Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long does a wrongful death claim take to settle?
All cases are different. Cases where liability is in dispute almost certainly take far longer to settle than cases where it is clear who is at fault. On average, though, wrongful death claims take anywhere from 1 to 4 years to fully resolve.
- Who are the primary beneficiaries in a wrongful death claim?
The primary beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim tend to vary from state to state. But the majority of states typically distribute to any surviving spouse, children, parents, and relatives. According to Washington State RCW 4.20.020: Every such action shall be for the benefit of the wife, husband, state registered domestic partner, child or children, including stepchildren, of the person whose death shall have been so caused. If there be no wife, husband, state registered domestic partner, or such child or children, such action may be maintained for the benefit of the parents, sisters, or brothers, who may be dependent upon the deceased person for support, and who are resident within the United States at the time of his or her death.
- Will funeral expenses be compensated in my wrongful death claim?
You can definitely include funeral expenses in your wrongful death claim. Washington State law considers funeral expenses to be a part of economic damages, so they will certainly be added to your claim. We here at The Advocates understand how the sudden death of your loved one can leave you ill-prepared for their funeral proceedings. With the average funeral costing upwards of $7,000, our attorneys will make sure the at-fault party covers any and all funeral costs their negligence caused. Contact The Advocates Law today for a free case evaluation. Call 206-452-4200. The Advocates are here to help.
The loss of a loved one is a devastating event. It can rip a hole in your life and leave you feeling helpless and empty. Whether someone dies from old age or from a life ending disease, loss is never easy.
But losing someone you love suddenly due to someone else’s negligence only compounds your suffering. The Advocates Law’s lawyers will work tirelessly to help make your grieving process vastly easier. We will step in and handle the legal side of your wrongful death claim so you can grieve in peace and not have to worry about the stressful and complex maze of the law. Contact The Advocates Law today for a free case evaluation. As Advocates, we understand what it is like to lose someone close to you.
What Is a Wrongful Death?
Any death that can be proven to be caused by the wrongdoing or negligence of another person or party is legally considered to be a wrongful death. In such cases, the deceased’s beneficiaries are entitled to a financial settlement from the liable party. Oftentimes, wrongful death cases involve multiple parties such as businesses, doctors, hospitals, and individuals who have been deemed to be responsible for causing the wrongful death by a court of law.
The following are the most common types of wrongful deaths:
- Carelessness by medical professionals leading to a misdiagnosis
- A defective auto part failure, which causes an accident and death
- Work-related accidents
- Aviation crashes
- Defective medications
Wrongful Death Compensation
After the death of a loved one many different factors come into play when determining the type and degree of compensation you and your family are entitled to. Below is a list of many contributing factors:
- The deceased’s income
- Their amount of savings
- The number of dependents
- The amount of negligence involved in the wrongful death
Contact The Advocates About Your Wrongful Death Case
The experienced attorneys at The Advocates are best equipped to help you and your family receive a fair and just settlement from the party responsible for the death of your loved one. We understand how intense and emotional wrongful death cases can be for those involved. After the loss of a loved one, it is normal to want nothing more than to grieve in peace. Having to deal with lawyers and complex legal matters during such a sorrowful time can be frustrating and will only add to your stress. The attorneys at the Advocates Law have decades of experience dealing with wrongful death cases similar to your own. We know how to help grieving families receive fair compensation from their wrongful death cases. Contact The Advocates today at 206-452-4200. We’re here to help in your time of need.