Tacoma Wrongful Death Lawyers

Why Choose Us?

 

Wrongful death cases are complex and require showing that the other party’s actions or negligence led to the premature death of a loved one. The Tacoma wrongful death lawyers at the Strong Law Firm give you objective advice customized to your situation.

Each wrongful death case is different, with various circumstances to understand what happened. We have the resources and personnel to evaluate your case and create a custom legal strategy. You work with a skilled wrongful death attorney who listens and advocates for you.

Our firm levels the playing field for wrongful death victims. Insurance companies and the other side often try to “lawyer up.” They will refuse to acknowledge your injuries or any responsibility for what happened. The other side could claim you are seeking compensation because they have deep pockets. They will use their money, power, and influence to silence you and walk away from everything with no responsibilities to you.

Your Tacoma wrongful death lawyer will stand up for your rights and aggressively take on the insurance companies and those responsible. Our team leaves nothing to chance, and we use every avenue to show that the other side is accountable for their actions. We care and will only stop once we create favorable outcomes for you.

How We Can Help

 

Your Tacoma wrongful death attorney will handle everything so you can focus on getting your life together. We understand the challenges you are going through and are here to make things easier. Our team handles all aspects of your case, including investigating, filing the paperwork, representing you in court, and negotiating a final settlement. We will only stop once we create favorable outcomes for you.

Our track record speaks for itself, with us receiving five-star reviews for our knowledge, professionalism, and experience. We have worked on many of these cases and are the wrongful death lawyer who can help you to get the maximum compensation for your loss. You have rights, and we will stand up for you when it seems no one will.

Our Tacoma Wrongful Death Attorneys Must Identify Parties Who Were Negligent

 

Negligent parties should be held accountable for the misdeeds that lead to preventable deaths. This can be accomplished through Washington’s legal system. Unfortunately, navigating this process can be messy.

Why deal with such challenges when our Tacoma wrongful death lawyers can advocate on your behalf? With the right attorney on your side, you can obtain maximum compensation while keeping the stress of the legal process to a minimum.

The Tacoma wrongful death attorneys of Strong Law are there to support you every step of the way. We advocate not only for personal injury victims, but also for the loved ones of those who die due to negligence. Let us ease the burden and deliver the damages you deserve.

Damages Available to Tacoma Wrongful Death Beneficiaries

 

A variety of several types of damages ease the financial burdens that beneficiaries face after their family members pass away. These forms of compensation recognize both practical expenses and the emotional burden of losing a loved one:

• Funeral and burial costs. Expenses tied to funeral services can add up quickly, leaving family members struggling to get by even as they handle rapidly rising healthcare costs. To ease this burden, wrongful death damages may cover everything from caskets to funeral home rentals.
• Lost wages. Victims in wrongful death cases are often primary breadwinners. Their death can create a significant financial burden for spouses, partners, and children, who may not be able to cover basic life necessities without the decedent’s income. Wrongful death compensation acknowledges this by providing the funds needed for loved ones to get back on their feet.
• Loss of consortium. The loss of a family member is not simply traumatic due to financial concerns, although, of course, these can be difficult to endure. Far worse, however, is the emotional trauma that comes with losing the support and affection that the victim previously provided. These losses can be accounted for in Washington wrongful death cases. Known as “loss of consortium,” these concerns may not be as tangible as funeral expenses, but that does not make them any less important to recover.

Types Of Wrongful Death Cases

 

A variety of negligent activities and behaviors can lead to the untimely loss of a loved one. These can be attributed to both businesses and individuals. They may occur at business premises, medical facilities, or on the road — and may result from unsafe settings or products. Common examples include:

• Nursing home abuse. Negligence and mistreatment are tragically common in nursing homes and other residential facilities. Wrongful death cases may involve either purposeful actions — such as the use of excessive restraint — or inaction, leading to anything from starvation to deadly infections.
• Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. If a crash occurs due to speeding, drinking while driving, or other reckless behaviors, the driver may be held responsible. Likewise, wrongful death cases can involve vehicle manufacturers, as was famously the case for the Ford Pinto.
• Slip and fall. Grocery stores, gas stations, and a variety of other businesses expose patrons to considerable danger when they fail to maintain safe surfaces that minimize the risk of tripping or slipping. Unfortunately, puddles, uneven floorboards, torn carpets, and ice are all common causes of falls. When these problems lead to broken hips or concussions, they can prove deadly.
• Medical malpractice. Wrongful death is tragically common within medical facilities, where negligent healthcare professionals can leave patients prone to a variety of deadly problems. These include misdiagnosis, improper prescriptions, surgical errors, or hospital-acquired infections. When vulnerable patients are involved, even seemingly minor errors may lead to preventable fatalities.

A Wrongful Death Lawsuit Can Provide Compensation to Family Members

 

While it is natural to feel lonely after losing a friend or family member to negligence, you are not truly alone during these challenging times. The attorneys of Strong Law are happy to step in with empathetic guidance. Our lawyers are highly regarded throughout the Tacoma area, and with good reason — they boast a strong track record with wrongful death cases.

