The loss of a loved one can be one of the most traumatic and painful events in a person’s life. No matter the cause of the loved one’s passing, it is an incredibly difficult time for surviving family members. Additionally, the suffering of the family may be compounded if it comes to light that the death could have been avoided.
As the surviving relative, you may feel obligated to take some form of action, to ensure that the one who caused the death of your loved one is held responsible. For residents of Lake Stevens, we are here to help you if your family member has died due to the negligence of someone else.
At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we always keep the best interests of our clients in mind when working on a case. This is even more important for a case as painful as a wrongful death claim. We have worked for years to help the residents of Lake Stevens handle these cases and represent those who are no longer with us by ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. It is also important during such delicate situations to have attorneys who handle your case with care and compassion, never losing sight of the importance of the emotional aspects of your case.
If you have lost a loved one in the Lake Stevens area due to an accident or the negligence of someone else, it is vital to have a representative by your side who is experienced in wrongful death cases. Our attorneys can help you through the case with professionalism and understanding. We will guide you through the process of seeking justice for your loved one, and attempt to relieve some of the burdens of these situations by doing the work for you. A skilled, compassionate attorney is invaluable as the court system consider the cause and conditions surrounding the accident. Do I Have A Claim?
Wrongful death claims are lawsuits brought against those responsible for an individual’s death by the surviving members of that individual’s family. The event that caused the death may have been the result of negligence or an intentional act, and the lawsuit provides a way for the family to seek justice by bringing
Wrongful death claims are lawsuits brought against those responsible for an individual’s death by the surviving members of that individual’s family. The event that caused the death may have been the result of negligence or an intentional act, and the lawsuit provides a way for the family to seek justice by bringing civil action against the responsible party.
If the death was found to be the result of negligence, the responsible party is legally obligated to compensate the family of the deceased individual. Compensations come in monetary form and are meant to compensate the family for their loss, as well as any expenses that may have occurred as a result.
When we file a wrongful death personal injury claim, we ask the responsible party to compensate the family of the deceased for the financial injury that occurred as a result of the event. This may include funeral expenses, pain and suffering compensation, medical expenses, lost income, loss of life’s enjoyment and punitive damages. There are specific guidelines as to who can file a wrongful death personal injury claim and be considered a beneficiary. In the state of Washington, the law breaks down beneficiaries into two tiers.
First-tier beneficiaries are the immediate family of the deceased individual. This includes the person’s spouse or domestic partner as well as children. To be considered a first-tier beneficiary, the spouse must be legally married at the time of death, or the domestic partnership must be legally recognized.
Second-tier beneficiaries are only eligible to receive compensation in a wrongful death claim if the deceased individual had no first-tier beneficiaries. Second-tier beneficiaries may include the parents or siblings of the deceased, but they may only receive compensation if they were financially dependent on the deceased individual.
We are here to help residents of Lake Stevens who have lost a loved one due to an accident or the negligence of someone else. We have qualified attorneys who specialize in these painful situations and have the expertise to assist you in this difficult time. For more information on how a personal injury attorney can help you file a wrongful death claim, contact us and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
