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Losing someone you love because of another person’s careless or thoughtless acts can devastate any family. During this difficult time, you deserve clear legal guidance from a team that understands what is at stake. At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our Liberty Lake personal injury attorneys help families pursue wrongful death claims against the parties responsible for their loved one’s death.
A wrongful death claim cannot undo what happened, but it can provide financial stability and hold the negligent party accountable. We guide you through every stage of the legal process, explain your rights in plain language, and work to recover the compensation your family may deserve. While you focus on your loved ones, our wrongful death attorneys in Liberty Lake, WA, focus on protecting your legal interests. If you are ready to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation.
When a Wrongful Death Claim May Be Available in Washington
Certain family members may have the right to seek compensation after losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence. Under RCW 4.20.010, a wrongful death claim may be filed when a person’s wrongful act, neglect, or default causes another person’s death.
Negligent actions that lead to a wrongful death claim can include:
- Car accidents
- Truck collisions
- Motorcycle crashes
- Bicycle wrecks
- Pedestrian accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Dangerous property conditions
Each wrongful death case depends on its own facts, and determining whether a personal injury claim exists requires a careful review of the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Washington?
Not every family member has the legal authority to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The claim is generally brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate for the benefit of qualifying family members.
The individuals who may recover compensation, identified in RCW 4.20.020, include the surviving spouse or state-registered domestic partner and the deceased person’s children. If none of those beneficiaries exist, other qualifying family members may have rights under the statute if they meet the legal requirements established by Washington law.
Who can file a wrongful death claim depends on your family’s circumstances. If there are questions about who qualifies, such as in a blended family or when multiple relatives may have a claim, we’ll review the facts to determine who has the legal right to move forward.
It’s free to speak with us and learn the value of your case today.
Call Us NowThe Compensation Available After a Wrongful Death
A wrongful death claim seeks financial compensation for the losses surviving family members experience because of their loved one’s death. The damages available depend on the circumstances of the case and the losses recognized under the law.
Compensation in your family’s wrongful death claim may include:
- Loss of the financial support the deceased would have provided
- Funeral expenses and burial costs
- Loss of companionship, love, care, guidance, and support
- Prior medical expenses
Every family’s losses are different. We carefully evaluate the evidence to pursue compensation that reflects the full impact your loss has had on your family.
What You Should Do After Losing a Loved One
After losing a loved one, even simple decisions can feel difficult. While no one wants to think about legal issues during this time, taking a few important steps now can help protect your family’s rights.
You should consider:
- Preserving any photographs, videos, or other evidence related to the incident
- Obtaining the police report or other official incident report
- Avoiding detailed conversations with insurance adjusters before speaking with our attorneys
- Keeping medical bills, receipts, invoices, and financial records related to your loved one’s passing
- Meeting with our wrongful death attorneys as soon as reasonably possible to discuss your legal options
Taking these steps early can help preserve evidence and place your family in a stronger position when you pursue a wrongful death claim.
How We Build a Wrongful Death Case
Every wrongful death case requires a thorough investigation. Insurance companies often begin building their defense immediately after a fatal accident, and we believe families deserve the same level of preparation. Our job is to gather the evidence needed to establish liability, document your losses, and present a compelling claim on your behalf.
Depending on the circumstances, we may:
- Conduct an independent investigation into the accident
- Collect and review medical records
- Obtain police reports and other official records
- Interview witnesses when appropriate
- Analyze photographs, videos, and other available evidence
- Calculate the financial losses associated with your loved one’s death
- Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair resolution
- Take your claim to court if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached
We keep you updated throughout your case, so you always know what’s happening and what comes next. While you spend time with your family, we’ll take care of the legal process.
If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed through an act of negligence, you need the highest level of legal representation.
Schedule a Free ConsultationWhy Families Choose Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers
When you’re looking for a wrongful death attorney, you need a law firm that will keep you informed, answer your questions, and keep your case moving forward.
Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers has represented injured individuals and grieving families for more than a decade. Once you hire our firm:
- We promptly notify the insurance companies that you are represented so that they direct communications to us instead of contacting you.
- Our attorneys work together on cases, allowing multiple legal professionals to evaluate important issues and develop strategies that support your claim.
- We provide bilingual services so Spanish-speaking families can communicate comfortably throughout the legal process.
- We remain available to explain the process, provide updates, and help you make informed decisions from beginning to end.
Every family deserves clear answers and responsive communication during an incredibly difficult time.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Washington?
In most cases, RCW 4.16.080 provides a three-year statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in the Spokane County courts. If a claim is not filed before the applicable deadline expires, your family may lose the opportunity to seek compensation.
Although three years may seem like plenty of time, evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories may fade, and important documents may become more difficult to obtain. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible allows your case to begin while the evidence is still available.
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Schedule NowSpeak With a Wrongful Death Attorney in Liberty Lake, WA
You don’t have to handle the legal process on your own after losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence. At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we help families understand their rights, investigate what happened, and pursue the compensation available under Washington’s wrongful death laws. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and stand by your side from start to finish.
Our representation is based on a contingency fee arrangement, which means you do not pay attorney’s fees unless our Liberty Lake wrongful death attorney lawyer recovers compensation for you. Contact Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers today for your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a wrongful death claim different from a criminal case?
A wrongful death claim is a civil case that allows surviving family members to seek financial compensation. A criminal case is different. It is brought by the government to determine whether someone committed a crime. In some situations, both cases can happen at the same time.
How long does a wrongful death case usually take?
Every case is different. The timeline depends on factors such as the complexity of the investigation, the amount of evidence involved, whether liability is disputed, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial.
Do most wrongful death cases settle?
Many wrongful death claims are resolved through negotiated settlements, but every case is unique. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, we are prepared to pursue the claim through litigation.
What evidence helps prove a wrongful death claim?
Evidence often includes police reports, witness statements, photographs, video footage, medical records, employment records, financial documents, and other materials that establish how the fatal accident occurred and the losses your family has experienced.