If you are ready to move forward with your wrongful death case, you will begin by meeting with our trusted legal team. We will discuss the specifics of your case to get a better sense of your situation, your goals, and your preferred legal approach. From there, we customize our service to best meet your unique needs.

Common Questions About Tacoma Wrongful Death Cases

 

Our wrongful death lawyers are aware that after a loved one’s death, you may have many questions and concerns, all while you also deal with your grief. Being better informed may help set your mind at ease about moving forward with a wrongful death lawsuit. The following are answers to frequent questions our clients often ask:

What are primary and secondary beneficiaries?

In Washington, beneficiaries can be categorized as primary or secondary. Primary beneficiaries include spouses, domestic partners, and children. The secondary category involves parents and siblings, who can recover damages only if primary beneficiaries do not exist. Washington does not currently require secondary beneficiaries to be financially dependent on deceased individuals to collect damages in wrongful death cases.

Are punitive damages available for Tacoma wrongful death cases?

As the name implies, punitive damages aim to punish responsible parties for the suffering caused by their negligence. This type of compensation can be difficult to obtain in Washington. In cases involving extreme recklessness or malicious intent, however, punitive damages may be possible.

What is SB 5163? How does it impact my wrongful death case?

Passed by the Washington legislature in 2019, SB 5163 altered several aspects of the state’s approach to wrongful death. For example, the bill enables plaintiffs who do not currently reside in the U.S. to file wrongful death lawsuits. Additionally, parents can now seek damages when their adult children pass away due to negligence.

What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Washington State?

In Washington, it is possible to initiate wrongful death claims up to three years after the date of a fatality. At first glance, the three-year period mimics the general statute of limitations for Washington personal injury cases. Keep in mind, however, that the statute of limitations for wrongful death involves the date of the fatality and not the accident itself. This is an important distinction, as victims can pass away weeks or even months after being involved in an accident. It is important to work with a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your case can proceed.

What is a survival action? How does it differ from a wrongful death lawsuit?

A survival action looks similar to a wrongful death lawsuit in several respects but holds a key difference: it involves the actions a deceased individual could have taken in a personal injury lawsuit, had he or she not died. Often, survival cases center around medical bills that arrived between the time of the accident and the victim’s death. This designation further complicates an already confusing process, making it especially important to seek legal counsel.

Seeking Justice in Times of Tragedy

Losing a loved one is a harrowing experience, and as a Tacoma, WA wrongful death lawyer can tell you, it can be even more devastating when their death was caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. In such difficult times, it is crucial to have a knowledgeable and compassionate lawyer by your side to seek justice on behalf of your loved one. If you are in Tacoma, WA, there are experienced attorneys available who specialize in handling wrongful death cases and can guide you through the legal process while providing support during this trying time. Contact a lawyer today at Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorneys for help.

When does wrongful death occur?

A wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is the direct result of another party’s wrongful act or negligence. These cases can arise from various situations, such as car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, defective products, or even criminal activities. When such incidents occur, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim to hold the responsible party accountable and obtain compensation for their loss.

In Tacoma, you can find skilled lawyers who are well-versed in Washington state laws and have a deep understanding of the legal intricacies involved in these cases. They have the expertise to navigate the complex legal system and can help you build a strong case by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, consulting with experts, and assessing the damages suffered by your family.

What is the role of a lawyer?

One of the primary goals of a lawyer is to establish liability. They will work diligently to prove that the defendant’s actions or negligence directly caused your loved one’s death. This can involve investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, reviewing police reports and medical records, and consulting with experts in relevant fields. By building a compelling case, your lawyer will seek to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and seek justice on behalf of your family.

Another crucial aspect of a wrongful death claim is the determination of damages. While no amount of money can bring your loved one back, pursuing a claim can help ease the financial burden caused by their untimely death. Your attorney will carefully assess the economic and non-economic losses you have suffered, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income, loss of companionship, and emotional pain and suffering. They will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive fair and just compensation for these damages.

Additionally, a compassionate Tacoma wrongful death lawyer understands the emotional toll these cases take on the surviving family members. They will provide support and guidance throughout the legal process, handling the legal complexities so that you can focus on grieving and healing. They will be your advocate, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have a voice in the legal proceedings.

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, it is crucial to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. Time limits, known as statutes of limitations, apply to wrongful death claims, and delaying action may jeopardize your ability to seek justice.

By enlisting the services of a reputable lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands. They will fight tirelessly to pursue justice for your loved one, holding the responsible party accountable and helping you find closure and financial stability in the wake of tragedy. Contact a Tacoma wrongful death lawyer at Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorneys for help.

Client Testimonial

”Highly Recommend to anyone in need of a law firm! Katrina was great the entire process, always quick to respond when I had questions and great at explaining everything. Great experience” – Shannon Carroll (Google Review)