Washington Wrongful Death Lawyer

Compassionate Washington Wrongful Death Lawyer Representing Families of Wrongful Death Victims In King County, Lewis County, Pierce County, Thurston County, and Throughout WA

There are few things in life as difficult as having to deal with the loss of a loved one. The devastation is even greater when the death of your loved one is the result of the negligent or reckless actions of another party. While filing a wrongful death lawsuit will not bring your loved one back, it will help you and your family in the process of healing. It will also help to secure the future of the deceased’s dependents. However, the wrongful death lawsuit process can be complex. It helps to have an experienced Washington wrongful death lawyer.

The attorneys at Smith Duran Law are committed to defending the rights of survivors following a wrongful death. We have handled a wide range of wrongful death cases and successful y recovered millions of dollars in compensation. We would be glad to lend our experience to your case and provide you with the guidance and support you and your family needs during this difficult time. We understand the lasting effects that wrongful death can have on the survivors of the deceased. We will fight tirelessly to recover maximum compensation for your losses as well as to seek justice on behalf of your deceased loved one.

Ways that a Washington Wrongful Death Lawyer can prove Wrongful Death

Every wrongful death case is unique. The circumstances of each case will differ from the other. However, there are certain elements that must be proved to show that your loved one’s death qualifies as wrongful death.

Duty – you must establish that the defendant had a responsibility towards your deceased loved one. This can be difficult to prove. In general, however, a person has a duty to refrain from acting in a way that could potentially cause harm to another person. For example, a driver has the duty to drive carefully and avoid behaviors such as high-speed driving that could potentially cause harm to other road users.
Breach of duty – you must demonstrate that the defendant’s actions were a breach of their duty to your loved one. This means that you will need to provide evidence to show that they were engaging in actions that were dangerous. For example, if they were speeding and were involved in an accident that resulted in the death of your loved one, you would have to provide evidence to support this such as footage from street cameras or eyewitness accounts.
Causation – you will need to show that the death of your loved one was a direct result of the breach of duty by the defendant.
Damages – You must show that the death of your loved one has resulted in damages. Damages can be economic or non-economic. Economic damages in a wrongful death lawsuit include all financial losses suffered as a result of the loss of your loved one. This may include loss of income, medical expenses, and funeral expenses. Non-economic losses include intangible damages resulting from your loved one’s injuries and death. These may include loss of companionship, post-traumatic stress, and emotional suffering.

Wrongful death lawsuits can be quite complicated. It helps to have an experienced Washington wrongful death attorney fighting in your corner. Our law firm will dedicate time, energy, and resources to get the best outcome in your wrongful death lawsuit.

Contact Smith Duran Law to Speak with an Experienced and Knowledgeable Washington Wrongful Death Lawyer

The loss of a loved one can be devastating. However, it is important that you take the steps necessary to protect your rights as well as your family’s future. Contact Smith Duran Law and schedule an appointment for a consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable Washington wrongful death lawyer. We provide free no-obligation consultation that gives you the opportunity to learn about your rights, options, and the best action to take. Our experienced attorneys will help you seek justice and maximum compensation for the death of your loved one.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wrongful Death in Washington

Who can file a wrongful death claim?

If you have lost a loved one as a result of the negligent or reckless actions of another party, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This claim is filed by a representative of the victim (usually the spouse of the victim) on behalf of the deceased. If the victim was not married or did not have a partner at the time of their death, the wrongful death lawsuit may be filed by their next of kin including the victims:

— Children
— Parents
— Siblings
— Grandparents

If any of the above family relations are not available, then the next closest familial relation to the victim can file a wrongful death lawsuit and receive damages. This is especially true if they were dependent on the victim for financial support.

What damages can I seek in a wrongful death lawsuit?

The exact damages you can seek in your wrongful death lawsuit will differ from other cases as each case is unique. It is, therefore, best to consult with an experienced Washington wrongful death lawyer. They will review your case and determine what damages you can recover. In general, however, you may pursue:

— Economic damages: these include all financial losses that have resulted from the death of your loved one. This may include medical expenses, lost income, and funeral expenses.
— Non-economic damages: include intangible losses resulting from the death of your loved one. They may include pain and suffering and loss of companionship.
— Punitive damages: you may also seek punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish those responsible for the death of your loved one.

Contact Smith Duran Law for a free case review. We’ll guide you on the damages you can recover. Our legal team will provide you with the best strategy to maximize your compensation.

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