Was your loved one involved in a fatal accident in Seattle, WA? Losing a loved one is one of life’s most tragic events. When someone else’s negligence or misconduct causes that loss, the grief can turn into frustration, anger, and anxiety. Contact Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer at (253) 948-0250 to schedule a free consultation.
At our law firm, we understand how devastating a wrongful death can be. Our experienced Seattle wrongful death lawyers are here to help you seek accountability, justice, and the compensation your family deserves during this difficult time.
If your loved one was taken from you due to a fatal accident or intentional act, you have to don’t face the legal process alone. Our team is here to help you.
How Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With A Seattle Wrongful Death Case
At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, we’ve built our practice on standing up for individuals and families when it matters most. Our Seattle wrongful death attorneys have over three decades of combined experience handling high-stakes wrongful death and personal injury claims across Washington State. We’ve recovered tens of millions for our clients and their families.
We approach every case with compassion and an unwavering commitment to securing justice for our clients. We’ve been recognized by leading legal organizations like Martindale-Hubbell (AV Preeminent rating) and Super Lawyers for our track record of success.
When you trust us with your wrongful death claim, we will:
- Handle all legal filings and paperwork
- Gather and analyze evidence to establish liability
- Work with medical, financial, and forensic experts to assess damages
- Shield your family from unfair blame or insurance tactics
- Negotiate firmly with insurance companies and defense counsel
- Advocate for your family’s rights at trial, if needed
Wrongful death cases are not just about financial recovery — they’re about getting justice and protecting your future. Contact us today to schedule a free initial case review with one of our top-rated Seattle personal injury lawyers. We’re standing by to support you.
What Is a Wrongful Death Under Washington Law?
Under Washington law, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the “wrongful act, neglect, or default” of another party. Generally, if the deceased person could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, the family may now bring a wrongful death action.
These cases are filed in civil court and are separate from any criminal charges that might arise. Even if no criminal act occurred, you may still have the right to pursue civil damages.
How Much Is My Wrongful Death Case Worth in Seattle?
Every wrongful death case is unique, and many factors can affect the value of your claim. No other personal injury case will serve as a perfect reference for your case’s worth. A lawyer can analyze the facts and circumstances to assess your case’s worth.
However, the following factors will heavily influence the value of your claim:
- The age, health, and earning potential of your loved one
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- The value of lost income, benefits, and services
- The emotional impact on surviving family members
- The nature of the responsible party’s conduct
We will work with economic and vocational experts to assess every aspect of your losses. Our goal is to secure full and fair compensation that reflects the true impact this tragedy has had on your family. Call us today to learn more about the value of your case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Seattle?
One of the most common concerns families have after losing a loved one is the potential cost of hiring an attorney. Most injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis.
A contingency fee means that you pay nothing upfront for legal representation. Instead of charging hourly rates or requiring a retainer, your lawyer only gets paid if they recover compensation for your family. Your fees will then be a pre-agreed-upon percentage of the settlement or jury award.
At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, we understand that finances may already be strained—especially if your loved one contributed significantly to your household income. That’s why we handle all wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis.
What Types of Compensation Are Available in a Washington Wrongful Death Case?
In Washington, the right to file a wrongful death claim lies with the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This is often someone named in the decedent’s will. If no representative is named, the court can appoint one.
The damages awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit benefit certain family members, including:
- A surviving spouse or registered domestic partner
- Children or stepchildren
- Parents or siblings (if there is no spouse, partner, or children)
In cases involving the death of a minor child, parents who regularly contributed to the child’s support may bring a claim. If the child was over 18 at the time of their death, parents may still be eligible, depending on the circumstances.
In a wrongful death suit, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses related to the fatal injury
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost financial support and inheritance
- Loss of services, care, and companionship
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of parental guidance (in cases involving children)
- Loss of consortium (for surviving spouses or partners)
Punitive damages may be available in rare cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was intentional or egregiously reckless.
Our wrongful death lawyers in Seattle can help you track and calculate the value of your losses — and demand full compensation from the at-fault party.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if My Loved One Was Partially at Fault?
Yes. Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means your family can still recover damages even if your loved one shared some responsibility for the incident. Your compensation will simply be reduced based on their percentage of fault.
For example, if your family member was 25% responsible for a fatal accident, your total recovery would be reduced by 25%.
Not all allegations of comparative fault are legitimate. Insurance companies and other parties try to use this rule to reduce their liability — even in cases where the victim shares no fault. At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, we’ll build a strong case to limit or eliminate blame games against your loved one.
What Are the Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Seattle?
A wrongful death can occur in any serious accident. Our firm handles wrongful death cases involving a wide range of fatal incidents, including:
- Car accidents (including DUI and distracted driving)
- Motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents
- Truck and commercial vehicle crashes
- Medical malpractice (surgical errors, misdiagnosis, birth injuries)
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Workplace and construction site accidents
- Defective or dangerous products
- Premises liability (such as slips and falls or unsafe property conditions)
- Boating accidents
- Criminal violence or assault
If you suspect that your loved one’s death could have been prevented, reach out to our team. We’ll evaluate your case and determine whether you may have a wrongful death action against the party responsible for your loved one’s death.
How Do You Prove Liability in a Washington Wrongful Death Claim?
To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit in Washington, you must typically prove that another party negligently caused your loved one’s death. To have a successful negligence claim, you must establish four elements:
- The at-fault party owed your loved one a duty of care.
- They breached that duty through negligence or misconduct.
- Their actions caused your loved one’s death.
- Your family suffered damages as a result.
You must prove all four elements to prove liability in your wrongful death case. In essence, you must provide enough evidence to show that it is “more likely than not” that the other party was negligent and caused your loved one’s death.
Our legal team will collect medical records, accident reports, witness statements, expert opinions, and any other evidence necessary to build a compelling case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Washington?
Washington’s statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is three years from the date of death. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to recover compensation permanently.
Don’t wait. Evidence can disappear, and memories fade. Contact a Seattle wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Contact Our Seattle Wrongful Death Lawyers Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer we know that no amount of money can truly make up for your loss. But compensation can help your family find stability, closure, and a sense of justice. Fortunately, you don’t have to face this process alone.
Our mission is to handle the legal burdens so you can focus on healing. We offer free consultations and are here to answer your questions with compassion and transparency.
Call us or contact us online today to speak with a Seattle wrongful death lawyer you can trust. We’re ready to put decades of experience behind your case.