Wrongful death occurs when a person or entity’s negligent actions directly cause the death of another person. If you lost a loved one under these circumstances, you and your family can face significant damages — including loss of future earnings, burial and funeral debt, and emotional anguish.
In these situations, trust Jordan, Herington & Rowley with your Seattle wrongful death claim. Our attorneys have handled decades’ worth of wrongful death cases, and have the skills, strategies, and resources necessary to represent your claim.
Why Choose Us?
- Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis for maximum accessibility. If we do not secure a settlement in your wrongful death case, you do not have to pay any legal fees.
- We believe open and consistent communication is vital in building a strong wrongful death claim. We will take the time necessary to learn your story and help you prepare for each step of your case.
- Wrongful death claims may require lengthy investigation and evidence collection. Our firm will utilize our wide network of resources to craft a compelling case in your favor.
Who Can File a Washington Wrongful Death Claim?
Only certain individuals can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased person. In Washington, only the following people are eligible to file this lawsuit.
- The personal representative of the deceased’s estate
- The deceased’s surviving spouse or registered domestic partner
- The deceased’s surviving children or stepchildren
If none of the above parties exist or are no longer alive, the parents or siblings of the deceased may file a wrongful death claim on his or her behalf. If the deceased’s person was a child under the age of 18, a parent must regularly contribute to the support of the child to be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the parent was not involved in the child’s life, he or she cannot file this claim.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
All civil lawsuits in the state of Washington must adhere to the statute of limitations, which is a deadline that the state mandates you file your case by. If you miss the statute of limitations, the court will refuse to hear your case.
You have three years from the date of your loved one’s death to file your lawsuit in Washington civil court. Your loved one’s death may involve a simultaneous criminal case, depending on the cause of death. A pending or completed criminal case will not have any impact on a wrongful death lawsuit or its statute of limitations.
To ensure you file your claim within this period, speak to an attorney at Jordan, Herington & Rowley as soon as possible. Our wrongful death attorneys will prepare the paperwork you need to begin your lawsuit, handling the process on your behalf so you can meet the statute of limitations without unnecessary delays.
Contact a Seattle Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Have you recently lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness? Jordan, Herington & Rowley can help. Our attorneys have handled decades’ worth of wrongful death claims, and have the experience, skills, and resources necessary to build a compelling case in your family’s favor.
Schedule your free consultation today to discuss your case with one of our Seattle wrongful death attorneys.