Overview of Washington Accidental, Wrongful Death Law

A wrongful death claim filed by a lawyer or attorney in Washington is a suit that arises from the death of an individual that was caused by the conduct of another. Under Washington law, a wrongful death suit is different from other types of personal injury claims because the actual victim (the "decedent") is not bringing suit, rather it is the family members or the decedent's estate. As such, a wrongful death claim filed by a lawyer or attorney under Washington law is brought to recover damages for the injuries that the surviving family and/or estate have suffered due to the death of the victim. The damages recovered do not include damages that are personal to the decedent, since the decedent is not allowed by law to recover for pain and suffering, mental distress, or any other form of compensatory damages unique to him or her. The purpose of a wrongful death suit under Washington law is to provide relief to family members who have been injured emotionally and financially as a result of the family member's death.

To file a wrongful death suit in Washington, you must show that:

• The death of a person was caused by a wrongful act, neglect or default
• The act, neglect or default would have entitled the injured person to file an action to recover damages had the death not occurred (ARCW § 4.20.060).
• There are surviving beneficiaries, children, or dependants of the victim (ARCW § 4.20.060)
• Monetary damages have resulted from the decedent’s death

Washington law makes a distinction between persons who can file a wrongful death suit and persons who are beneficiaries. Only certain individuals can file wrongful death claims, and those that are allowed to sue do so on behalf of others. Solesski v. Oregon Auto. Ins. Co., 526 P.2d 68 (1974). In Washington a personal representative of the deceased person may file a suit on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, siblings or parents. ARCW § 4.20.020. A personal representative is a person appointed by the state of Washington to represent the beneficiaries. Family members of the decedent do not have the right to bring the lawsuit unless they have been named as a personal representative of the decedent. However, if you are not the spouse of the deceased person you must be dependant on the deceased for some actual support to qualify as a beneficiary. ARCW § 4.20.020. Wrongful death, like other negligence cases in Washington, uses "contributory negligence" to decide fault.

In all matters involving Washington wrongful death lawsuits it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question, and to file a lawsuit prior to the deadline imposed by the Washington wrongful death statute of limitations. If a loved one has been a victim of wrongful death in Washington, contact us now, CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don’t delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the Washington wrongful death statute of limitations expires.

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