Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me
Learning about the unexpected loss of your loved one is news you never want to have to receive. This kind of loss can leave you reeling, and it can be even more of a shock when it was the result of another person’s carelessness. If you find yourself in this position, our experienced Olympia, WA wrongful death lawyer near me law firm can guide you and protect you through this difficult time.
Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey provides compassionate support after the traumatic and untimely death of your loved one. We understand the pain, confusion, and overwhelm you are feeling, and we can help you pursue the justice you and your loved one deserve. While nothing can ever replace your family member, an Olympia fatal injury lawyer will work diligently to recover maximum compensation to help ease the financial and emotional burden you are under.
What is Considered a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Washington
Accidents happen every day, whether on the road, at the job site, or on another person’s property. These accidents are often the result of negligence and can have a wide range of results. However, when the result of an accident caused by negligence is so severe that it results in death, surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim. This allows them to receive justice, closure, and financial relief to ease the burden caused by their loss.
To be considered a wrongful death, the decedent must have been killed as a result of another party’s careless actions. If the decedent would have had the right to pursue compensation if they had lived, then designated individuals may file a claim to recover compensation on the decedent’s behalf. Wrongful death lawsuits are like personal injury claims, and understanding personal injury cases is important. To win your lawsuit, four parts must be shown:
- Duty of care: The at-fault party was expected to act in a safe manner and exercise a reasonable amount of caution so no harm would come to the decedent.
- Breach of duty: The at-fault party acted carelessly or engaged in reckless behavior that disregarded the duty they owed to the decedent.
- Causation: Because of the at-fault party’s dangerous actions, or lack of action, the decedent met an untimely death as a direct result.
- Damages: Once liability has been established, the at-fault party must pay compensation to provide the decedent’s family members with restitution.
Each element above is required to show the negligence at the root of your loved one’s death. In order to satisfy these legal requirements and build a solid personal injury case, it is important to discuss your case with a lawyer in Thurston County and gather as much evidence as possible to show the other party’s negligence and support your claim. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be and the better the outcome will be for you and your family.
Eligibility for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Near Me
While a decedent may be beloved by many, not everyone can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. This action is reserved for select familial relationships. This often includes immediate families, and then ventures out if the decedent did not have any immediate family present. According to RCW 4.20.020, wrongful death lawsuits can be filed by a spouse, partner, child, or stepchild of the deceased. If these individuals are not present, parents or siblings may pursue a claim.
It is important to note that while a wrongful death claim benefits these designated family members, the claim itself must be brought by a personal representative as outlined in RCW 4.10.010. This individual may be a surviving family member, executor of the will, or another applicable party. If you are unsure about who this may be, reach out to wrongful death attorneys near you to receive clarity and determine how to move forward.
Additionally, the ability to pursue a claim against the party responsible for causing your loved one’s death is limited in scope. You generally must file your lawsuit within three years of the decedent’s death in order to recover compensation for their loss. However, some exceptions may apply, depending on the cause of death, so it is important to talk with a wrongful death attorney in Olympia, WA as soon as possible to ensure the statute of limitations does not expire.
What to Expect in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Olympia, WA
When filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the party responsible for the decedent’s death, you will need to first identify who the personal representative is that will be filing the claim on your family’s behalf. They will initiate your wrongful death lawsuit and investigate the accident to gather the necessary evidence needed to support your claim. They will also need to assess the value of all losses to determine what can be recovered in your wrongful death lawsuit.
Documentation You Will Need When Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
When you file a wrongful death lawsuit, you will need to provide several documents. These are typically used to provide evidence of the decedent’s death and the factors that contributed to their death. You will typically need to supply your loved one’s death certificate, as well as an autopsy report detailing the cause of death. Other documentation and records may also need to be supplied upon request.
Additional Evidence You Will Need to Strengthen Your Wrongful Death Claim
In order to receive the maximum amount of compensation in your lawsuit, you will need to have sufficient evidence. As such, it is important to maintain thorough records and documentation of all expenses related to the decedent’s death. You should also keep documentation that speaks to their condition, their income, and any other damage sustained during the accident. You should also keep journals detailing the adverse effects of pain and suffering on your life.
