After the losing a loved one in an accident, you and your family may be suffering financial hardship, immense grief, and emotional turmoil. The loss of support from a person who has passed could be difficult to bear. These economic and non-economic costs could be recoverable in monetary compensation through a lawsuit.
A compassionate Kent wrongful death lawyer could speak with you about the case and help you understand your rights. Start your path towards potential compensation today with one of our caring personal injury attorneys.
What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A lawsuit like this is intended to win compensation for family members after someone dies due to the unwarranted actions of another. The conduct that leads to a person dying could happen in many different ways, including negligent or intentional acts. The recovery of damages might help surviving family members heal from the financial and emotional toll of the beloved person dying.
Many types of events may lead to a person’s untimely passing. Several types of accidents may be appropriate for recovery through a wrongful death lawsuit, including medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, defective products, and workplace incidents.
Medical Malpractice
Mistakes by medical professionals could lead to a person dying. A wrongful death action, often coupled with a medical negligence claim, may help a family recover compensation for the loss of their loved one.
Motor Vehicle Crashes
Motor vehicle wrecks—like cars, motorcycles, buses, or trucks—commonly cause fatality. The negligent defendant could be liable for costs associated with the passing.
Defective Products
If a defectively designed or manufactured product causes a person to die, the surviving family members may be able to recover and file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Workplace Incidents
Accidents in the workplace may be the basis for an action if they are the cause of the decedent dying.
A Kent attorney knowledgeable in cases where someone wrongly dies could help surviving family members determine what type of accident led to the decedent passing.
Who May File a Claim for Someone Who Wrongly Died?
Revised Code of Washington § 4.20.020 outlines the potential beneficiaries of an action like this. In most cases, the beneficiaries permitted to file a claim include the spouse, children or stepchildren, or state registered domestic partner.
In some cases, the action could be filed by the decedent’s parents or siblings. These two groups only get to file if all of the primary beneficiaries are non-existent or deceased. A caring attorney in Kent who can help after a loved one dies could determine which surviving family members are eligible to be beneficiaries.
Damages in an Unjust Death Lawsuit
Compensatory damages are often available for surviving beneficiaries after a decedent dies. Collateral costs of someone dying are both economic and non-economic and may be compensable in a successful claim. This may include:
- Medical bills
- Long-term care costs
- Funeral costs
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Grief
- Loss of consortium
These monetary damages may be able to compensate a family for their loss to the extent possible. No amount of money could cure the heartbreak of losing a loved one, but it may help alleviate the other hardships related to them unexpectedly dying. An eagle-eyed Kent attorney familiar with cases when someone dies could help family members determine the total amount of costs they deserve payment for.
Schedule a Consultation with a Kent Wrongful Death Attorney Today
A consultation with a committed attorney could inform you on your rights and potential compensation which may be available for you. A well-versed Kent wrongful death lawyer is ready to assist you in your fight for compensation. Seek the services of our team today.