Tacoma Wrongful Death Lawyer

The death of a family member is a tragic loss. If your loved one’s death was preventable, that loss may be compounded by feelings of confusion and anger.

A compassionate Tacoma wrongful death lawyer from our team can investigate what happened to your loved one. If their passing was the result of someone else’s willful or negligent behavior, your family may be able to collect compensation. While a settlement won’t fix everything, it can help stabilize your family’s finances as well as provide a sense of justice.

The first step is to call and ask for a free case review. You’re under no obligation, and we’ll provide you with honest feedback if we believe we can help you.

Situations that Can Lead to Wrongful Death Claims

A wrongful death claim can come from almost any kind of personal injury situation. Some examples of wrongful death scenarios our attorneys have helped clients win settlements for include:

• Car Accidents. If a driver was speeding, running a red light, or driving drunk and killed your loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
• Medical Malpractice. Patients can be killed due to improper medical care. For instance, a doctor could prescribe the wrong medication or fail to make a timely diagnosis.
• Nursing Home Abuse. Sadly, elder abuse and neglect can happen in a care facility.
• Premises Liability. Property owners can be held responsible if they don’t address safety hazards or warn guests.
• Mesothelioma. Sometimes, a wrongful death is the result of repeated exposure to a toxin over time. Many Washington State workers were exposed to asbestos in their factories or shipyards, only to become sick decades later.

If you have reason to believe your loved one would be alive were it not for someone else’s negligence, please reach out.

Who Can Recover in a Tacoma Wrongful Death Claim?

Washington State law allows a victim’s husband, wife, legally recognized domestic partner, children, or stepchildren to file a wrongful death claim (RCW 4.20.020). In the event none of these relationships exist, the victim’s siblings or parents can pursue a wrongful death action.

A qualified attorney can help your family navigate who may benefit from a claim and how that process would work.

Recovering Financial Compensation in a Tacoma Wrongful Death Claim

To recover compensation in a wrongful death claim, you will need to prove the following:

• Duty of Care. Was someone responsible for taking reasonable measures to keep your loved one safe? This is what the term “duty of care” means. For instance, a store owner has a duty to warn customers of a slippery floor. A driver has a duty to follow the speed limit and obey traffic signals to keep other drivers safe.
• Breach of Duty. A person can breach their duty either by willful action (such as a crime) or through negligence.
• Causation. To have a valid claim, you need to demonstrate that the defendant’s breach caused your loved one’s death. In other words, do you believe that were it not for the at-fault party’s actions, your loved one would still be alive?
• Damages. A settlement seeks to address the financial impacts as well as loss of companionship your family has endured. One of the ways you can prove damages is by gathering doctor reports, funeral bills, and past paystubs.

A qualified wrongful death lawyer could help your family meet this burden of proof.

Common Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim

Undoubtedly, your family has felt an enormous financial and emotional strain during this difficult time. Often, a victim is a primary breadwinner. If this is your situation, you may be worried about the loss of potential income.

A wrongful death settlement can alleviate these financial stressors. Additionally, your family may be entitled to compensation for the emotional impacts of your tremendous loss.

What damages has your family faced?

• Funeral expenses
• Medical bills
• Loss of income, including future earnings
• Loss of benefits
• Emotional anguish
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of support

One of our attorneys can help navigate your family’s damages. This will help us understand the potential value of your case, so we can negotiate a fair settlement.

Working with an Attorney on Your Claim

We recognize that this is a painful, tragic time for your family. It’s possible that calling an attorney is only something you’ve recently considered. However, can we encourage you to reach out as soon as you’re able?

The sooner you involve us, the better our chances of helping your family win a maximum settlement. Plus, you’ll feel relieved knowing that the legal aspects are being handled so you can focus on other things. Our family-owned firm is here for you from day one.

Statute of Limitations in Washington

You have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim in Washington (RCW 4.16.080). However, we encourage you to not wait to get the process started.

Speak with an Experienced Tacoma Wrongful Death Attorney

Are you ready to learn more? Or at least, get some of your questions answered? Call a qualified Tacoma wrongful death attorney from our team today.

As a reminder, it’s always free to speak with one of our lawyers. If we choose to work together, there’s no upfront costs or hourly bills to pay. We’ll only charge a free if we’re able to win you a settlement.

We look forward to hearing from you.