Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions can be devastating. The pain, grief, and emotional distress can be overwhelming, and the thought of pursuing legal action may seem overwhelming. However, seeking justice for your loved one’s wrongful death is not only your right but also an important step toward closure and healing.
At Malcolm Law, we are dedicated to helping families navigate the complex legal process and obtain the compensation they deserve. Wrongful death cases can turn complicated quickly as insurance companies and corporate lawyers attempt to argue why they should not be held responsible. Our Redmond wrongful death attorneys refuse back down. We are here to provide you with effective legal representation and to set the tone from the beginning. Call or contact us today for your free consultation.
What is Considered a Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death case is a type of legal action that is taken when a person dies due to the wrongful actions or negligence of another person or entity. In such cases, the surviving family members or beneficiaries of the deceased person may file a lawsuit against the responsible party or parties to seek compensation for the damages and losses they have suffered as a result of the death.
Wrongful death cases can arise from a variety of circumstances in which someone is killed as a result of another party’s negligent or intentional actions. Some common examples of wrongful death cases include:
Car accidents: When someone is killed in a car accident or truck accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, the victim’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their loss. Contact a Redmond car accident attorney to learn more.
Medical malpractice: If a healthcare provider’s negligence or error causes a patient’s death, the patient’s family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Workplace accidents: When a worker is killed on the job due to unsafe working conditions or employer negligence, their family may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
Defective products: If a product is defectively designed or manufactured and causes a person’s death, the victim’s family member may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against the product manufacturer or other responsible parties.
Criminal acts: If someone is killed as a result of another person’s intentional criminal act, such as murder or manslaughter, the victim’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim in addition to any criminal charges that are pursued.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Redmond, WA?
The ability to bring a case before the court is known as “standing”. The parties who have adequate standing depend upon the type of case and the jurisdiction in which the case is brought. In Washington, the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased person may file a wrongful death claim. If none of these parties are surviving or exist, a personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may file the claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Redmond Wrongful Death Claim?
Statutes of limitations are laws that set a specific time period within which a legal action must be filed in order for it to be considered valid. This means that if a person wants to file a lawsuit or bring a legal claim against someone, they must do so within a certain period of time after the incident or event that gave rise to the claim.
The length of the statute of limitations varies depending on the jurisdiction and the type of legal claim being pursued. In Washington, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is three years from the date of the person’s death.
It’s important to file the claim within this time frame, as claims filed after the deadline may be dismissed. If a person attempts to bring a legal claim after the statute of limitations has expired, the court will likely dismiss the case. The thought behind this rule is that after a certain period of time, it becomes difficult to gather evidence and memories fade, making it unfair to require the defendant to defend against the claim.
What Can I Recover From My Wrongful Death Claim?
Damages refer to the monetary compensation that a person may receive as a result of a legal claim or lawsuit. In legal terms, damages are the amount of money awarded to the plaintiff (the person who filed the claim) by the court as a remedy for the harm suffered.
Damages in a wrongful death case may include compensation for medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Additionally, the family may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, guidance, and support that the deceased person provided.
Importantly, Washington does not have a cap on damages for wrongful death claims. This means that there is no limit to the amount of compensatory or punitive damages that can be awarded in a wrongful death case in Redmond, provided that the damages are determined to be justified and supported by the evidence.
At Malcolm Law, we work closely with our clients to understand their situation and develop a legal strategy that is tailored to their specific needs. We understand that no amount of money can bring back your loved one, but we believe that obtaining a fair settlement or verdict can provide some measure of closure and financial stability for your family’s future.
Choosing the right attorney is crucial when seeking justice for a wrongful death. Setting the tone from the beginning that you have representation not willing to back down will send the message to the other side that you are seeking the justice you deserve. Our Redmond personal injury attorneys have strong reputations that strike fear in opposing lawyers and garner respect from judges.
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions, we are here to help. Contact our Redmond wrongful death lawyers to schedule a free consultation and start your path toward moving past the tragic circumstances from the negligence of others.
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“After losing my case with two other attorney’s, Sean was able to get an offer two weeks after I hired him. Need someone to fight for you in a court case, HIRE SEAN MALCOLM.” – Rebecca Mott