Wrongful Death Lawyer
Any death of a loved one takes a massive toll. When their passing is caused by the negligence of another person, the sudden tragedy can feel even worse.
If you are entitled to compensation for your loss, our Bellevue, WA, wrongful death lawyer can seek significant damages on your behalf.
Reach out for your free consultation and allow us to help you create a financial safety net for your family.
5-Star Reviews From Bellevue
Paul Price
Bellevue, WA
2023
Charlotte and her team really nice, wonderful people. They are very diligent and thoughtful about taking care of their clients. They are very responsive and caring. The outcome of my case/settlement was more than I expected. I recommend Cascade Injury Law 100%.
View on GoogleElaine Dial
Bellevue, WA
2023
Charlotte Weigel and her team are the best! Cascade Injury Law represented me for 2 car accidents. I am so grateful for Charlotte's expertise and her hard work on my behalf. Charlotte is very thorough, knowledgable and compassionate. I always felt my case and my well being were very important to her... She fought hard to achieve the most favorable results for me.
View on GoogleWhat Is Typically Required to Win a Wrongful Death Case?
In a typical wrongful death lawsuit, the following elements must be proven:
We must be able to demonstrate the existence of an individual or entity that owed a duty of care toward the deceased person and negligence or reckless behavior caused the breach of that duty of care. As an example, all drivers on public roads have a duty to drive safely. If a driver makes a dangerous and ill-advised turn, this is a breach of said duty.
The breach of duty must have resulted in an unsafe situation that led the plaintiff (the victim) to be injured and sustain damages. The damages and injury were a direct result of the defendant’s negligence. For example, if a dangerous turn made by a driver directly led to your loved one's death, you have all the elements of a wrongful death lawsuit.
Wrongful Death Compensation Covers Many Areas
Following a wrongful death, the decedent’s surviving relatives may seek reimbursement for various damages, including economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages encompass a variety of quantifiable financial losses resulting from the accident, injury, and passing of the decedent. Examples of economic damages include funeral expenses, lost wages, property damage, and medical expenses generated between the accident and the death.
Non-economic Damages
Losing a loved one prematurely is a devastating experience from an emotional standpoint, so a wrongful death claim also accounts for the subjective aspects of the accident and death. This is why the category of non-economic damages exists. Examples include emotional pain and suffering, loss of consortium or parenting, and mental anguish.
Why You Need a
Wrongful Death Lawyer
Recruiting the help of a proven wrongful death lawyer is essential for the success of your claim because, like in any personal injury lawsuit, the burden of proof falls on the plaintiff. In other words, it is up to whoever brings forth the claim to come up with evidence required to prove that the death occurred due to negligence or wrongdoing.
Trying to take all the steps needed to put together a wrongful death claim while mourning the death of your loved one is overwhelming—if not impossible. Charlotte Weigel and her team at our Bellevue personal injury attorney office can handle every aspect of your case and help you fight for justice on behalf of your loved one.
Wrongful Death Claims
Have Strict Deadlines
Request Your Free Consultation Now
All wrongful death claims are subject to the state’s statute of limitations, which imposes a legal time limit for victims to initiate a claim to recover damages. If you miss your deadline, you will not be able to receive any compensation for your loved one's wrongful death.
The statute of limitations for a wrongful death action in our state is three years. While this may seem like a lot of time, the years can pass quickly as you and your family grieve. It is wise to start your case now to avoid missing your deadline, allow our wrongful death attorney to collect evidence while it's still fresh, and expedite your timeline for receiving compensation. Reach out now so we can help you get compensation and closure.
More Great Reviews From Bellevue
Jay Openiano
Bellevue, WA
2023
I am so happy to have Charlotte work on my car accident case! She guided me step by step and left no questions go unanswered. Her and Mike were excellent on communicating and keeping me in the loop. I couldn't be more happy with how my case was settled. I highly recommend their firm!
View on GoogleBaba Konatham
Bellevue, WA
2023
Ms. Charlotte is a very knowledgeable attorney and earned my strong recommendation. My case was transferred into her office. Despite short notice and little background, she was able to quickly understand my case and give valuable suggestions in us reaching a meaningful settlement with insurance companies.
View on GoogleExamples of Wrongful Deaths
Generally speaking, any type of incident that could cause a personal injury lawsuit could lead to a wrongful death action. Here are some examples:
Car Accidents
Examples of car accidents that could lead to a wrongful death case include accidents caused by speeding, drunk driving, or texting while driving.
Medical Malpractice
Examples of medical malpractice that could lead to wrongful death include misdiagnosis, anesthesia complications, and surgical errors.
Slip and Fall
Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions for all invitees. If your loved one passed after a fall that could have been prevented, speak to our lawyer.
Who Can File a
Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In Washington state, a wrongful death claim can be initiated by the decedent’s representative, who is usually the same person acting as the personal representative of the decedent’s estate. This person is typically a close relative like a spouse or child but can also be a close friend. The personal representative has the task of contacting a wrongful death attorney and taking the required steps to initiate the claim.
In addition, Washington state allows real parties of interest to join the wrongful death claim to receive compensation. Real parties can include the decedent's:
- Spouse
- Parents
- Children
- Stepchildren
- Parents
- Siblings
You Can File a
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Alongside a Criminal Complaint
It is important to mention that not all wrongful death cases are negligence-based. In certain instances, the victim’s death may have been caused by an intentional criminal act. Even if the party responsible for the plaintiff’s death receives a criminal sentence, that sentence does not typically include monetary restitution to the victim’s family. For that reason, a wrongful death case can be filed alongside a criminal case when applicable.
