Seattle Wrongful Death
The death of a loved one is a profound loss, regardless of the cause. However, when your family member died because of someone else’s negligence or wrongful behavior, the tragedy is compounded by the knowledge that the loss could have been prevented. Making matters worse, wage-earning victims may leave their families without necessary support – and financial hardship adds to the emotional pain.
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence or reckless conduct in Seattle or the surrounding communities, you may need legal representation or advice. Contact Kenneth Selander, Jr. today for a free consultation. Call 1-866-681-0002 toll-free or submit an online contact form. We handle cases across Washington State, including Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Edmonds, Mercer Island, Sammamish, Renton, Lynnwood, Federal Way, Burien, Everett, Auburn, Kent, Issaquah and Tacoma.
Washington Wrongful Death Law
Washington's wrongful death and survival action statutes allow spouses, children or other family members who were financially dependent upon the decedent to file a wrongful death claim for damages. The type of damages can vary from case to case, but generally a surviving family member may file for:
- Financial loss including health care, funeral expenses, loss of earnings.
- Emotional loss of consortium (companionship, love, affection).
- Pain, suffering, anxiety, emotional distress and humiliation suffered by the victim prior to his or her death.
Wrongful death lawsuits are very different from other personal injury cases because they require careful calculations to determine the financial value that the decedent represented to surviving family members. While any personal injury matter can be complicated, it is much simpler to assign an amount to a common injury than to a human life. Wrongful death cases are also different because the damages are awarded to the estate of the victim, and a separate probate case is required to establish a personal representative for the estate.
Experienced legal representation is essential. Because insurers and other parties responsible for your loved one’s death will act quickly to protect their own financial interests, you must exercise care to avoid giving up your legal rights.
- Do not sign any paperwork from an insurance company or other company involved in your loved one’s accident or illness without consulting an attorney.
- Do not provide statements or allow personal visits from any representatives of the involved parties without consulting an attorney.
- Review your loved one’s records to determine if there are any existing wills or insurance policies.
Our Experience
Kenneth Selander, Jr. of Selander O’Brien PLLC has represented injury victims in Washington for more than two decades and we have tirelessly helped families through the wrongful death lawsuit process. When a motorcyclist was killed in an accident caused by faulty road repair, leaving behind a wife and young daughter, we obtained a $2.4 million settlement from the state for his family. We recognize that no amount of money will bring back your loved one – but compensation can help pay for the education of surviving children, or secure your family home – or simply help you pay the bills while you make decisions about your future.
With more than 20 years of experience in all kinds of injury and wrongful death claims, Kenneth Selander, Jr. has built his reputation aggressively and ethically fighting for the legal rights of victims and their families. In fact, Washington Law & Politics Magazine has named Kenneth Selander, Jr. a SuperLawyer. That honor is conferred on only the top 5% of attorneys in Washington State.
Our Commitment
When you contact the law firm of Selander O'Brien PLLC, you ensure that your case receives the full commitment of a skilled legal team. We handle each case on an individual basis, and we treat you and your family with the respect and compassion you deserve.
Here's what one client said about our service to his family: "Ken is an Attorney with a heart, he's fair, realistic, knowledgeable, aware of the current situations with the courts and case histories (i.e. market value for cases), keeps his clients informed and teaches them as they go through the process. He's an Attorney with a human touch."
If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or recklessness of someone else in Seattle or anywhere in Washington State, contact Kenneth Selander, Jr. at 1-866-681-0002 or submit an online contact form. We do not charge attorney fees unless we recover damages for your case.
