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Seattle Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one can be one of the most difficult experiences anyone can go through. The pain and suffering can be overwhelming and can be compounded when the death was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another person or entity.

In such cases, you may have a legal right to seek compensation for the damages you have suffered. At Malcolm Law, our Seattle wrongful death lawyers understand the difficult situation that you and other family members are in and are here to provide you all with compassionate and skilled legal representation. We will make sure that you can settle your legal and financial troubles so that you can focus on the grieving and healing process without distraction. Get the justice you deserve today. Contact us for your free consultation.

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What is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death occurs when a person is killed due to the negligence or intentional act of another person or entity. A wrongful death case is a type of civil lawsuit that is brought against someone who is responsible for the death of another person. In Seattle, wrongful death is defined as a death that is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person

What are Examples of Wrongful Death Claims?

Commonly seen examples of wrongful death actions that trigger legal action include:

  • Car accidents caused by drunk, distracted, or reckless drivers
  • Medical malpractice, such as misdiagnosis or surgical errors
  • Workplace accidents, such as construction site accidents or accidents caused by faulty equipment
  • Defective products, such as unsafe toys or faulty machinery
  • Nursing home abuse and neglect
  • Criminal acts, such as homicide or assault
  • Truck accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents, as these vehicles leave the driver in vulnerable positions
  • Pedestrian accidents, unfortunately, as reckless driving can lead to fatal accidents
  • Bicycle accidents, similar to the risks of motorcycle accidents
  • Premises liability accidents, such as being electrocuted due to a homeowner’s negligence

If you believe that your loved one’s death was caused by the negligence or intentional act of another, it is important to speak with an experienced Seattle wrongful death lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

The ability to file a case is known as “standing”. The plaintiff must have adequate standing in order to be eligible to bring a case. Under the laws of Seattle and Washington, only certain people can file a wrongful death lawsuit. These include:

  • The surviving spouse or registered domestic partner of the deceased
  • The children or stepchildren of the deceased
  • The parents or siblings of the deceased, if there is no surviving spouse or children

In some cases, besides the family members listed above, a personal representative of the deceased’s estate may also be able to file a wrongful death claim.

If a loved one passed due to somebody's negligence, contact a Seattle wrongful death attorney at (206) 659-9514.

What Can You Recover in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Compensation in a legal case is known as damages. The damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit depend on the specific circumstances of each case. Generally, damages may include:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical expenses related to the deceased’s final illness or injury
  • Loss of income and financial support that the deceased would have provided
  • Loss of companionship, love, and affection
  • Pain and suffering of the deceased before death
  • Punitive damages, which are intended to punish the responsible party for their actions

How Can a Seattle Wrongful Death Attorney Help?

Losing a loved one can be emotionally overwhelming and navigating the legal process can be complicated and stressful. A Seattle wrongful death attorney can help by:

  • Conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of your loved one’s death and identify the responsible parties
  • Advising you of your legal rights and options
  • Collecting evidence, such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements
  • Retaining expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction experts or medical experts, to provide testimony and support your case
  • Negotiating with insurance companies or other responsible parties to reach a fair settlement on your wrongful death claim
  • Representing you in court, if necessary.

Statute of Limitations and Burden of Proof

The amount of time you have to file a wrongful death claim in Washington state is known as the statute of limitations. In Seattle, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is three years from the date of the person’s death. It’s important to file the claim within this time frame, or else you may lose your right to file a claim.

In a wrongful death case, the burden of proof is on the plaintiff (the person bringing the claim) to prove that the defendant (the person being sued) was responsible for the death of the deceased person. This requires showing that the defendant was negligent or intentionally caused the death of the deceased person.

Why Choose Malcolm Law for Your Wrongful Death Case?

If you have lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident, you need a Seattle wrongful death lawyer who has the knowledge, experience, and compassion to help you navigate the legal process. Our Seattle wrongful death attorneys have a proven track record of success in representing clients in these types of cases.

We understand that no amount of money can bring back your loved one, but we believe that you deserve to be compensated for your loss. We will work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf and fight for you to receive the maximum amount of compensation possible.

Our Seattle personal injury attorneys will handle all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary. We will keep you informed throughout the process and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Contact Our Seattle Wrongful Death Attorneys Today

If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or misconduct of another, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Our Seattle wrongful death lawyers are here to help you through this difficult time and ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

At Malcolm Law, we understand the pain and suffering that you are going through and are here to provide you with the compassionate and skilled legal representation you deserve. Our Seattle wrongful death lawyers have extensive experience handling wrongful death cases and have a proven track record of success in obtaining compensation for our clients. Out team at Malcolm Law will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the justice and compensation that you are entitled to. We are here to help you during this difficult time. Contact us today for a free consultation.