Seattle Wrongful Death Lawyer
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SEATTLE WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYER
There is nothing more painful than losing a loved one, particularly when that death was the result of another’s reckless or negligent actions and could have potentially been prevented. While the emotional impact is devastating, the financial impacts can be severe and long reaching as well. Many families find themselves struggling to pay outstanding medical costs and funeral expenses, while at the same time facing lasting ramifications resulting from the loss of earnings and financial support. At the Khan Law Firm, our Seattle personal injury attorneys understand the impacts this type of death can have on surviving family members, and we make it our goal to help you get the justice your loved one deserves, while ensuring their survivors are provided for in a way they would have wanted.
Types of Wrongful Death Claims
Having a loved one die as the result of an accident or injury is a traumatic event, one that has become unfortunately common for increasing numbers of families, both in Washington as well as throughout the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accidental and unintentional injury deaths have risen to become the fourth leading cause of death in our nation, affecting more than 130,000 people and their families each year. The following are among the most common types of wrongful death cases reported by the CDC:
- Deaths due to car, truck, and motorcycle accidents;
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents deaths;
- Deaths resulting from premises liability accidents, such as slips and falls, or being struck by or against an object;
- Product liability deaths, resulting from defective or products;
- Deaths due to medical malpractice errors and mistakes;
- Unintentional poisonings;
- Drowning, recreation and sports-related deaths;
- Deaths caused by work-related injuries and illnesses.
In too many cases, a wrongful death could have been prevented, and it is often the actions or inactions of another party that are ultimately responsible.
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CAUSES OF WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIMS
When a loved one dies as the result of accidental injuries or due to another’s reckless or negligent conduct, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation either through an insurance claim or by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Under Washington State wrongful death statutes (RCW 4.20), parents, spouses, children, and other beneficiaries of the deceased may be entitled to damages, which include reimbursement of actual costs associated with medical and funeral expenses, as well as compensation for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and lost wages and future lost earnings and benefits that the deceased loved one would have provided. Under the state law, there are three causes of action for which a wrongful death claim may be filed:
- Deaths resulting from wrongful acts, including acts of violence and unlawful behaviors such as drunk driving. This type of wrongful death claim can be filed regardless of whether or not the person accused was actually charged or convicted of committing the crime.
- Deaths resulting from default, which involves deaths which would not otherwise have occurred if not as a result of another act.
- Deaths resulting from negligence, in which a wrongful death occurred as the result of another acting in a reckless manner, failing to follow standard safety requirements and regulations, or failing to warn others of potentially dangerous conditions.
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What to Do After a Wrongful Death
When a wrongful death occurs, surviving family members are often at odds over what to do or where to turn. They may be unsure as to how and why their loved one’s death actually occurred, in addition to being uncertain as to the who the primary person is responsible for that death. Steps to take after an accident or after what you suspect is a wrongful death occurs includes the following:
- Gather evidence at the accident scene. The more evidence you gather, and the sooner that you do, the more likely it is that you will have a strong case. If you are able, get witnesses’ information, take photos of the accident scene and damages, and take notes about what happened.
- Make note of the details surrounding your loved one’s death, such as what they were doing both before and at the time the accident or injury occurred;
- Make a list of all individuals, companies, products, or places that may have been involved;
- Keep any medical statements, bills, and receipts you have involving the care your loved one received;
- Gather any insurance documents you have, and notify your insurance company representative right away;
- Contact an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible, prior to making any statements and before signing any insurance settlement documents.
Filing a wrongful death claim involves taking the actions necessary to uncover situations or conditions that may not be obvious, while acquiring the necessary evidence to prove another party was at fault. Any information you can provide will help your attorney build a more solid wrongful death claim.
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How an Attorney Can Help You Recover Damages
When you have a loved one who has died as the result of the reckless or negligent actions of another, it is important to know you are not alone. While no amount of money can ease your pain and suffering or bring back the one who was lost, a wrongful death claim can give your family a sense of justice while ensuring you are provided for in a way your loved one would have wanted. Our Seattle wrongful death attorneys can help you through this difficult time and assist you in getting the compensation you are entitled to. Ways in which we assist clients include the following:
- Representing your interests with insurance companies and negotiating settlement amounts
- Providing a thorough investigation of your loved one’s death, which may include obtaining police and incident reports, collecting video footage, and taking witness statements;
- Obtaining medical records and statements from medical providers regarding the extent of your loved one’s injuries and the role they played in their death;
- Gathering hospital and medical bills as well as receipts from the funeral home to show the total amount of actual expenses associated with their death;
- Collecting financial records and statements from employers to show the financial impact resulting from your loved one’s death;
- Taking statements from friends and family members regarding the emotional impact your loved one’s death had on their survivors.
When you are dealing with the devastating impacts of the loss of a loved one, you need a strong, compassionate legal advocate to ensure your rights and interests are protected. At the Khan Law Firm, we provide the aggressive representation your family needs to get justice for your loved one, holding responsible parties accountable and assisting you in getting the compensation your family needs to recover. Call or contact our office online today to schedule a free review of your case.