Seattle Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences a family can face. The emotional toll, combined with practical challenges like funeral expenses and loss of income, can feel overwhelming. During this difficult time, you don’t have to face it alone.

A compassionate Seattle wrongful death lawyer at Elk & Elk is here to provide both legal support and understanding. We’ll listen to your story, review your case, and guide you through your options with care and respect. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re committed to helping you find a path forward.

Contact us today by filling out our online contact form or by calling (844) 355-9378.

Why Choose Elk & Elk? 

During such an overwhelming time, you deserve a law firm that fights for justice while guiding you with compassion.

At Elk & Elk, we understand that no amount of money can replace your loss. Our goal is to help you find answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and stand up to insurance companies that may try to minimize your claim.

  1. Nation Wide Experience. Elk & Elk has decades of experience throughout Washington state and the country dealing with complex cases in many areas of law.
  2. Client Focused. Our firm’s sole focus is getting your family as much possible compensation as possible. We are willing to do anything in our power to achieve this.
  3. Proven Results. We have settled numerous multimillion-dollar settlements for our clients across Washington state.
  4. No Out-Of-Pocket Fees. Our Seattle personal injury law firm works on a complete contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay any out-of-pocket fees until our lawyers win your case.

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What Is Wrongful Death?

Under Washington state law, RCW 4.20.010, a wrongful death is when someone’s passing is caused by the negligence or wrongful action of another person. In this kind of lawsuit, the deceased’s personal representative may file a suit against the person who caused the death for various types of economic and non-economic damages.

Examples of When Wrongful Death Can Occur

There is a plethora of different kinds of accidents that could result in the death of an individual. This can include, but is not limited to, the following:

If your specific situation is not listed here, we encourage you to still contact our Seattle wrongful death attorney to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Washington State?

In Washington, the statute of limitations for filing wrongful death claims is generally three years from the date of death under Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.080(2).

However, certain exceptions or unique circumstances could affect this deadline. Because of this, it’s important for family members and the estate of the deceased to take action as soon as possible to protect their right to compensation.

Who Can Sue For the Wrongful Death of a Loved One?

Wrongful death lawsuits in Washington state have changed in recent years — expanding who can sue and what types of damages they can recover. Today, family members can pursue compensation for things like loss of love, companionship, and the relationship they shared with the deceased — something that wasn’t possible in the past.

Parents and siblings of the deceased also no longer need to prove financial dependence to file a claim. However, under RCW 4.20.020, certain family members — such as children or registered domestic partners — have priority over parents and siblings, depending on the circumstances.

Because wrongful death laws in Washington can be complex, it’s important to work with experienced Seattle wrongful death attorneys. The legal team at Elk & Elk understands how to navigate these claims and will fight to protect your rights and seek justice for your loved one.

Potential Compensation in a Seattle Wrongful Death Claim

While a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, any compensation awarded is meant for the surviving family members.

Depending on the circumstances, surviving family members may be able to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim (death action), a survival action, or both.

In some cases, surviving family members may also be eligible for death benefits through certain government programs or employer-based policies. These benefits are separate from a wrongful death lawsuit and are designed to provide financial support after the death of a loved one.

At Elk & Elk, we help families recover both economic and non-economic damages — providing financial support and a sense of closure after their loss.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover measurable financial losses caused by the death, such as:

  • Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of the deceased’s income and financial support
  • Value of household services the deceased provided

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for emotional losses that aren’t tied to a dollar amount, including:

  • Loss of love, companionship, and guidance
  • Emotional pain and suffering

These damages help families move forward by easing both financial and emotional burdens after a tragic loss.

Our Seattle Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help You

How Long Do Wrongful Death Cases Take In Seattle?

The average time for a wrongful death suit to reach a resolution can vary widely. On average, these cases can take anywhere from one to three years, but again, this is a general estimate and can vary based on numerous factors.

Factors That Influence the Length of the Claim

The factors that can influence the duration of a wrongful death case include:

  • Complexity: Cases with intricate legal or factual issues tend to take longer to resolve.
  • Number of Parties: Cases involving multiple defendants, plaintiffs, or parties can lead to more complicated negotiations and longer legal proceedings.
  • Discovery: The time it takes to gather and exchange evidence, conduct depositions, and review documents can significantly impact the overall timeline.
  • Settlement Negotiations: If the parties are willing to negotiate and reach a settlement early on, the case could be resolved more quickly.
  • Court Schedule: The availability of court dates, the caseload of the specific court, and other scheduling considerations can influence the timeline.
  • Appeals: If either party appeals the verdict or any part of the case, it can extend the timeline considerably.
  • Case Management: The efficiency and cooperation of the legal teams, as well as the judge’s management of the case, can affect how long it takes to move through the legal process.
  • Expert Witnesses: If expert witnesses are involved, their availability and preparation time can influence the timeline.

Our Promise To You – No Fees Unless You Win

Oftentimes, those seeking damages turn away legal representation as they are concerned about out-of-pocket fees. At Elk & Elk, this is not a worry as our Seattle wrongful death lawyers not only provide a free consultation to review your case but we also do not accept any money until you have received compensation from your suit. Our policies have proven popular and successful for all those we have represented across the country.

No Win, No Fee

Contact Our Seattle Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

We understand how overwhelming this time is for you and your family, and we are here to listen, support, and guide you with care. If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s actions, our team is ready to stand by your side and help you seek justice.

Please call us at 1-844-ELK-WEST (1-844-355-9378) or fill out our contact form. Taking the first step can feel daunting, but you don’t have to face this alone. At Elk & Elk, we’ll walk with you through every step of your case, offering the compassion and dedication you deserve during this difficult time.