Wrongful Death

Wrongful Death Lawyers in Washington

At Holland Law Group, our experienced wrongful death attorneys help families across Washington State—including Seattle, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Tacoma, and Vancouver—navigate the legal process and pursue the justice and compensation they deserve.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action brought when someone dies because of another party’s negligent or wrongful act. In Washington, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate must file the claim on behalf of the surviving spouse, registered domestic partner, children (including stepchildren), or, if none of those exist, parents or siblings.

Unlike criminal charges, which punish the wrongdoer, a wrongful death claim seeks financial compensation for the survivors who suffer losses due to the death of their loved one. 

Recoverable Damages in Wrongful Death Cases

A successful wrongful death lawsuit should pursue all damages to which the family is entitled under Washington law. These often include:

• Medical expenses related to care before death

• Funeral and burial costs

• Lost wages and future financial support the deceased would have provided

• Loss of services the deceased provided, such as childcare or household help

• Loss of companionship, love, care, and guidance

• Pain and suffering endured by the deceased prior to death (through a related survival action)

Washington permits both economic and non‑economic damages, and while there is no statutory cap on wrongful death damages overall, all awards must be reasonable and supported by evidence.

Survival Actions Explained

In some cases, the deceased may have begun a personal injury claim before passing. That claim does not die with them. Instead, a survival action may continue as part of the wrongful death case. Survival damages can include compensation for the deceased’s pain, suffering, anxiety, or emotional distress suffered between the time of injury and death. Holland Law Group helps families understand and pursue survival damages in addition to traditional wrongful death compensation. 

Proving Liability in a Wrongful Death Claim

Like personal injury cases, proving a wrongful death claim requires demonstrating that another party’s negligence or wrongful act caused the fatal accident. This often involves:

• Investigation of the incident

• Collection of police reports, medical records, and expert testimony

• Establishing causation and fault

• Calculating the full scope of damages suffered by survivors

Washington follows comparative fault rules, meaning even if the deceased was partially at fault for their own death, the family may still recover compensation, reduced by the deceased’s percentage of fault. 

Statute of Limitations in Washington

In most wrongful death cases in Washington, the lawsuit must be filed within three years of the date of your loved one’s death. Failing to meet this statute of limitations can bar your claim entirely, making it critically important to act promptly and secure legal guidance early. 

Why Choose Holland Law Group

A wrongful death claim involves complex legal issues and deeply personal losses. Our compassionate and experienced attorneys handle the legal burden so your family can focus on healing. We conduct thorough investigations, identify all liable parties, and fight to recover full and fair compensation for your family’s losses.

Contact a Washington Wrongful Death Attorney Today

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, don’t face the legal process alone. Contact Holland Law Group for a free consultation with a wrongful death lawyer who can explain your rights, assess your case, and help pursue justice.