The death of a loved one always feels deeply wrong, particularly when it’s unexpected. Under Washington’s personal injury laws, a death is legally a wrongful death when it’s caused by someone else’s careless, reckless, or wrongful actions. After a wrongful death in Vancouver, WA, a close surviving family member may recover compensation for their financial losses and gain a sense of justice through a wrongful death claim.
The Vancouver personal injury attorneys at Sears Injury Law have over two decades of experience handling complex injury and wrongful death claims throughout the state of Washington, and we are prepared to help your family seek justice and recover compensation after the loss of a loved one. Contact our Vancouver wrongful death attorneys today by calling (360) 854-3696 to set up a free, initial consultation.
Why Choose Sears Injury Law?
Few legal matters are as consequential as a wrongful death claim. By hiring Sears Injury Law, your case has the following advantages:
- A free evaluation of your case, and no fees collected until after you’ve recovered compensation
- An assertive Vancouver wrongful death attorney with years of experience in Washington’s civil courts, insurance system, and wrongful death laws on your side
- A results-oriented legal approach seeking the largest possible settlement with trial-readiness in case your case requires court
Wrongful death cases require compelling evidence and meticulous attention to filing details. Hiring Sears Injury Law puts a powerful voice behind your compensation claim.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim In Washington?
Some states allow the closest surviving family member to file a claim directly, but Washington only allows the decedent’s personal representative to file a claim. This is typically the executor named in the decedent’s will or estate plan, but the court will appoint a representative if the deceased loved one did not have a will. The state’s inheritance laws distribute the compensation awarded, typically to the closest surviving family member, such as a spouse, parent, or child.
Liability In Vancouver Wrongful Death Claims
When a death was preventable if only someone else had taken reasonable actions to prevent it, it adds to the family’s grief and distress. Proving liability in a Washington wrongful death case requires documenting clear evidence that demonstrates the following legal standards of liability:
- The at-fault party owed a duty of reasonable care to the decedent
- They violated this duty of care through negligent or wrongful actions
- The violation of their duty of care caused the fatality
- The surviving family members suffered financial losses from the accident as well as emotional anguish
Common liable parties in Washington wrongful death cases include negligent drivers, property owners, medical providers, nursing homes, and those who engaged in acts of violence resulting in fatal injury. A Vancouver wrongful death lawyer from our firm can help determine who the liable parties are.
What Damages Are Available In a Wrongful Death Case In Vancouver?
No two cases are the same since each claim results in compensation according to the family’s unique circumstances and financial losses; however, common damages recovered in successful Washington wrongful death claims often include the following:
- Reimbursement for any medical expenses incurred before the death
- Reasonable funeral and burial costs
- A family member’s lost wages for time away from the workplace
- The loss of a provider’s income and benefits for the remaining working years they would have had left had they not perished
- Compensation for emotional grief and anguish
Depending on the circumstances, additional compensation may be available for the loss of a spouse’s companionship and consortium or a parent’s guidance and support.
Contact the Vancouver Wrongful Death Attorneys at Sears Injury Law
Taking on a complex legal action while grieving the loss of a loved one may feel overwhelming. Instead of trying to manage everything alone, by hiring a Vancouver wrongful death attorney from Sears Injury Law, you can focus on your family and your loss while your attorney focuses on maximizing your family’s financial recovery. Contact our Vancouver wrongful death lawyers for a free evaluation of your case by filling out our contact form or giving us a call.