Call Us atThe unexpected loss of a family member under any circumstances is a traumatic experience no one should ever have to go through, especially not because of an accident caused by another’s misconduct. When your family is dealing with a situation like this, you know money cannot compensate for a life cut unfairly short—but civil restitution could stabilize your finances and protect your best interests in the long term.
Demanding compensation from the person responsible for your loved one’s death can be legally and emotionally challenging, which is why having help from a compassionate personal injury attorney can be important to achieving a successful case result. With a practiced Kenmore wrongful death lawyer on your side, you could effectively pursue the restitution you deserve while minimizing additional stress on your family.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Most of the time, the right to file suit over a wrongful death caused by negligence, professional malpractice, or an intentional criminal act falls exclusively to the deceased person’s personal representative. This is someone explicitly named in the decedent’s estate planning documents. When no designation was made or no valid estate planning documents exist, a court can assign someone—usually, but not always, an immediate family member—to fill this role.
When a parent of minor children dies, the other parent or legal guardians may have standing to file suit or join a wrongful death claim when they regularly contributed to financially supporting the child. When someone over the age of 18 dies, their parents or legal guardians may seek restitution through a wrongful death claim when they had significant involvement in the decedent’s life before their death.
Regardless of who files it, a wrongful death claim must begin within three years of the decedent’s date of death. Otherwise, the statute of limitations established under Revised Code of Washington § 4.16.080 would expire, and the window of opportunity to file suit over that particular incident permanently closes. An attorney in Kenmore could file a wrongful death claim before the deadline expires.
Recovering Comprehensively Within Filing Deadlines
Eligible beneficiaries of a deceased person defined under RCW § 4.20.20 can recover through wrongful death litigation for both economic and non-economic losses they sustained and will sustain due to their loss, including:
- Medical bills for care the decedent received between being injured and ultimately passing away
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost household services and assistance
- Lost future financial support
- Lost love, affection, companionship, and guidance
Parents and guardians of deceased minor children may be able to recover for these and other unique damages arising from their circumstances, as a wrongful death lawyer in Kenmore could discuss in more detail during a private consultation.
A Kenmore Wrongful Death Attorney Could Help
There is no easy route forward after a loved one prematurely passes away in an accident, even when you know who is responsible and can take legal action against them. You deserve restitution to the fullest extent possible under civil law for your losses because of this tragedy. Help is available from dedicated legal professionals to secure the money you and your family members need.
Speaking with a Kenmore wrongful death lawyer could provide answers to important questions and offer clarity about what you should do next. Call today to schedule a meeting.
