At Craig Swapp & Associates, we work closely with family members who have lost a loved one due to the negligence of others. As Seattle wrongful death lawyers, we recognize the challenges and heartbreak such a loss can create. We are here to help and guide you in learning what your legal options are. While nothing can bring back that loved one, we can help you ensure those who are responsible are held accountable.

What Is Considered Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death is not as simple as it sounds. Typically, wrongful death is a legal action taken in a civil case. It is brought on by family members or dependents against a person or company that knowingly or otherwise negligently caused the death of their family member.

Wrongful death can occur in many situations, including:

  • Medical malpractice
  • Auto accidents
  • Trucking accidents
  • Defective products
  • Bike accidents
  • Work-related accidents
  • Work-related illness

If you believe your loved one lost their life due to the negligence of another person, reach out to our Seattle wrongful death attorney to discuss your case openly. We can offer guidance to support you in this process.

How Can I Recover Compensation in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

These are very complex legal cases. When working with a wrongful death attorney case details can be explored to better understand if you have a case. However, there are a few key things to remember.

Who can file a claim?

Only a close family member of the deceased person may file a wrongful death case. This is typically a spouse or children, or if the person did not have either of those, a parent may take steps. There may be some other options depending on the situation. Under Washington state law, the beneficiaries may include a spouse, parent, child, or sibling.

What can I claim?

In Seattle wrongful death claims can be made for a wide range of losses you’ve experienced due to the loss of your loved one. You may be able to file a claim for damages such as:

  • The deceased person’s final medical bills
  • All funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of financial support (such as the lost wages that he or she would have contributed to their family)
  • Loss of household services (such as providing care for children or others the individual would have provided for the family)
  • Loss of love, care, affection, training, and companionship

If the deceased individual is a child, the parents or the guardian of that child may take legal steps to recover damages sought for that child. That may include all of the child’s healthcare costs related to the incident, the loss of the child’s financial support, services, and other economic losses, the destruction of the parent and child relationship, as well as the loss of the child’s love, support, and companionship.

When you meet with a wrongful death attorney case details will be examined carefully to determine which specific losses you’ve suffered and the overall right to compensation you have. Our team is here to guide you through determining what type of financial loss you may be able to recover.

The Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death

In Seattle wrongful death cases may be brought against the negligent party within three years of the day of the individual’s death. If it has been more than three years, the court may refuse to hear the case. That is why it is critical to work with Seattle wrongful death attorneys as soon as you have lost your loved one.

Do I Have Grounds for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

One of the most difficult components of this process is knowing if you have a case. Often, a person may die in a tragic situation that could not be predicted or planned for and that may not warrant a wrongful death claim.

You may have a wrongful death case in Washington if:

  • There was negligence involved in the incident, such as a person driving recklessly and killing your loved one as a result
  • There was medical malpractice evident, which means that a doctor or other medical provider did not act in a way that other professionals would have, and the direct result of their actions led to your loved one’s death
  • The person engaged in an intentional act that resulted in the debt, such as committing a burglary and injuring a person, leading to their death

The details of your case will determine if you have a case and the legal steps you can take. Keep in mind that many people do not recognize that they have the ability to file such a claim. Even if you are not sure, contacting a Seattle wrongful death attorney can help you to find out what your legal rights are.

Contact Us for a Consultation

Contact Craig Swapp & Associates now to learn more about Seattle wrongful death lawyers and your legal rights. Set up a consultation today.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp