The last thing anyone wants to do or think about after the sudden loss of a family member is deal with the legal work necessary to file a lawsuit. Yet, when a person’s negligent actions caused the fatal injuries, you have the right to hold that party accountable.
Compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit could cover medical and funeral expenses, the loss of income and benefits of your loved one, loss of companionship, and the pain and suffering you are feeling. A reliable personal injury attorney could help you and your family get back on your feet. Call a North Creek wrongful death lawyer if someone’s careless, reckless, or intentional actions caused an avoidable accident.
The Most Common Wrongful Death Causes
A wrongful death claim can occur because of many acts involving misconduct or carelessness, including direct or indirect negligence. Some of the most typical accidents leading to the civil actions are:
- Passenger vehicle and commercial truck collisions
- Accidents leading to severe burn injuries
- Boating accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Accidents at work
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
A North Creek attorney who works in wrongful death claims could conduct a private investigation to help determine if negligence was involved in the loss of a loved one. In certain situations, punitive damages might also be possible to recover.
Is There Cause to File a Wrongful Death Action?
After a person dies because of reckless, careless, or willful actions, the family or estate of the deceased has the legal right to file a civil claim for damages. If the individual who sustained fatal injuries would have had the legal right to file a personal injury claim and recover damages if they had survived, then there is cause for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Under the Revised Code of Washington 4.20.010, after proving liability, the fact finder could award economic and non-economic damages to the beneficiaries of the deceased. The statute also defines the parties eligible to bring the action.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
State civil law establishes procedures and determines eligibility for filing a claim to obtain a wrongful death settlement from the negligent party. Under AS 4.20.010, the decedent’s personal representative may maintain an action against the person causing the death.
Meeting the burden of proof to establish fault in wrongful death claims can be challenging. The petitioner must also ensure they follow legislation correctly to avoid delays. A wrongful death attorney in North Creek could handle the legal work to help ensure that they file the claim within the statute of limitations and that they follow eligibility guidelines allowing for the best possible legal outcome, given the circumstance.
Schedule a Meeting with a North Creek Wrongful Death Attorney
Losing a loved one is traumatic and devastating for families. Of course, there is no amount of compensation that could bring that person back. However, a successful wrongful death claim could allow you to at least hold the negligent party accountable and take some of the financial difficulties off your plate during an already difficult time.
An experienced North Creek wrongful death lawyer could handle the legal work while you and your family grieve your loss. For help with filing a claim, call today to schedule a consultation and begin working on your case.