Losing a loved one is always heartbreaking, but when their death was caused by someone else’s negligence or misconduct, the grief can be even more overwhelming. If you’ve lost a family member due to another party’s actions, our Snohomish wrongful death attorneys at Walton Law are here to help. We can guide you through the legal process of filing a wrongful death claim, which allows you to seek significant compensation for the financial and emotional losses you’ve endured.
Snohomish County Drunk Driving Accident Guide
Why Choose Walton Law for Your Wrongful Death Case?
As a leading personal injury law firm in Snohomish County, we have the experience and resources to hold the responsible parties accountable and fight for the justice and support your family deserves during this incredibly challenging time. Our team, led by nationally recognized trial lawyer Christopher C. Walton, has a proven track record of success in wrongful death cases. We’ve recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, providing them with the financial security and closure they need to move forward.
We understand that no amount of money can ever replace your loved one, but a successful wrongful death claim can help ease the financial burdens you may be facing, such as funeral expenses, medical bills, and the loss of your loved one’s income and support. It can also provide a sense of justice and accountability for the wrongdoing that led to your loved one’s untimely death.
When you work with our firm, you can expect personalized attention and compassionate service every step of the way. We have offices conveniently located in Snohomish County and Bellingham, but we’re also happy to come to you for a free consultation, whether that’s at your home or any other location that’s most comfortable for you.
Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases
Under Washington law, the following family members may be entitled to seek compensation in a wrongful death case:
- The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate
- The surviving spouse or state-registered domestic partner
- The child or children of the deceased
- The parents of the deceased (if they were financially dependent on the deceased)
In some cases, other family members, such as siblings or grandparents, may also be able to recover damages if they were financially dependent on the deceased.
The types of damages that may be available in a wrongful death claim include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the deceased’s final injury or illness
- Lost income and benefits the deceased would have earned
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of love, companionship, guidance, and support
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Pain and suffering of the deceased experienced before their passing
To determine the full value of your claim, our Snohomish personal injury attorneys will carefully evaluate the unique circumstances of your case, including your relationship to the deceased, the financial support they provided, and the details of their death. We’ll then fight aggressively to recover the maximum compensation you and your family are owed.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful death claims can arise from a wide variety of accidents and incidents, but some of the most common cases we handle in Snohomish County involve:
Motor vehicle accidents- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Premises liability accidents (such as slip and falls)
- Violent crimes
No matter what led to your loved one’s death, if another party’s negligence or wrongdoing was to blame, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. Our skilled attorneys can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s passing, identify all potentially liable parties, and build a strong case to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Proving Liability in a Wrongful Death Case
To win a wrongful death case in Washington, we generally must prove four key elements:
Duty of Care
The defendant owed your loved one a legal duty to act with reasonable care and prevent foreseeable harm. This duty can vary depending on the situation, such as:
- Drivers owing a duty to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws
- Property owners owing a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition
- Doctors owing a duty to provide medical care that meets the standard of their profession
- Product manufacturers owing a duty to ensure their products are safe when used as intended
Breach of Duty
The defendant breached their duty of care by acting negligently, recklessly, or intentionally. In other words, they failed to act as a reasonable person would have under the circumstances, and their actions put others at risk of harm.
Examples may include:
- A driver operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- A property owner failing to fix a known hazard, like a broken staircase
- A doctor misdiagnosing a serious condition or making a harmful surgical error
- A manufacturer selling a product with a dangerous defect
To prove a breach of duty, our attorneys will gather and analyze evidence like accident reports, witness statements, expert testimony, and medical records to demonstrate how the defendant’s conduct fell short of the applicable standard of care.
Causation
The defendant’s breach of duty was the direct and proximate cause of your loved one’s death. This means that the death would not have occurred but for the defendant’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions.
In some cases, causation may be straightforward, like when a drunk driver collides with another vehicle and kills the occupant. In others, there may be multiple contributing factors or pre-existing conditions that complicate the analysis. To establish causation, we may use evidence like:
- Autopsy reports and medical records showing the cause of death
- Expert testimony from medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, and other specialists
- Police reports and witness statements describing how the defendant’s actions led to the fatal incident
Damages
You and your family suffered actual, compensable losses as a result of your loved one’s wrongful death. These damages can include both economic losses (like medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income) and non-economic losses (like mental anguish, loss of companionship, and emotional distress).
To prove your damages, we’ll gather documentation like medical records, funeral bills, pay stubs, and tax returns. We’ll also work with experts in fields like economics and medicine to fully calculate the value of your current and future losses.
Proving these elements can be challenging, especially in complex cases involving powerful defendants and their insurance companies. But with our skills, experience, and resources, the Walton Law team is well-equipped to build a persuasive case on your behalf. We’ll work tirelessly to investigate your claim, gather compelling evidence, and consult with respected experts to demonstrate the full extent of the defendant’s liability and the overwhelming impact of your loss.
What to Do After Losing a Loved One
If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence in Snohomish County, it’s important to act quickly to protect your legal rights. We recommend taking the following steps:
- Seek emotional support from friends, family, or professionals to help you cope with your grief.
- Gather any evidence you have related to your loved one’s death, such as medical records, police reports, and witness information.
- Avoid discussing your case with insurance companies or accepting any settlement offers until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Contact our experienced wrongful death lawyers as soon as possible for a free consultation and case evaluation.
At Walton Law, we’re committed to providing compassionate, personalized service to grieving families in their time of need. We offer free consultations, where we’ll take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and discuss how we can help you seek justice and accountability for your loved one’s untimely death.
The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start fighting for you. We can begin building your case right away, navigating the complex legal process, and working towards recovering the compensation you deserve. We’re here to handle all the legal details, giving you and your family the space you need to grieve and heal during this difficult time.
Contact a Snohomish County Wrongful Death Lawyer
Christopher C. Walton, Snohomish County Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you’re ready to learn more about your legal options after losing a loved one in Snohomish County, call Walton Law today at (360) 543-1010. We’re here to provide the guidance, support, and advocacy you need every step of the way. Let us help you seek justice for your loved one and secure a brighter future for your family.
Don’t wait – reach out to us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first steps in getting the closure and compensation you deserve. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Walton Law, A.P.C. – Snohomish Office Location
6100 219th St SW #480
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Phone: (866) 338-7079