Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC represents families in wrongful death cases in Kent, Washington and throughout South King County. Free consultation, contingency fee, 24/7 call answering.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Kent
- Your case deserves serious support from experienced attorneys
- A wrongful death can tear a family apart. We fight to make sure that doesn’t happen
- What is considered wrongful death in Washington state?
- What types of costs does a wrongful death claim cover?
- The Herschensohn Law team is ready to fight for your family’s future
If someone you love was fatally injured in an accident due to someone else’s mistake, you shouldn’t have to worry about money or getting the resources your family needs—your only focus should be healing as a family. Unfortunately, for too many who have wrongful death claims, they spend countless hours fighting for what’s rightfully theirs. This is wrong.
Wrongful death attorney Zach Herschensohn and his team can help you pursue a wrongful death claim so that you don’t have to worry about your family’s future and focus on what matters most.
Herschensohn Law has obtained millions in settlements and verdicts for injury victims throughout the Seattle metro area and can provide you with guidance to help you cope with the devastating loss of a family member.
See what a knowledgeable and experienced Kent wrongful death lawyer can do for your family. Contact us today for your free and confidential consultation.
Don’t leave your family’s future to chance
Attorney Zach Herschensohn is a powerful advocate who can make sure your family’s needs are met—both now and into the future. Through attentive, aggressive, and effective representation, our law firm can get your family real results, and we’re ready to fight for you.“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Herschensohn Law worked by my side for almost four years when I was in an auto accident and were outstanding in everything they did! They went above and beyond to make my lawsuit as easy and stress free as possible for me while consistently showing genuine care for my wellbeing. They even recommended amazing health care professionals for my injuries! Anything/everything I may have been confused/concerned about was addressed/explained so I felt comfortable with each move made in my lawsuit. Professional, courteous and attentive are just a few words I would use to describe this law firm and although I hope to never be in a similar situation again - if I do, Herschensohn Law will be my first call!”
““Zach and his team performed beyond my expectations! I couldn't have had a better firm in my corner!” ”
“This was such a great experience!”
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
In Washington state, if “the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person,” it may fall under the legal category of wrongful death.
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action brought on behalf of the deceased person’s estate.
Most wrongful death lawsuits are filed by the deceased person’s immediate family members, specifically their spouse or domestic partner. Children and stepchildren may also file a wrongful death claim, as can the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. In certain cases, the deceased person’s parents or siblings may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Washington state law allows the survivors of a deceased person to file a wrongful death lawsuit even if a criminal case is still being tried in court.
Wrongful death claims are different from any criminal charges, such as homicide, that might be brought by the State of Washington in connection with the same death. So, if someone is pursing criminal charges in connection to your loved one’s death, you and your family won’t receive any financial compensation if that person is found guilty. To learn more about your options, contact a wrongful death attorney right away.
Broadly speaking, there are two types of compensatory damages (financial compensation) in a wrongful death case:
- Compensation for the deceased person’s estate: This includes the medical expenses for the deceased person’s final injury or illness, pain and suffering, lost wages and lost future income, and funeral and burial expenses.
- Compensation for the surviving family members: This includes losses experienced by family members as a result of the death, such as loss of inheritance, loss of consortium, loss of care and companionship, and loss of any services provided by the deceased person (such as childcare or yard work).
If the conduct that led to your loved one’s death was particularly egregious, you may also be able to pursue punitive damages. However, to get a clear understanding of your options, you need to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney.
What is the deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Washington?
In Washington, the statute of limitations (deadline for taking legal action) for filing a wrongful death claim is three years from the time of the deceased person’s death. There are rare exceptions, but in most cases, if you try to file a wrongful death lawsuit after this deadline, your claim will be dismissed, and you won’t be able to claim the compensation you deserve.
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
Once you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one, your life will never be the same. Even though it’s critical to make sure your family is set up for the future, you should be focusing your attention on mourning your loss and spending time with the people you love—not trying to convince wrongdoers to take responsibility for what they’ve done.
Let our law firm help you. Attorney Zach Herschensohn understands how hard it can be to deal with everything that’s being thrown at you during this difficult time. Whether it’s through an insurance settlement or jury verdict, he’s willing to fight for the payout your family needs and deserves.
Find out how Herschensohn Law can help you by requesting a free consultation today. Don’t forget: we work for clients on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win.
Contact our personal injury law office today for your free consultation by calling 206-588-4344 or by filling out our simple contact form.
Our results speak for themselves
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.
Hurt? Let our law firm handle the details
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.
We’re proud to fight—and win—for injured people in Kent, Washington. View our case results to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Washington?
In Washington, a wrongful death lawsuit is filed by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate under RCW 4.20.010, with damages benefiting statutory beneficiaries such as a spouse or registered domestic partner and children, and in some circumstances parents and siblings. Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC in Kent, WA represents families across South King County. Call (206) 588-4344.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Washington?
A wrongful death claim generally must be filed within three years of the date of death, which can be later than the date of the underlying injury. Claims against government entities require a written claim notice first. Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC in Kent, WA offers compassionate free consultations at (206) 588-4344.
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action in Washington?
A wrongful death claim compensates the statutory beneficiaries for their own losses following the death, while a survival action pursues the claims the deceased person could have brought had they survived, such as their own pain and suffering and expenses before death. The two are often filed together. Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC in Kent, WA handles both; call (206) 588-4344.