At Russell & Hill PLLC, we keep our Spokane Valley clients best interests in mind during this difficult time. While we work your case you can know your case will be handled with care and respect. We will take care to be mindful of your emotional situation, while we do as much work as possible during the grieving process. In situations of wrongful death, it can not be emphasized enough how beneficial it is to have the assistance of professional legal representation during a cause of death proceeding that comes with filing any wrongful death claim.
In the case of a wrongful death claim, liability is placed on a party for a death. Relatives and immediate family of the deceased’s estate bring a civil claim against the party or individual responsible for the death.
If an individual is not at fault in the accident, and the result was due to an outside party’s negligence, the at-fault party by law is then considered liable and is compelled to compensate the victims family. This compensation for the family is for the loss of life and the growing expenses that resulted.
In regard to wrongful death personal injury claims, our attorneys ask the at-fault parties for compensation to the individual’s family for the “pecuniary” financial loss that resulted from your loved one’s death. These damages can include:
Additionally there are other non-economic damages that can be claimed as well. Our Spokane Valley attorneys can collaborate with you and formulate a claim that will hold the at-fault party responsible for the compensation and justice deserved.
Washington State follows a general wrongful death policy that outlines the steps that surviving relatives and beneficiaries may take. Essentially, spouses and family of those who petition compensation for their loved one’s death may do so in the very same manner that the victim could have done if they had survived.
Washington has a two tier system for beneficiaries seeking compensation for wrongful death.
The first tier is for the deceased immediate family – this includes their spouse and/or children, as well as a registered domestic partner. Spouses must be legally married to the deceased at the time of death, or if in a domestic partnership, the partner must be recognized by law as such.
If first and second tier beneficiaries exist, only the first tier beneficiaries are the party that will benefit from the individual’s estate.
In there are no existing first-tier beneficiaries, second-tier beneficiaries can claim compensation. Second-tier beneficiaries are listed as siblings or parents. Parents or siblings only qualify for these benefits if they were dependent on the deceased financially at the time of the accident.
If the deceased was single with no children and was not supporting any members of their family at the time of their death, no member of the deceased family would be qualified to recover compensation in the instance of wrongful death.
We want to help you receive the compensation you’re due for the death of your loved one. Our qualified attorneys have a lot of experience in wrongful death cases and are more than capable of helping you through your difficult situation.
For more information about how a personal injury attorney can assist you with filing and settling a wrongful death claim, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our initial, no-obligation consultations are absolutely free, and you can schedule one today.
Wrongful death cases are devastating. The difficult circumstance of suffering the loss of anyone you love due to negligence or an accident is devastating. No words can properly describe the pain that one experiences at the loss of loved ones, especially if you learn that the death was avoidable.
As a surviving family member or relative, often you feel the need to take action and seek accountability for your grievance, knowing your loved one would do the same for you as well if the positions were reversed. But what actions can you take?
