What Qualifies As Wrongful Death in Seattle, WA?

The death of any loved one is already a difficult event to deal with. When a loved one has died as a result of someone else’s negligent actions, though, it can be an overwhelmingly devastating experience. Even as we grieve, there is a desire to hold those responsible for the death accountable.

Through a wrongful death lawsuit , the survivors of the deceased loved one can receive compensation for the damages that have been incurred. While money cannot get rid of the pain of losing someone you care about, it can help alleviate financial burdens caused by the death and assist in supporting you during such a difficult time.

A wrongful death lawsuit refers to legal action against a party whose negligent or reckless actions (or inaction) directly led to someone’s death. In a way, wrongful death is just like a personal injury lawsuit, except that it is the deceased’s family who files the suit on their behalf.

Ultimately, any death that was caused by another’s negligence qualifies for a wrongful death suit. Some examples include:

In addition to the deceased personal representative of their estate, only “real parties in interest” can sue for wrongful death. According to Washington State law, these parties refer to the deceased person’s spouse or state-registered domestic partner, as well as the children (or stepchildren) of the deceased.

If the deceased person has none of the above, then their parents or siblings may file a wrongful death claim.

In the case the deceased is a child under 18, then either parent may file, but that parent must have regularly contributed to the support of that child before their death.

We understand how tragic and devastating the death of a loved one can be. As you start the difficult process of filing a wrongful death case, having a compassionate attorney by your side can greatly alleviate the stresses of doing so.

Our attorney team at Gosanko, O’Halloran, Lepore PLLC are experienced in dealing with wrongful death claims and dedicated to holding the right parties accountable, while fighting for the compensation that can help you rebuild your life after such a tragic event. For a free consultation, call us at 206-275-0700.

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