Losing a loved one due to another’s negligence or recklessness can be devastating and hard to process. You may feel like you have no one to turn to, but our Tacoma wrongful death lawyers will fight for your family’s recovery while you take time to focus on healing.
When you work with NextLaw, you’ll benefit from the knowledge of our Tacoma personal injury lawyers, who have over 100 years of combined experience helping clients seek rightful compensation after losing a loved one.
We understand what you are going through and will work tirelessly to pursue the recovery your family deserves. Call Dan Next for a free consultation. During that time, we will review your legal options and advise you on your next steps for your civil claim.
Understanding Wrongful Death Cases in Tacoma, WA
In Washington, a wrongful death occurs when someone dies because of another person’s negligence or default.
In these situations, certain surviving family members, such as a spouse or children, or the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, may pursue a civil claim to recover compensation for the losses resulting from their loved one’s death.
The general rule is that if the deceased could have pursued a personal injury claim had they survived, a wrongful death claim may be made on their behalf.
Who Can Pursue a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Washington?
Under Washington’s wrongful death law (RCW 4.20.020), the right to file this type of lawsuit generally belongs to:
- The deceased’s spouse or registered domestic partner
- The deceased’s children or stepchildren
If the deceased did not have a surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children, their parents or siblings may be eligible beneficiaries. A wrongful death lawsuit may also be filed by a personal representative of the deceased who is usually named in their will or appointed by the court.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Tacoma, call (253) 238-2558
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Can Represent
Wrongful death claims can arise from many different situations. Our lawyers have experience handling a wide range of these cases.
Here are examples of the types of cases our trial-ready legal team can help with:
- Motor vehicle accidents: When negligence on the road leads to fatal crashes, we fight to hold the responsible drivers or companies accountable.
- Medical malpractice: If medical errors, such as misdiagnosis or surgical mistakes, result in death, a skilled attorney will pursue justice against healthcare providers.
- Workplace injury: We represent families when unsafe working conditions or employer negligence causes fatal injuries.
- Defective products: When a dangerous or faulty product causes a tragic death, our team can sue the manufacturer or seller for compensation.
- Premises liability: We handle cases where unsafe property conditions, like unmarked hazards or negligent security, lead to fatal accidents, including slip-and-fall accidents.
Each case is unique, so we’ll personalize our approach to meet the specific needs of your family. Our attorneys in Washington pay close attention to every detail and will address all issues as we build your case.
We Can Also Handle Your Tacoma Survival Action Claim
While a wrongful death action seeks compensation for the losses your surviving family members experience, a survival action focuses on the damages your relative could have pursued had they survived.
A survival action allows the personal representative of the deceased’s estate to seek compensation for the physical and emotional pain your loved one endured before their death, their accident-related expenses, and their lost income.
Survival actions and wrongful death actions are often pursued together. NextLaw’s team will explain these legal options and how they could benefit your family.
Tacoma Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me
Call: (253) 238-2558How Our Tacoma Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Help You
Losing a loved one is incredibly hard, so we understand if taking legal action might feel overwhelming. Our team will guide you and help ease the burden. When one of our attorneys represents you, we will:
- Review the details of your case: At NextLaw, we’ll listen to your situation and assess the strength of your claim. We will also provide realistic expectations for your settlement and how long the process may take.
- Handle investigation and discovery: During our investigation, we will gather case evidence, including witness statements, video footage, accident reconstruction information, and medical records.
- Offer ongoing legal support: An attorney will take care of all paperwork, case communications, and legal filing deadlines. We will keep your case on track and moving forward while you focus on grieving your loved one and handling their final arrangements.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: We’ll work to secure a fair insurance settlement that covers your economic and non-economic damages. We will also review all potential offers to guard against you accepting one that falls short of your needs.
- Represent you in court: If we cannot settle your case with the insurance company outside of court, we will prepare to take your case to trial.
A Tacoma wrongful death attorney will support you throughout the legal process so you can focus on what really matters: honoring your loved one’s memory and finding a path forward. We will explain all your options clearly so that you can make informed decisions. Call us today to discuss your case during a free consultation.
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Types of Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
We care about your family’s recovery and fight for justice and compensation that bring a sense of closure as you work to move forward.
In a wrongful death lawsuit, an attorney could help you recover compensation for the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Medical bills and funeral expenses: This covers any fees associated with your loved one’s injury, medical treatment, and funeral and burial costs.
- Loss of financial support: This loss involves the income your relative would have contributed to their family.
- Loss of companionship and care: You could receive compensatory damages for losing the emotional and relational support your family member provided.
In Washington, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally three years from the person’s date of death. Failing to file within this time frame can result in losing the right to seek compensation from the negligent party.
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Get the Legal Support You Need from NextLaw
Grieving families deserve to hold those responsible for their loved one’s death accountable. While no amount of compensation can make up for such a loss, our Tacoma wrongful death lawyers are committed to securing the financial relief that can help ease your burden.
We’re ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you take the next steps toward healing. Read our client testimonials to hear from others about how our firm has helped them, and Call Dan Next for a free, confidential consultation.
Call or text (253) 238-2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form