It has been said that “death is the great equalizer of human beings.” Although we might not like to think about it, death is inevitable. No how much you think you’re prepared, the loss of a loved one creates a void that is hard to fill. That loss is even more devastating when caused by someone else’s negligence. When that happens, it becomes a wrongful death, and the survivors are entitled to a measure of justice and accountability.
An experienced Seattle wrongful death lawyer from the Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC can help you achieve that accountability. Our legal team deeply understand the state’s wrongful death laws. We also understand what is needed to successfully litigate these types of claims. If you and your family suspect that negligence was involved in the death of your loved one, we want to hear from you.
Why You Need the Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC on Your Side
The core of a wrongful death case involves the challenge of proving negligence in another person’s death. In the case of intentional harm, such as a criminal act, establishing the cause and impact will be easier. In situations where there was no intent, it becomes more difficult because you’re alleging the other party caused a death, and that is something no one is freely going to admit.
A wrongful death claim requires a thorough investigation of the events leading up to the death. It also requires meeting specific filing deadlines and navigating through the state’s legal regulations that relate to these types of claims. The following is what the Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC offers to families during the process of filing a claim:
Compassionate Advocacy
We understand that your family is experiencing an incredible loss. We understand the emotional toll that can take on a spouse, children, and the immediate family. When we agree to help with your wrongful death claim, we’ll be a compassionate advocate who will provide you with the support, information, and guidance to help you through every step in the claim process.
Applicable Experience
Our firm has a distinguished record of success representing families who have suffered immense loss due to someone else’s negligent actions. We have experience negotiating with insurance companies and presenting evidence at a trial if needed. We will always strive to resolve this matter fairly and quickly so the family can find closure and move on.
Complete Case Preparation
It takes more than a skilled lawyer to prevail in a wrongful death case. We also rely on a network of skilled investigators, including crash reconstruction engineers and medical experts. Together, we unite to provide complete case preparation designed to leave no doubt as to who is to blame for the wrongful death and what the compensation for that should look like.
We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice. Our Seattle wrongful death attorneys will meticulously investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s death, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build the most robust possible case.
No Cost Unless We Win
The death of a loved one who contributed to the household finances can place an immense burden on the surviving family. We appreciate these circumstances, and that is why we won’t charge any costs unless we win. You’ll know exactly what those costs will be as part of our retainer agreement, but you won’t have to pay any money upfront. Let us handle the case while you support each other.
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Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims
The Washington State Legislature defines wrongful death as “the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person, his or her personal representative may maintain an action against the person causing the death for the economic and noneconomic damages sustained by the beneficiaries.”
Before you and your Seattle wrongful death lawyer can advance a claim, it has to be thoroughly investigated, starting with the root causes. Here are some of the common causes of wrongful death claims:
Car Accidents
In order to prove a wrongful death claim in a car accident, you will need to demonstrate that the driver acted in an especially negligent manner, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or speeding.
Medical Malpractice
When you agree to any type of exam or medical treatment, you trust a doctor and their staff. However, that trust doesn’t make them immune from negligent acts. Even a signed waiver can’t absolve a doctor from a harmful act. Whether there is a surgical procedure mistake, a prescription error, or a misdiagnosis, the surviving family is entitled to seek a remedy for their loss if medical malpractice occurred.
Truck Accidents
Too often, a collision between an 80,000-pound truck and a 4,000-pound car ends in tragedy for the car driver. As with a car accident, a truck driver can be held accountable for negligent driving. However, there might also be contributing factors in a truck accident, such as from the truck driver’s employer or service crew that contributed to the accident. Those parties can also be named in the wrongful death lawsuit if that is the case.
Workplace Accidents
Employers are legally obligated to provide and maintain a safe working environment for their employees. A fatal accident can occur when failure to meet those obligations leads to inadequate safety protocols, equipment failures, or exposure to toxic elements.
There are other wrongful death scenarios that can involve the manufacturer and distributor of a defective product that causes a fatality. Surviving family members can also file a claim against an assailant who has been found guilty of an intentional violent act such as homicide.
Who is Eligible To File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Seattle?
A wrongful death lawsuit can only be filed by what Washington State considers to be eligible survivors. These survivors fall into two basic categories: Primary and secondary claimants. A primary claimant would be the surviving spouse or registered domestic partner. If the deceased person was not married at the time of their death, their children or stepchildren would also be considered primary claimants.
Secondary claimants can be the decedent’s parents, siblings, or any other family member who depended on the decedent for financial support and care.
If a will was in place with a named executor of the estate, that person could also file the claim on behalf of the family. If there is a settlement, that amount will be paid to the estate, and the executor will distribute the funds. It is important to note that only one claim can be filed.
The Importance of a Seattle Wrongful Death Lawyer
A family who is suffering from the loss of a loved one will need time to process their grief. The challenges of taking on a wrongful death claim might seem overwhelming. That is why you need to place your trust in the Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC. We can fulfill the burden of filing the paperwork, conducting the investigation, and entering into negotiations with insurance companies.
We will keep you informed during every step of the journey, and no decision will be made unless you understand and agree to it. We’re standing by to help. Contact us through our confidential online form to get your wrongful death claim questions answered today.
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