Experienced Vancouver Wrongful Death Attorneys
Vancouver Wrongful Death Lawyer
Find out why we have some of the best personal injury lawyers in Vancouver
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death refers to a legal term that is used when a person’s death is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of another party. [1] In such cases, the surviving family members or beneficiaries may have the right to bring a civil lawsuit against the responsible party for damages.
In 2021, unintentional injury deaths ranked as the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, with 224,935 lives lost. [2]
Have you recently lost a loved one due to the negligence of someone else?
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Vancouver, Washington. Let us help you navigate through this difficult time and seek justice for your loved one.
Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful deaths can result from several causes, and they often involve the negligence, misconduct, or wrongful actions of another party. Some common causes of wrongful death include:
- Aviation Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Criminal Acts
- Dangerous Premises
- Defective Products
- Medical Malpractice
- Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
- Pharmaceutical Negligence
- Workplace Accidents
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Wrongful Death?
The parties that can be held responsible for a wrongful death may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Some common entities or individuals that may be held liable include:
- Negligent individuals: If someone’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions lead to the death of another person, they may be held responsible. This could include actions such as drunk driving, medical malpractice, or criminal acts.
- Employers: If a wrongful death occurs in the workplace due to unsafe conditions, inadequate training, or other factors, the employer may be held responsible.
- Manufacturers: In cases where a defective product causes a death, the manufacturer may be held liable for wrongful death.
- Healthcare providers: If medical malpractice results in a patient’s death, the healthcare professionals involved may be held responsible.
- Government agencies: In some cases, government entities may be held liable for wrongful death, especially if it is related to actions such as negligence in maintaining public spaces or providing adequate safety measures.
- Property owners or occupiers: If a wrongful death occurs on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, the property owner or occupier may be held responsible.
Vancouver Practice Areas
Compensatory Damages for Wrongful Death Victims
Compensatory damages in a wrongful death case are intended to compensate the surviving family members or beneficiaries for the losses they have suffered as a result of the death of their loved one. These damages can be both economic and non-economic in nature.
The specific types of compensatory damages awarded can vary based on the circumstances of the case and the applicable laws in the jurisdiction. Here are some categories of compensatory damages for wrongful death:
- Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for medical expenses incurred as a result of the incident leading to the wrongful death, including hospital bills, medication costs, and other related medical expenses.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: Coverage for the reasonable costs associated with the funeral and burial of the deceased, including funeral services, casket, burial plot, and related expenses.
- Lost Earnings and Future Income: Compensation for the income that the deceased would have contributed to the family had they survived. This can include lost wages, benefits, and potential future earnings.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship, guidance, and intimacy that the surviving spouse members would have received from the deceased.
- Pain and Suffering of the Deceased: Damages for the physical and emotional pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death. This category of damages may also be available in some jurisdictions for the mental anguish experienced by surviving family members.
- Punitive Damages (in some cases): In cases where the responsible party’s actions were particularly egregious or involved intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Not all jurisdictions allow punitive damages in wrongful death cases.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Vancouver
The Statute of Limitations for wrongful death in Vancouver, Washington, generally follows the state’s standard of three years from the date of death. There may be exceptions or specific circumstances that could affect the applicable Statute of Limitations in a particular case.
Contact our knowledgeable personal injury lawyers in Vancouver for guidance regarding time limits for your specific situation.
Hiring Our Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. When that loss is due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the pain and confusion can be overwhelming. In these moments, you need a compassionate and experienced advocate to help you navigate the legal complexities and pursue justice for your loved one. That’s where our dedicated wrongful death lawyers come in.
We understand the emotional toll of wrongful death. We are here to:
- Provide Compassionate Support and Guidance: You will be treated with respect and understanding throughout the entire process. We’ll answer your questions, address your concerns, and empower you to make informed decisions.
- Fight for the Compensation You Deserve: We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong legal argument to maximize your financial recovery. This can cover medical expenses, lost wages, funeral costs, and pain and suffering.
- Hold the Responsible Parties Accountable: We will aggressively pursue justice against those whose actions caused your loss. Seeing accountability can bring a sense of closure and prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
- Navigate the Legal Complexities: Wrongful death cases can be intricate and involve various legal aspects. We have the expertise and experience to handle every step, from filing the lawsuit to negotiations and, if necessary, trial.
We Understand That This Is a Difficult Time for You.
Goldberg & Loren is here to help you navigate this challenging journey and achieve justice for your loved one. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
FAQs
Determining whether you have a wrongful death case requires a thorough evaluation of the circumstances surrounding the death. Generally, if the death resulted from the negligent or intentional actions of another party, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.
Examples include deaths resulting from car accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, or workplace accidents. Consulting with our knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer in Vancouver, Washington, can help assess the specifics of your situation and determine the viability of your case.
In Washington state, compensation in wrongful death cases typically includes economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages may cover medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and other tangible losses.
Non-economic damages encompass intangible losses such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress experienced by the surviving family members. Punitive damages, designed to punish the responsible party for egregious behavior, may also be awarded in certain cases.
When selecting a wrongful death lawyer, it's essential to consider their experience, expertise, and track record in handling similar cases. Look for a lawyer or law firm with a proven history of success in wrongful death litigation, as well as a compassionate and client-focused approach.
Choose a lawyer who is familiar with the laws and procedures specific to Vancouver and the state of Washington. A lawyer who communicates effectively keeps you informed throughout the process, and is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case is crucial during such a challenging time.
Yes, in some cases, multiple parties may share liability for a wrongful death in Vancouver, Washington. For example, if a fatal car accident occurred due to a combination of negligent driving by one driver and a defective vehicle part manufactured by another party, both the driver and the manufacturer could be held responsible for the death.
Washington follows the principle of comparative negligence, meaning each party's degree of fault is assessed, and damages are apportioned accordingly.
Sources:
[1] Wrongful Death. (n.d.). LII / Legal Information Institute. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/wrongful_death
[2] FastStats. (n.d.). Accidents or Unintentional Injuries. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/accidental-injury.htm
[3] Employer-reported workplace injuries and illnesses in Washington — 2022. (n.d.). U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS. Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/regions/west/news-release/workplaceinjuriesandillnesses_washington.htm
[4] Fatal Work Injuries in Washington – 2022. (n.d.). U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS. Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/regions/west/news-release/fatalworkinjuries_washington.htm
We fight hard for our clients who have suffered due to a wrongful death in Vancouver, Washington. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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