Types of Accidents that Contribute to Wrongful Deaths in South Puget Sound
In their most recent report, the National Security Council estimated 226,698 deaths caused by preventable circumstances. These deaths typically occurred in the home, in public, and on the roadways. Additionally, there were also 22,829 intentional deaths caused by assault and homicide, which makes up 7.5% of intentional deaths when compared to preventable deaths. While these numbers are slowly decreasing, they demonstrate a significant exposure to death.
Any type of accident that can result from negligence or malicious intent has the potential to cause death if the circumstances are severe enough. Vehicle accidents, including drunk driving accidents, are a common cause of wrongful death. Job site accidents are another common place where unintentional deaths may occur. Defective products are another leading cause of fatalities and can occur across a wide range of products.
Any party can be responsible for causing a fatality and be held accountable for their actions. This could include drivers, manufacturers, government entities, employers, employees, and more. Determining who is responsible may not always be straightforward, and requires the aid of a lawyer to determine who is at fault. Medical malpractice and premises liability accidents, such as slips and falls, may also result in a wrongful death.
Collecting Benefits from a Decedent’s Life Insurance Policies
In addition to benefits from a wrongful death lawsuit, you may also be able to collect compensation from any life insurance policies the decedent had in their name where they also listed you as a beneficiary on. This compensation can provide valuable financial assistance and provisions in the wake of your loved one’s death. It can help provide for expenses related to the decedent’s death, fill the gap in lost income, and help cover funeral and burial expenses.
It is important to seek the help of our experienced attorneys in the South Puget Sound area when seeking to recover these benefits. Insurance companies will avoid paying you out the full amount of the policy you are entitled to receive in order to protect their bottom line. They may claim a technicality or say that the decedent had a pre-existing condition to lowball you or deny your claim. Our lawyers can communicate with them on your behalf and demand fair payment.
Recovering Compensation on Your Loved One’s Behalf in a Wrongful Death Claim
When you proceed with filing a wrongful death claim, you may wonder what compensation you can receive in your case. According to RCW 4.20.046, you can recover damages on behalf of the deceased and their estate through economic damages. Non-economic damages may also be claimed in the lawsuit to ease the suffering you are going through due to the loss of your loved one. Altogether, you may be able to recover a combination of the following:
- Medical and end-of-life costs caused by the accident
- Financial and burial expenses
- Decedent’s lost income
- Value of lost services provided by the decedent
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- Humiliation
What you can recover in a wrongful death case will be impacted by what your loved one suffered, and you, by extension. The amount of a settlement will also be based on the value of these expenses and other losses. While there are no caps on the amount of damages you can recover for a wrongful death case in Washington, our wrongful death lawyers near you can help assess your losses and calculate the potential value of your case and what you can recover.
A Thurston County Attorney Ensures You Receive the Representation You Need
When you are dealing with the tragic loss of your family member, dealing with legal matters or insurance companies is likely the last thing you want to do. However, having a lawyer in South Puget Sound handle your case can allow you to receive a more substantial outcome while you focus on healing. Having the right person advocate for you is essential, and it is important to know how to find the right personal injury lawyer to handle your case.
When hiring a lawyer, be sure to ask and learn about their experience to ensure it meets the needs of your case. Learn about their successes, their communication style, and how they plan to approach your case. It is also good to ask about the strengths and weaknesses of your case and whether it will be settled or litigated. Referrals and State Bar Association listings can also be helpful ways to find a lawyer to help you with your wrongful death claim.
When you need help taking legal action, personal injury law offices can help you win your case. A good lawyer should take the time to listen to you, be a compassionate and loyal advocate, and show your case the thorough attention it deserves. They can help you gather vital evidence and secure and prepare witnesses to speak about the events that occurred. They can also provide valuable representation regardless of how your case is resolved.
How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Thurston County Cost?
To help ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you need after your loved one’s death, Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey operates on a contingency fee basis. This means that we only get paid if we win your case. Because we only collect our fees from settlements or verdicts, you never pay us anything out of your own pocket. This method ensures you receive legal services aligned to your needs at a time when you need them the most. It also protects your interests.
Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey Help You Pursue Justice for Your Loved One in Olympia, WA
Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey works hard to ensure all of our clients feel safe, comfortable, and heard at every stage of their case. Our team provides compassionate support and steadfast representation to help you begin to heal after the death of your loved one.
We fight for you and protect you during this vulnerable time. To learn more about pursuing a wrongful death claim with our lawyers near you, schedule your free consultation online or call our office at (360) 469-0632 today.