After the death of a loved one, getting justice is often a necessary part of the grieving process. Allow a Seattle wrongful death attorney to help you get financial justice for your loved one’s wrongful death.

The only thing more tragic than the death of a loved one is when your loved one’s death could have been prevented. Unfortunately, other people’s negligent or reckless actions can fatally injure our loved ones, forever taking them away from us and changing our lives.

This type of tragedy shouldn’t go unpunished if someone holds the blame. That’s why the state of Washington allows the family members of deceased people to file wrongful death claims against the people responsible.

These claims attempt to restore a sense of justice for family members by providing compensation to account for the loss of a loved one. Of course, recovering this compensation isn’t easy, and nothing can truly make up for a loved one’s passing.

Still, it’s important to hold negligent parties accountable, both for you and your loved one and to prevent similar tragedies in the future. For help as you pursue wrongful death compensation, get in touch with a Seattle wrongful death lawyer at Craig Swapp & Associates.

Do You Have a Wrongful Death Case?

Under Washington state law, only a handful of people can file a wrongful death claim. If you’re not one of these people, you likely can’t recover compensation for the death in question.

The law allows the following parties to file wrongful death claims in Seattle:

  • Spouses or domestic partners of the deceased
  • Children or stepchildren of the deceased
  • Official representatives of the deceased’s estate
  • Parents and siblings of the deceased (when there are no spouses, partners, children, or stepchildren)

If you’re not on the above list, it’s unlikely that you will be able to file a wrongful death claim.

The Accidents That Cause Wrongful Deaths

A successful wrongful death claim will prove that another party caused your loved one to die through negligent actions or inaction. Negligence is a broad term that encompasses a wide variety of behaviors. The following are some examples of accidents that often involve negligence and can lead to wrongful death claims in Seattle:

  • Car Accidents – Fatal car accidents are all too common on Seattle roads, and they’re often the result of another driver’s carelessness. Reckless and careless drivers can be held accountable for the deaths they cause.
  • Motorcycle Wrecks – Motorcyclists are vulnerable to the negligent actions of all other drivers on the road. With little external protection, motorcycle riders face the threat of fatal injuries in even low-speed crashes.
  • Truck Accidents – Accidents involving semi-trucks and 18-wheelers commonly lead to wrongful death cases in Seattle. These dangerous, enormous vehicles can cause fatal crashes almost instantaneously.
  • Medical Malpractice – Medical errors are consistently among the top causes of death in the nation. If a healthcare provider was negligent in caring for your loved one, and that negligence caused your loved one to die, you can hold the healthcare provider accountable in your wrongful death claim.
  • Defective Products – When medications are tainted, food is poisonous, or electronics are explosive, injuries and deaths can result. Manufacturers can be held responsible for the fatal mistakes they make.
  • Premises Liability – Those who own property, whether it’s commercial or residential, are responsible for keeping that property safe for visitors. That means they can be held accountable for any deaths that occur on their grounds because of their negligence. Common causes of premises liability wrongful death claims in Seattle include dog attacks and slip-and-fall accidents.

To prove negligence in any of the above scenarios, you will have to gather evidence and build a strong claim. This is a particularly helpful time to have a Seattle wrongful death claim lawyer on your side.

How You Can Be Compensated

If your Seattle wrongful death claim is successful, you will be compensated for all the losses and hardships associated with the death of your loved one. These losses can be of a financial nature, of course, and they can account for emotional suffering.

The following are some common damages listed in wrongful death claims:

  • Medical expenses leading up to your loved one’s death
  • Income your loved one would have contributed to your household
  • Funeral expenses
  • Pain and suffering associated with your loved one’s passing
  • Loss of care, guidance, and companionship from your loved one

Call a Seattle Wrongful Death Attorney

In this difficult time, it’s important to allow yourself to grieve. Let Craig Swapp & Associates handle your wrongful death claim while you focus on properly grieving your loved one.

We’ll fight for financial justice for your loved one’s passing. Give us a call at 1-800-404-9000 or fill out the form below to schedule a free consultation with a Seattle wrongful death lawyer.