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Federal Way Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one in an accident is an absolutely heartbreaking experience; it is something that no Washington family should ever be forced to endure. This type of tragedy is made even more distressing if you find out that the fatal accident could have easily been prevented had proper safety precautions been taken. Negligent parties must be held fully accountable for their bad actions.
Our compassionate Federal Way wrongful death lawyers are standing by, ready to help. While we know that no amount of financial compensation will ever come close to making up for the loss of a loved one, we will help you bring a claim so that you can seek justice and much needed financial support your family.
Our Firm Handles All Types of Wrongful Death Lawsuits
At Khan Injury Law, PLLC, our Federal Way wrongful death attorneys take on all types of fatal injury claims. Regardless of the source of the accident, we can help you bring your claim, fighting for a fair settlement from the insurance company, and if necessary, a fair judgment from a Washington court. Some examples of the types of wrongful death claims that we handle include:
- Fatal highway accidents;
- DUI and drugged driving crashes;
- Motorcycle wrecks;
- Deadly pedestrian accidents;
- Eighteen wheeler collisions;
- Medical negligence and medical malpractice claims;
- Nursing home negligence and abuse;
- Dog attacks;
- Fall accidents;
- Workplace fatalities; and
- Product liability claims.
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit In Federal Way?
Wrongful death claims, like personal injury claims, are typically governed by state law. As such, Federal Way wrongful death lawsuits must be brought under Chapter 4.20 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Under this state statute, not all loved ones of the victim are able to take legal action. Indeed, for wrongful death lawsuits, Washington law creates two classes of potentially eligible plaintiffs:
- Primary Parties: The victim’s spouse and children have the first right to take legal action. These parties have legal rights that are superior to all other close relatives. If one is available and willing to bring the claim, then they will have the power to do so.
- Secondary Parties: If no spouse or child can, or will, bring a wrongful death claim, then other close relatives of the deceased will have secondary rights to take action. More specifically, this could include parents, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings and any other relatives that were financially dependent on the victim.
We Are Here To Help
The Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims
Under Washington law, eligible family members have three years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In other words, your case must be initiated in this timeframe, or you and your family will simply lose out on your legal rights. Generally, the three-year statute of limitations clock begins to run from the date of your loved one’s death. Though, depending on the specific facts of the case, it could be shifted in either direction. For example, if your loved one was seriously injured in a Federal Way auto accident, and then passed away from their injuries one year later, the statute of limitations clock will likely start running at the date of the accident itself, not the date of the death. The bottom line is simple: You need to protect your rights and interests by contacting a qualified attorney as soon as possible. Do not risk running out of time to file a claim.
We Know How To Recover Damages
Proving Liability in a Wrongful Death Case
To hold a defendant liable for your family member’s death, you must be able to assert that they were ‘at-fault’ for the accident. In Washington wrongful death lawsuits, fault is generally established by proving negligence. Essentially, you must be able to prove, through compelling supporting evidence, that the defendant’s bad actions (or inactions) contributed to your loved one’s passing. Certainly, in practice, what actually constitutes negligence can vary quite a bit. For example, negligence in a commercial truck accident claim may look much different than it does in a hospital malpractice claim.
Proving negligence will require an in-depth investigation of the facts of the case at hand. It is imperative that you get a qualified Federal Way wrongful death attorney involved in your case as soon as possible so that they can conduct the thorough investigation that will be needed to effectively prove liability. If liability is disputed, the opposing insurance company is unlikely to settle your claim for anything near the fair value. You need to work with an attorney who can clearly establish liability with supporting facts and evidence so that the insurance company will treat your wrongful death lawsuit fairly. To be sure, anything less will put your rights and interests at serious risk.
We Can Help You Recover the Compensation You Deserve
If you are eligible to bring a wrongful death claim in Federal Way, Washington, then you are entitled to seek full and fair compensation for both your economic damages and your noneconomic damages. Sadly, the big insurance companies will do everything in their power to limit your recovery. Indeed, they may even deny your claim outright. It is imperative that you work with a qualified Seattle personal injury attorney who can help you to maximize your settlement offer or wrongful death verdict. Depending on the specific nature of your case, our lawyers may be able to help you seek financial relief for:
- Any medical expenses;
- Funeral and burial expenses;
- Other incidental economic losses;
- Loss of earnings or financial support;
- Loss of benefits, such as insurance coverage; and
- Loss of companionship, love and consortium.
Request Your Free Legal Consultation Today
At Khan Injury Law, PLLC, our Federal Way wrongful death attorneys provide compassionate, high quality legal assistance to families in King County and throughout Washington. We know that no amount of compensation will truly account for your losses, but we are here to help you assert your legal rights so that you can seek justice. For immediate help with your claim, please do not hesitate to contact our firm today to set up your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
