Wrongful Death Attorneys in Kennewick, Washington

In 2022, according to statistics from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), there were about 745 fatalities in traffic crashes statewide. Losing a family member to another person's negligent act can be extremely difficult and emotional. Thankfully, personal injury laws in Washington State allow surviving family members of the decedent to seek damages through a wrongful death claim. 

If you have lost a loved one to another person's negligent or wrongful actions, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation. At Gierth-Eddy Law Offices PLLC, we're dedicated to offering compassionate representation and personalized guidance to clients in their wrongful death cases. Our Washington State personal injury attorneys can fight vigorously for your rights and help you seek deserved financial justice for your unexpected loss. 

Gierth-Eddy Law Offices PLLC proudly serves clients across Kennewick, Washington, and the surrounding areas of Yakima, Richland, and Pasco. 

Why File a Wrongful Death Claim? 

A wrongful death claim is a legal action which may be filed against someone whose negligent or wrongful actions led to another person's demise. Filing a wrongful death claim may be necessary due to the following reasons: 

To Pursue Financial Compensation

Filing a wrongful death action can help the surviving family members of the deceased person to pursue fair financial compensation to help cover funeral or burial expenses, lost income, and the cost of medical treatments received before their passing. 

To Get Justice for Survivors

Also, the decedent's surviving loved ones can get a form of justice for their deceased family member through a wrongful death action. With this, they can hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligence, wrongful acts, or intentional misconduct. 

Serve as Deterrence

Filing a wrongful death claim makes it possible to hold the negligent party responsible and prevent such an unfortunate accident from happening to someone else or another family. Likewise, this will serve as deterrence and warn others about the potential ramifications of their carelessness. 

Though, there is absolutely no amount of monetary compensation that will be sufficient to bring the decedent back. Regardless, filing a wrongful death claim can help the decedent's survivors get the rightful justice and a much-needed financial boost after their avoidable loss. 

What Constitutes Wrongful Death in Washington?

According to Washington State law – Revised Code of Washington Section 4.20.010 – a wrongful death occurs "when the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person." 

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Washington State is three (3) years from the date the person died. This means that a wrongful death action must be brought within three years of the person's death. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Washington?

Under Washington law, the personal representative or the executor of the deceased person's estate may file a wrongful death action. If the decedent died intestate – without a will – the court will appoint an executor (or administrator). In addition, if the victim was a minor, the parent or guardian can bring the wrongful death claim if they regularly contributed to the child's support. 

What Needs to Be Proven to Constitute Wrongful Death?

To establish a wrongful death claim, the plaintiff must show that: 

• The at-fault party owed a legal duty of care to the victim. 

• The at-fault party breached the expected duty of care 

• A death occurred 

• The breach caused the injuries or accident, which resulted in the person's death. 

• The decedent's survivors suffered actual damages from their loved one's death. 

A seasoned Washington State wrongful death attorney can guide you through the claims process, seek to prove negligence, and attempt to pursue the maximum available compensation. 

Damages Available

The following damages may be recovered by filing a wrongful death action in Washington State: 

• Medical bills accumulated prior to the victim's death 

• Lost income and other benefits 

• Funeral and burial expenses 

• Lost earning capacity 

• Lost household services 

• Mental anguish 

• Loss of consortium 

• Loss of the decedent's guidance. 

• Loss of love or companionship 

• Loss of gifts, financial support, or benefits. 

• Loss of care, guidance, support, or counsel 

A dedicated attorney can fight for your loved one's rights and help recover your deserved financial compensation for your loss. 

Compassionate Legal Guidance

The death of a family member can be heartbreaking and can affect you emotionally and financially. Regardless, you don't have to suffer the pain and loss all by yourself. Therefore, if you have lost a family member to someone else's wrongful acts, you need to hire a practiced personal injury attorney to help protect your rights and seek damages. 

At Gierth-Eddy Law Offices PLLC, we support the families of wrongful death victims during such a difficult period. Using our broad knowledge, we can guide you through the complex procedures involved in filing wrongful death claims and recovering compensation. In addition, we will fight vigorously for your rights, hold the negligent party accountable, and help you pursue deserved damages for your loss.