Bellevue Wrongful Death Lawyer

The untimely death of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a person can have in life. Going through such a loss is a deeply profound experience.

If you have lost someone because of another person’s negligence, our Bellevue wrongful death lawyers can hold the liable party accountable so you can begin to heal.

Premier Law Group has helped thousands recover from their losses. Collectively, our legal team has more than 55 years of experience. Our Bellevue personal injury lawyers know how to file a winning claim. Call today for a FREE case review.

How Our Bellevue Wrongful Death Accident Lawyers Can Help Your Case

Losing a loved one is hard. While you focus on grieving and handling personal matters, our Bellevue wrongful death attorneys will lead your case.

When you come to us, you will receive compassionate support during a difficult time. We care about you and your family and will work hard to secure a financial future after the loss of your loved one.

When we represent you, we will:

• Provide legal guidance and explain your rights
• Investigate the circumstances of the death
• Identify all liable parties responsible for your loved one’s untimely death
• Advise you on the value of your claim
• Negotiate with the responsible party or their insurance company
• Take your case to court, if necessary
• Handle all paperwork and meet filing deadlines

We can manage your case on a contingency fee basis, which means we won’t charge you fees to work on it. We get paid only if we recover financial compensation for you. You can review our case results and client reviews to learn what others say about working with us.

Causes of Fatal Accidents

Common causes of deadly accidents in Bellevue include:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Other motor vehicle accidents
• Acts of medical malpractice
• Defective products
• Workplace accidents
• Premises liability accident

We can guide you through the legal process, regardless of the cause of a fatal accident.

What Constitutes Wrongful Death in Washington State?

Under RCW 4.20.010, wrongful death occurs when someone’s life is taken due to the wrongful acts, negligence, or failure of another. Negligence happens when someone fails to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm to others, resulting in injuries or fatalities.

Civil vs. Criminal Cases

Wrongful death cases frequently stem from careless or reckless actions. However, wrongful death is a civil matter, not a criminal offense. Even if the party responsible is facing criminal charges, you can pursue a case in civil court.

You can pursue a civil claim even if the accused does not get convicted in a criminal case. In a criminal trial, a lawyer must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

By contrast, civil cases determine liability by a preponderance of the evidence. The burden of proof is lower in a civil case. The plaintiff only needs to show that it is more likely than not that the defendant wrongfully caused the death.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Case in Washington?

In Washington, only the personal representative of a deceased victim‘s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This representative acts on behalf of the estate and seeks compensation for the benefit of the deceased’s surviving family members.

The estate representative is usually named in the will. If there is no will or if the chosen representative is unable or unwilling to serve, the court will appoint someone. That person is typically a close family member such as a spouse, registered domestic partner, adult child, or parent.

Wrongful Death of a Child Under Age 18

In most cases, the personal representative must file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, under Washington law, a parent or legal guardian can file a claim for a deceased child if the child has no surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children.

What Compensation Is Available in a Wrongful Death Case?

If someone else’s negligence claimed your family member’s life, you have the right to recover your losses. The compensation you get can help you build a financially secure future for yourself and your family by helping you secure economic and non-economic damages.

Wrongful death damages in Washington include:

• Medical expenses and hospital bills related to the injury or illness that caused the death
• Funeral expenses and burial costs
• Loss of income, including future income and benefits
• Pain and suffering experienced by the surviving family members
• Loss of care or loss of companionship and guidance for surviving family members
• Loss of household services that the deceased person provided, such as childcare, maintenance, or other contributions to the home
• Emotional distress or mental anguish experienced by surviving family members
• Loss of inheritance that would have been received had the person lived

You can turn to us to learn more about how to get funds to cover your loved one’s burial expenses and other losses.

Proving Liability in Injury Cases Involving Wrongful Death

Liability depends on proving that the responsible party’s negligent actions directly led to or caused your loved one’s death.

To establish negligence in these cases, our lawyer must prove the following elements:

• Duty of care: The defendant had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care to prevent harm.
• Breach of duty: The defendant failed to meet this standard of care through their actions or inaction.
• Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused your loved one’s fatal injuries.
• Damages: The death resulted in financial damages and emotional losses for the surviving family members.

Our Bellevue wrongful death attorneys will carefully review your case to determine who can be held accountable for your loss. Premier Law Group will work to build a strong case so your family can get compensation for funeral and burial expenses.

Filing Deadlines for Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Washington State

In Washington state, you have a limited time to sue for damages. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and for most wrongful death cases, it is three years from the date of your loved one’s death, per state law.

If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek full financial recovery. Our team will explain the deadlines that apply to your case and file your lawsuit on time. Call us now to get started.

How to Prepare for a Bellevue Wrongful Death Injury Case

Preparing for an injury claim involving a negligent death involves several steps that can help strengthen your case.

Here’s how you can get ready:

• Gather important documents such as medical records, accident reports, death certificates, and any communications related to the incident.
• Compile financial records that show the deceased person’s earnings, benefits, and contributions to your household.
• List witnesses or anyone who may have seen the accident or incident that caused the death.
• Document the emotional and financial impact the loss has had on your family, including expenses related to your loved one’s funeral and burial, and the emotional toll.
• Consult our experienced wrongful death lawyers in Bellevue to understand your rights, assess the strength of your case, and ensure you take the proper legal steps.

Call Our Compassionate Bellevue Wrongful Death Attorneys

You do not have to take legal action for a wrongful death claim by yourself. Premier Law Group has experienced and compassionate lawyers who can file your lawsuit against a negligent party.

We understand that losing a loved one due to the negligence of another person is a devastating experience. We are empathetic professionals who want to help you bring closure to your family and honor your loved one.

If a loved one has died on account of someone else’s negligence, please call us today about your wrongful death suit. For a FREE case review, you can also contact our law firm online.