Wrongful Death Attorney — Seattle, WA
The loss of a family member from a car accident is an unimaginable tragedy that results in lifelong consequences. The sudden and tragic loss of a loved one can cause significant emotional distress and financial loss, spurring action for wrongful death claims to be filed.
If you lost a loved one because of another person's negligent actions, a Seattle wrongful death attorney from Alpha Accident Lawyers can help you hold the liable party accountable. We will help you file a wrongful death claim and be your legal advocate throughout the case period.
To learn more about your legal claim and how to seek compensation, schedule a free consultation with our wrongful death attorneys in Seattle, WA today.
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Financial Compensation in Wrongful Death Claims
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there were 0.83 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in Washington in 2019. There were 494 fatal crashes, resulting in 519 deaths. Per Washington law, family members of a victim of a wrongful death accident are entitled to bring a legal claim against the individual that caused the death.
A successful wrongful death claim can help surviving family members recover financial losses, like medical and funeral expenses. Such monetary losses are referred to as economic damages. Another form of recoverable wrongful death compensation is called non-economic damages. Examples of this include psychological trauma and emotional distress caused by a loved one's death.
Every wrongful death case is different. Therefore, the outcomes will be different, so there is no exact amount of how much a wrongful death claim or a wrongful death lawsuit is worth.
If your family has experienced the loss of a loved one because of a personal injury accident that was caused by a negligent individual, contact our Seattle wrongful death attorneys at Alpha Accident Lawyers.
We are an experienced team of attorneys, with a winning track record of helping families receive compensation through wrongful death claims. Schedule a free consultation, and we can begin building your case.
Is a Wrongful Death Claim Different From a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
While they do share some similarities, wrongful death claims differ from a wrongful death lawsuit. Typically, a personal injury claim will be filed first, and demands for financial compensation will be presented. If an amount cannot be agreed on, both parties, the claimant and defendant, can settle the dispute in court. That is when a wrongful death suit is filed.
A common type of lawsuit is when an injured party sues a negligent party for damages in order to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Similarly, when an individual is killed due to the negligence of another person, eligible family members can sue the responsible party for damages.
In the state of Washington, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within three years of the death. For fatal auto accidents, there are a number of potential parties that could have been responsible for the fatal accident. This includes other road users, motorcyclists, pedestrians, bicyclists, car manufacturers, and government entities.
If your loved one has died following a road traffic accident, let Alpha Accident Lawyers prepare your case and work on behalf of your family to secure the compensation you are rightfully owed.
Who Can File Wrongful Death Claims?
In Washington State, only certain family members of the deceased individual are legally entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The surviving spouse of the deceased, the children of the deceased, and their domestic partner are allowed to file an action.
It is worth highlighting that legally adopted children and stepchildren are allowed to file a claim in this instance. Family members who are eligible to file a claim may do so jointly or individually.
What Must Be Proven in the Case
The family can bring the case forward but must meet proof of liability against the negligent party.
For example, if the deceased was killed following a collision with another driver, the case may relate to reckless behavior or negligence from the at-fault driver. Drunk driving, speeding, not obeying traffic signs, distracted driving, and driving without a license are examples of driver negligence in this case.
Motorists are responsible for following what is known as a "duty of care" to other motorists and pedestrians. Therefore, if another driver has failed to follow the rules of the road, they may be held liable for the consequences of their actions. Proving this negligent behavior without legal representation is difficult and unlikely. At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we have a strong track record in preparing and winning wrongful death cases for our clients.
Damages That Can Be Claimed
We understand that no amount of financial compensation can repair the hurt felt by the sudden and traffic loss of a family member. Damages received through a wrongful death case can ensure that you and your family are financially compensated, helping to cover present and future expenses.
Compensation may be sought for a variety of damages. These include funeral expenses, loss of future projects earnings, pain, and suffering, and past medical costs. A spouse may be entitled to loss of companionship, while dependent children may be entitled to loss of love and care.
Punitive damages, which exceed simple compensation, may also be awarded in order to punish the defendant in cases of gross negligence.
How Do I File a Wrongful Death Claim?
At Alpha Accident Lawyers, our wrongful death lawyers in Seattle know how to deliver results. We provide a free consultation where we discuss your case and outline your options in a clear and straightforward way. Our team of expert attorneys will take the lead on your case and keep you informed on its progress at every juncture.
For Quality Representation, Contact Alpha
Alpha Accident Lawyers is proud to represent the residents of Seattle. Our reputation as a legal practice puts our clients first and ensures that they are properly compensated following a range of accidents, including wrongful death cases.
A loved one's death can never be comparably appeased. However, the victim's family can bring their loved one justice. Our Seattle wrongful death lawyers will assist surviving family members to pursue a legal claim against the responsible party. Schedule a free consultation with our team today to learn more.
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Washington
Offering two of the Pacific Northwest’s most breathtaking national parks with Mount Rainier and Olympic, Washington is full of natural beauty. Additionally, the state is a hub for iconic sights in cities like Seattle, where Pike Place Market and Seattle Center are located. Tacoma also has a variety of attractions, like The Museum of Glass, Point Defiance Zoo, and Le-May - America’s Car Museum. Other popular cities are Spokane, Vancouver, and Bellevue.
