You’ve lost a loved one, and it’s someone else’s fault—what can you do? Start your case by reaching out to a Washington accidental death attorney.

When you’ve lost a loved one, you’re likely dealing with plenty of stress, trauma, and grief. And it can all feel worse if your loved one passed away because someone else was reckless or malicious.

When this happens, you have a right to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation from the at-fault party. It can be tough to fight back and get the compensation you deserve, but with the help of a Washington accidental death lawyer at Craig Swapp & Associates, you can focus on grieving while we focus on winning for you.

After all, funerals are expensive, and fighting for compensation alone could mean missed opportunities to get everything you need. With one phone call, you can get a lawyer on your side to make sure you and your family members get the full compensation you deserve.

Who Can File for Wrongful Death in Washington?

Maybe you and your family don’t know who should file the claim for compensation after your loved one’s accidental death in Washington. The lawsuit is on the behalf of the deceased, so making sure the appropriate person files the claim will be important.

The following people may be eligible to file the wrongful death claim:

  • The surviving spouse or domestic partner
  • A personal representative of the deceased’s estate
  • The children or stepchildren
  • The deceased’s parents
  • Surviving siblings

In general, the first three will come first because they’re typically closer to and more affected by the death. Finding out who has the most right to file the claim will be important, so be sure to talk to your accidental death attorney in Washington about this issue.

Laws That Will Affect Your Washington Accidental Death Claim

Your preparation for the claim won’t be limited to identifying the person who should file. You’ll also need to consider the Washington laws that will influence your case. Failing to do this could leave you without the compensation you deserve.

For example, you’ll only have three years to get the compensation your family needs. While this may seem like plenty of time, you’ll need to act quickly—missing this deadline means losing any chance of getting your compensation.

You should also keep in mind that there may be a separate criminal trial going on at the same time. A criminal trial isn’t for the benefit of the surviving family, and you won’t receive help or compensation if the person who caused your loved one’s death is sentenced. Your attorney can help you with your civil claim, which is the one that can secure fair compensation for you and your family.

Contact a Washington Accidental Death Attorney

Losing loved ones is sometimes a part of life, but when your family member suffered a fatal accident because someone was intentionally or accidentally dangerous, you deserve compensation. It can be tough to handle your claim for compensation alone, but Craig Swapp & Associates can help.

Contact our firm to schedule a free consultation. We’ll discuss your case and how we can make sure you and your family get the justice you deserve. Contacting a Washington accidental death lawyer is easy. Just reach out at 1-800-404-9000 or fill out the form below.