death lawyers in Lake Stevens at Wells Trumbull have decades of experience helping wrongful death clients get the justice and maximum compensation they deserve. We want to do the same for you.
Call us at (360) 322-1477 or visit our contact page now to schedule a free consultation.