Spokane Wrongful Death Attorneys

Representing Grieving Families in Washington State

Coping with the death of a loved one can be one of the most trying times in your life. Nothing can replace the person with whom you shared your life, whom you loved, and depended upon. Coming to terms with his or her death can take months and years even when the death was expected through illness or advanced age. However, if a loved one has been taken suddenly and unexpectedly as a result of someone else's negligence, acceptance will never be easy. In fact, the grieving process will likely only intensify due to the pointlessness and preventability of what should never have happened.

In such cases, families need to hold those who have carelessly taken the life of a loved one accountable for their wrongdoing. In these circumstances, a wrongful death lawsuit may bring the emotional closure needed and can lead to financial compensation to which you and your family are entitled. At Sweetser Law Office, our Spokane wrongful death lawyers can help you file a claim to pursue justice from the responsible party. While no amount of money can ever compensate for the loss of your loved one, financial security in the future and the relief that comes from responsible parties being brought to justice can ease the pain and monetary stress for dependents.

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Reach out to Sweetser Law Office online or at (509) 444-4444. We are dedicated to righting wrongs and rebuilding lives.

How Sweetser Law Office Can Help

If a senseless death could have been prevented, a need for consequences follows. Those responsible must be held accountable for their actions or preventable deaths may continue. To pursue legal action in the aftermath of a wrongful death is never easy, especially when you are focused on your family.

Our goal as Spokane wrongful death lawyers is to take some of the burdens away by handling the legal aspects required to protect your rights in the civil justice system, including investigating the circumstances of your family member’s death. Taking action can be instrumental in getting answers, holding the wrongdoer accountable, receiving closure, and protecting your financial security.

Supporting Surviving Family Members After the Unthinkable Happens

Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases

Surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death suit and to financial compensation for:

  • Lost income or financial support to the family
  • Pre-death emotional pain and suffering
  • Loss of companionship, love, affection, protection, care, and moral support
  • Children’s loss of a parental figure for guidance and supervision
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Property damage or medical expenses associated with the death
  • Loss of significant household responsibilities

Each case is unique and requires a thorough investigation. We most often see cases involving auto accidents, medical malpractice, construction sites, severe falls, and defective products. Sweetser Law Office will consult with medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, insurance actuaries, accountants, grief counselors, and other specialists to prepare your case for trial.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In Washington State, a wrongful death case is defined under law as when “the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another.” These claims are filed in civil court and may be filed while the case is also under criminal court prosecution.

Those who may file a wrongful death claim in Washington State include:

  • The personal representation of the decedent’s estate
  • The decedent’s spouse or registered domestic partner
  • The decedent’s children or stepchildren

Absent any of the above, the claim can be filed by the decedent’s parents or siblings. If the death involved a child under the age of 18, either parent may file the claim.

Statute of Limitations in Wrongful Death Claims

A statute of limitations exists for the filing of these claims under Washington State law. This means you have a certain time limit for bringing your claim to civil court. In Washington, that time limit is three years from the date of the death of your loved one. If you fail to adhere to this deadline, you will forfeit your right to pursue justice.

What Does It Take to Win a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit generally is a long and stressful process in which you must prove your case to the court. This involves providing evidence showing that the misconduct of another caused your loved one’s death and all resulting damages, from medical bills to funeral expenses and the emotional and financial losses of your family.

Your chances of succeeding in this legal matter will be greatly enhanced by leaving the process to an attorney who has been trained in this endeavor, who has the skills and knowhow to properly address the court, and who has experience in handling such cases in the past.

At Sweetser Law Office, we have been representing individuals and families in wrongful death for over three decades. Our firm has been passionate about holding responsible those who have violated laws and engaged in harmful actions against others. That passion and resolve has led to a strong track record of results.

Call our Spokane law firm at (509) 444-4444 today for a free case review or contact us online and let us fight for the fair compensation you rightfully deserve.

Protecting You Against Deceptive Insurance Company Tactics

Often insurance companies try to blame the victim for their death to reduce their own financial liability. The insurance company will use their legal departments and financial resources to argue the loss of your loved one just wasn’t worth much. At our firm, our attorneys have the resources, network of professionals, and decades of experience to take them on. We seek to show the full extent of the damage, grief, and loss so your loved one’s death is not marginalized. No one whose death is caused by the careless or reckless actions of others should be forgotten by our justice system.