Losing a loved one at the hands of another is devastating. When negligence plays a factor in a death, family members can file a wrongful death claim. At Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC, we have helped families recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more. Let our Seattle, WA wrongful death attorney protect your rights and hold the liable parties financially accountable.
The most common causes of wrongful death are vehicle crashes, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents. Families of the deceased have the right to pursue compensation against the person whose negligence caused their loved one to pass away. Under the law, someone can be deemed negligent if they owed a duty of care, that duty was breached, and the breach caused injury or death resulting in damages.
For example, if a driver was intoxicated and hit another car whose passenger(s) suffered a fatal injury, all elements of negligence are met. It is the responsibility of every driver to operate their vehicle safely, and by drinking and then getting behind the wheel, they breached that duty of care. In this situation, the drunk driver will face criminal charges; however, the victim’s family can bring civil charges against them as well in the form of a wrongful death lawsuit.
Not all wrongful deaths have a criminal element. Malpractice cases where a surgical error caused a patient to pass away are reserved for the civil courts. Unless the surgeon intentionally made a mistake or acted in gross negligence, like operating under the influence, it is unlikely they will be criminally charged. That is why wrongful death laws are so important. In many situations, it is a family’s only recourse to achieve justice.
Wrongful death claims can only be filed by those directly impacted by the victim’s passing. Priority is usually given to spouses and surviving children. However, when the deceased is a minor, their parents may be eligible to pursue a claim. Other dependents or the deceased’s estate can also file a wrongful death lawsuit under specific circumstances. Only one claim of wrongful death can be made, so it is prudent to consult our Seattle wrongful death attorney to determine the best way to proceed. It may be necessary to name multiple plaintiffs.
Timely action is critical in wrongful death cases because the strength of the claim lies in our lawyer’s ability to correlate the defendant’s negligence to the cause of death. We must gather and preserve evidence right away, especially in cases of medical malpractice where it might be necessary to consult third-party experts. Additionally, the state of Washington has a statute of limitations on filing wrongful death claims. Missing this window means you lose your right to seek compensation.
Every wrongful death is an emotionally charged case. Families are angry, grieving, and want answers. Our attorneys understand your pain and will approach your claim with compassion, respect, and straightforward legal advice. Learning about the last moments of a loved one’s life is difficult, which is why our team heads the investigation and handles the legalities. We keep you informed every step of the way.
For many families, a wrongful death case is their only opportunity to see justice served on behalf of their loved one. It is essential to work with an attorney who has handled claims like yours before and won. Since 2003, attorney Zach Herschensohn has fought for injured victims and has a track record of securing maximum compensation on behalf of his clients. Led by Zach, our team will leverage these qualifications to deliver an optimal outcome in your wrongful death claim:
Decades of personal injury and wrongful death law experience
Local roots with a vast network of resources
National recognition as a top 100 trial lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers Association
A history of winning multi-million dollar settlements, including a $1.2 million settlement award for the wrongful death of a truck crash victim
At Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC, we know that no amount of money can replace the love and companionship of a family member. But we also know that winning a wrongful death claim can bring necessary closure, financial support, and aid the grieving process. Our Seattle wrongful death attorney will provide the aggressive legal representation your family needs and deserves. Get started with a free, no-risk consultation to learn what your options are under Washington wrongful death laws.
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After a worker was electrocuted on a construction site and suffered life-changing injuries, we fought and won on their behalf.
When a retired man was killed in a truck accident, we made sure his grieving family got fair compensation.
When a defective medical device harmed our client, we fought to ensure they had the financial compensation needed to recover.
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When you request your free consultation, Kent personal injury attorney Zach Herschensohn will listen to you, answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and give you down-to-earth legal advice.
When you work with our law office, there are no obligations, hidden fees, or fine print. It’s that simple.
Lawyer fees for car accident cases vary. Most work on a contingency basis, taking 25% to 40% of the settlement. Hourly rates might range from $100 to $500+. Additional costs like filing fees can apply. Free consultations help you understand the fee structure.
Most injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, taking 25% to 40% of the settlement or award. This means they’re only paid if they win your case.
In Florida, lawyers typically take a contingency fee of around 33% to 40% of the settlement amount in personal injury cases. This fee structure ensures they are paid only if your case is successful.
