Wrongful Death

Possible Causes of Wrongful Death

Wrongful death lawsuits seek compensation for the death of a person when that death believed to be wrongfully caused by another person, corporation, organization or entity. A wrongful death action is a lawsuit typically brought by the person's family as compensation for the wrongful death. One of the most frequent causes of wrongful death is medical malpractice. Thousands of people die each year due to the negligence or improper care of doctor, nurses, surgeons, etc. Other causes of wrongful death suits include:

• Car accidents
• Trucking or Tractor Trailer accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Construction accidents
• Negligence
• Defective products
• Accidents at work
• Boating accidents
• Recreational accidents
• Fire
• Hunting accidents
• Airplane accidents
• Train accidents
• Van rollovers
• Firearm accidents
• Nursing Home Abuse

If you have experienced the wrongful death of a friend or relative, your attorney will need to prove the four required elements of a wrongful death claim:

1. The death of a person.
2. That death was caused by the negligence of another person or entity.
3. There are surviving family members who are monetarily suffering due to that death.
4. There must be a personal representative appointed to bring the suit on behalf of the decedent's estate.

Among the recoverable damages in a Washington wrongful death case are hospital and medical care; funeral and burial expenses; compensation for the financial aid the deceased would have provided in the future; compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, love and moral support the deceased would have provided. Please see our Wrongful Death Damages page for more information on the possible damages awarded in a wrongful death case.

As wrongful death lawyers, Brett & Coats, PLLC has represented clients throughout the state of Washington in a variety of personal injury claims, including those that lead to wrongful death claims. We have a 25-year history of winning substantial settlements and verdicts for personal injury and death claims. Contact us today if you believe a relative or someone you know has died because of the negligence or malpractice of another person or entity.