A wrongful death lawsuit serves to compensate the decedent’s surviving loved ones for an avoidable death that was caused by a negligent party. Pursuant to the Revised Code of Washington section 4.20.010;
“When the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person, his or her personal representative may maintain an action against the person causing the death for the economic and non-economic damages sustained by the beneficiaries listed.”
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under the Revised Code of Washington section 4.20.020, the following people can file a wrongful death claim:
- A designated personal representative of the deceased person
- The deceased person’s spouse or state-registered domestic partner
- The deceased person’s child, children, or stepchildren
- The decedent’s parent or sibling (if the decedent had none of the above)
Work With an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
At the end of the day, being in any kind of traffic accident can be devastating and affect your physical, financial, and mental well-being. Luckily, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. If you have been injured in a traffic collision, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is a critical step that you can take to protect your rights and pursue the just compensation that you deserve.
Attorney Scott Terry has devoted his entire career to handling personal injury cases and protecting the rights of car accident victims and their family members. As your legal counsel, Scott can evaluate the facts surrounding your personal situation, conduct a thorough and private investigation, and work diligently to prove fault and establish liability.
Using his extensive understanding of state laws addressing liability in personal injury cases, attorney Scott Terry can guide you through every phase of the legal process. He will fight aggressively to protect your rights and help you seek fair financial compensation for your injuries. Having him on your side can improve your chances of the best possible outcome in your personal injury case.
Car Accident Attorney Serving Sumner, Washington, and all nearby Counties and Communities
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact the Terry Law Firm, P.S. today to schedule a one-on-one case assessment. Attorney Scott Terry can fight vigorously to protect your rights and help you seek fair financial compensation that can cover your injuries, property damage, and any additional pain and suffering. He is also proud to represent clients across Sumner, Kent, Puyallup, Bonney Lake, Auburn, Lake Tapps, and Orting, Washington — so call or reach out to his office today to get the help you need!
Wrongful Death Attorney in Sumner, Washington
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the fourth leading cause of death in Washington is accidents, following on the heels of cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Of course, not all of these accidents are caused by the negligence of others, but when they are – for instance, in a vehicular accident, during a crime, or because of medical malpractice – the surviving family members can seek compensation for their loss through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Wrongful death law is complex, and cases require thorough investigation. It’s crucial to hire an accidental death lawyer in your area who knows all the local laws and procedures. In that way, you’re confident that you will receive representation that is trustworthy.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or criminal actions, and you’re located in Sumner or Puyallup, Washington, or throughout the counties of King, Pierce, and Thurston, contact the Terry Law Firm, P.S.
Attorney Scott Terry has been practicing law for more than three decades. With his in-depth knowledge and experience in the field, you can gain peace of mind knowing you’ve been put in good hands. Attorney Scott Terry has helped many clients dealing with wrongful death cases like yours before. When you hire him as your wrongful death lawyer, you will get a local professional who will not only answer all of your questions but also advise how you should proceed with your case.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Why File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Filing a lawsuit won’t bring your loved one back, but it will hold the responsible party accountable so that they may think twice about doing what they did again. It also can recover compensation for medical, funeral, and burial expenses, along with recompense for loss of income, loss of support, and loss of love and companionship.
What Constitutes Wrongful Death in Washington?
Washington Revised Code 4.20.010 states that a wrongful death occurs when “the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another.” In a sense, a wrongful death lawsuit is similar to a personal injury lawsuit with the exception that the injured person didn’t survive. Wrongful death cases include:
- Negligence-based incidents, such as car accidents
- Medical malpractice
- An intentional act, including the commission of a crime
You have three years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In some states, the surviving spouse and family members can directly file wrongful death lawsuits, but in Washington, the personal representative named in the deceased’s will or trust must file the action on behalf of the surviving family members. If the deceased left no will or trust, the court will appoint a representative, often from among the surviving family members.
If the deceased is a child under 18, a parent or legal guardian can file the action, but only if the child has no surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children. If the child is 18 or older, the same restrictions apply, but the parent or legal guardian filing or joining in the action must have had a “significant involvement” in the life of the adult child. Significant involvement includes financial, emotional, and psychological support.
Compensation and Damages Available
A wrongful death lawsuit can result in payment for losses and “damages” covering:
- The deceased’s medical bills associated with the wrongful death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost financial support resulting from the loved one’s early death
- The value of lost household services the deceased would have provided if alive
- The loss of love, care, affection, companionship, and training the deceased would have provided
Wrongful Death Attorneys in Sumner, Washington
Since wrongful death cases are complicated, it’s important to get the best representation possible. Attorney Scott Terry will help build your case and ensure that the fault in your loved one’s death is clear. The Terry Law Firm, P.S. serves clients through Sumner, Puyallup, Kent, and Auburn, and throughout the counties of King, Pierce, and Thurston. Contact him for an initial consultation if you’ve lost a loved one to the negligence of another.
