Understanding Wrongful Death Laws in Tacoma Washington

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Losing someone you love is always difficult, especially if they died due to the negligence of someone else. While nothing can bring your loved one back, the law provides a way to seek compensation for their wrongful death through the filing of a personal injury lawsuit. The following is an overview on how personal injury law pertains to wrongful death cases. If you have lost a loved one, it may benefit you to speak with a Tacoma personal injury lawyer to learn what options you may have.

What Is A Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death is one that occurs due to the reckless behavior or carelessness of someone else. Some common causes of wrongful death cases are:

  • Medical Malpractice Cases
  • Birth Injuries
  • Car Accidents
  • Motorcycle Incidents
  • Pedestrian Deaths
  • Bicycle Accidents
  • Commercial Vehicle Fatalities
  • Surgical Errors

Who Can File A Lawsuit?

The law allows only certain family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In Washington, the following people may bring a wrongful death suit to civil court:

  • The Spouse Of The Deceased
  • The Domestic Partner Of The Deceased
  • Surviving Children Or Step Children
  • The Deceased’s Parents

If the victim is a child, then both parents may file a claim if they are regular contributors to the child’s welfare and care even if they are separated, divorced or were never married.

Visit www.nolo.com for more information on wrongful death in Washington.

What Kinds Of Damages Can I Receive?

If you successfully win a settlement in a wrongful death case, you may be able to obtain compensation for damages such as:

  • Burial Costs
  • Funeral Expenses
  • Lost Of Companionship
  • Loss Of Income
  • Medical Bills Of The Deceased
  • Pain And Suffering
  • Price Of Damaged Property
  • Emotional Distress

While filing a lawsuit cannot bring your loved one back, it can provide the financial resources to pay outstanding bills so you can move forward with your life. If you have lost a loved one and are considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Washington, contact an attorney today for a consultation.