The devastating heat wave that struck the Northwest in 2021 has led to a high-profile wrongful-death lawsuit. Juliana Leon, 65, died after being overcome by extreme heat while driving in Seattle, and her daughter is now suing several major oil companies. On June 28, 2021—the hottest day in Northwest history—temperatures reached 105 degrees. Leon’s air conditioner was not working, and she pulled off Interstate 5 in Northeast Seattle’s Maple Leaf neighborhood to escape the heat, but she succumbed despite the efforts of bystanders and emergency responders. Her tragic death underscores the growing concern over climate-related fatalities and the role human activity plays in these extreme events. Consulting with our Seattle, WA wrongful death attorney can be essential for families facing the sudden loss of a loved one under circumstances involving alleged negligence or corporate misconduct.
The lawsuit, filed in King County Superior Court, targets seven oil and gas companies: BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Olympic Pipeline, Phillips 66, and Shell. It alleges that these companies knowingly contributed to climate change while concealing the risks from the public. According to the complaint, decades of misinformation prevented the public from understanding the dangers of fossil-fuel emissions, leading to catastrophic events like the 2021 heat dome. Studies, including those from World Weather Attribution, indicate that the extreme heat would have been virtually impossible without human-caused climate change, linking fossil fuel use directly to life-threatening conditions. This case is part of a broader wave of litigation by state, local, and tribal governments seeking accountability for climate impacts, including heat waves, floods, and rising sea levels.
We Provide Assistance For Families After An Accidental Death
Unexpected deaths caused by negligence, whether due to extreme weather, accidents, or corporate misconduct, leave families facing emotional and financial hardship. Our Seattle wrongful death attorneys assist clients in seeking justice and compensation when a loved one has died due to another party’s recklessness. We guide families through the claims process, including damages for medical costs, funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.
Cases like Juliana Leon’s highlight the need for experienced legal support. Our team of fatal accident lawyers evaluates every aspect of the incident, including potential corporate negligence or liability. Our accidental death attorneys work with other professionals to assess evidence, document negligence, and hold responsible parties accountable for the loss suffered by families. Our family loss lawyers make sure that claims are thorough, accurate, and supported by compelling legal arguments.
For families confronting sudden deaths caused by unforeseen events, consulting with our survivor claims lawyers is critical. At Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC, our Seattle wrongful death lawyers are committed to helping families obtain the compensation they deserve. Our 5-star reviews show our deep dedication to our clients and commitment to providing trusted legal guidance. And with free case evaluations, you can be sure you’re working with the right team from the start. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can assist your family during this difficult time.
