Wrongful Death in Washington | Personal Injury Attorney Vancouver WA

Wrongful Death in Washington, retain Personal Injury Attorney Vancouver WA. A wrongful death lawsuit in Washington allows the family to seek compensation for their loss. A loved one is in an accident, or undergoes a medical procedure, and the unthinkable happens - he or she does not survive. For grieving families, the law is often the last thing on their minds as they process their loss. However, the loss of a loved one can bring not only emotional pain, but economic hardship and the anguish of knowing that someone suffered and died due to the fault of another.

Some examples of wrongful death actions:

> A person killed by a drunk driver in a car accident

> A person who dies during a botched surgery

> A pedestrian hit and killed by a municipal bus

> A train passenger who dies when the train derails due to faulty equipment

Who can file a wrongful death action in Washington?

According to Washington law, a wrongful death action can be filed on behalf of a spouse, state registered domestic partner, child or children, including stepchildren, of the deceased. If there is no spouse, state registered domestic partner, or such child or children, such action may be maintained for the benefit of the parents, sisters, or brothers, who may be dependent upon the deceased person for support, and who are resident within the United States at the time of his or her death.

In other words, anyone who was part of the deceased person's family (spouse/partner/children) or any other immediate family member who was dependent on the deceased for support, may file an action.

What damages can be claimed?

> The estate of the deceased can make a claim for damages incurred because of the death. Some of the more common damages claimed are:

> Funeral expenses

> Medical bills

> Loss of income and other benefits from a wage earner

> Loss of services (such as child care, household contributions) from a non-wage earner such as a stay at home parent

>Loss of companionship and affection

Compensation for the pain and fear suffered by the deceased person, before s/he passed away.

It can be difficult to determine the amount of income a person would have earned, and insurance companies will often dispute these claims. That’s why attorneys almost always have to hire an expert to analyze the deceased person’s situation and bolster the claim for lost income.

Feel free to call for an appointment or a phone conference at no charge.