When a fatal accident happens in Washington state, a wrongful death claim allows survivors to get compensation for their losses. While nothing can ever bring back a deceased loved one, these claims can help families avoid financial disaster and move forward to rebuild.
Monge & Associates is here to help with wrongful death claims. Our team of Spokane personal injury lawyers provides compassionate legal advocacy in these difficult cases and is committed to maximizing the compensation you receive. We bring decades of experience and a deep understanding of Washington law to every case so we’re ready to fight for you.
Give us a call or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation with a Spokane wrongful death lawyer to learn how we can help you.
Spokane Wrongful Death Attorney
Lost A Loved One Due To Negligence? Monge & Associates Can Help
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Washington?
Washington State’s wrongful death statute is found in RCW 4.20.010. The law states:
“When the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person, his or her personal representative may maintain an action against the person causing the death for the economic and noneconomic damages sustained by the beneficiaries listed in RCW 4.20.020 as a result of the decedent’s death, in such amounts as determined by a trier of fact to be just under all the circumstances of the case.”
The personal representative of the deceased must bring the case. The personal representative is appointed by the court to manage the deceased person’s estate. If the deceased person had an estate plan, they may have chosen their own personal representative before their death.
When the personal representative brings a claim on behalf of the estate, the goal is to recover compensation for beneficiaries. There are different tiers of beneficiaries who may be entitled to damages, including first tier beneficiaries like the surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, and stepchildren as well as second-tier beneficiaries like parents and siblings.
What Compensation Is Available in a Spokane Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death claims can be worth a substantial amount of money because the untimely death of a loved one causes very serious losses. Some of the different kinds of damages a defendant can be entitled to include:
- Medical bills incurred by the deceased prior to death
- Loss of wages the deceased would have earned during their lifetime
- Loss of companionship from the untimely death
- Funeral expenses
Working with experts, including vocational experts, can help you to demonstrate the extent of the damage to maximize the compensation that comes from a wrongful death claim.
Why Families in Spokane Turn to Monge & Associates
When the stakes are high, like in a wrongful death claim, you need an attorney with the experience needed to fight for you. Because a significant portion of fatal accidents in Washington involve passenger vehicles, we combine our deep compassion for grieving families with the aggressive approach of an experienced Spokane car accident lawyer to secure the recovery your family needs.
Monge & Associates has a proven track record of success and a strong commitment to getting justice for those who have lost loved ones. Our team brings to the table:
- Decades of experience: We have been representing injured clients since 1993
- A commitment to client service: Our thousands of five-star reviews show we truly care about every client, keeping them informed throughout their case
- A history of success: We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation in wrongful death claims
- Litigation experience: Our attorneys have been named among the Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers Association
- Top ratings: We have a 10.0 Superb rating from Avvo, and our attorneys have been named Litigator of the Year.
You can count on our firm to fight to the end, stand up to big insurance companies, and present a compelling claim both in and out of the courtroom to get you the money you deserve.
How a Spokane Wrongful Death Lawyer Helps Build Your Case
At Monge & Associates, we make sure every claim is trial-ready, and we work from day one to build the strongest possible wrongful death claim. Our team will:
- Identify defendants who are liable for losses: There can sometimes be multiple parties responsible for the wrongful death. For example, if a negligent truck driver causes a death, the trucker could be liable, and so could the trucking company under vicarious liability laws. Because commercial vehicle wrecks involve complex corporate layers and federal safety regulations, working with a skilled Spokane truck accident lawyer is essential to identifying every policy and party that owes your family compensation.
- Gather evidence: You need to prove the defendant was to blame. You’ll have to show they were negligent, breached a safety rule, or committed intentional wrongdoing and that their actions were the direct cause of death. We gather physical evidence from the crash scene, witness testimony, expert testimony, maintenance logs, driving records, cell phone records, toxicology reports, and more to build a strong claim.
- Negotiate with insurance companies and defendants: We have stood up to some of the biggest insurers and biggest companies in Washington state to help convince them to pay a fair settlement in a wrongful death claim. Because we are skilled negotiators who are always prepared and trial-ready, we often have success at negotiating fair settlements because insurers know we won’t back down.
- Go to court on your behalf: Attorneys on our team have been recognized as top litigators. We know how to make a strong case in court and are not afraid to take your claim to trial when needed.
We also make a commitment to communicating with you and making you feel supported during your claim. We understand how devastating it is to lose a loved one to a preventable accident, and we want you to feel heard and cared for as we fight for you.
Common Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Monge & Associates is here for you after many different types of wrongful death claims. While traffic wrecks make up a large portion of fatal claims, deadly falls on unsafe premises are also a major concern; in these circumstances, working with an experienced Spokane slip and fall lawyer ensures that negligent property owners are held fully liable.
We represent clients who have lost loved ones due to:
- Car and truck crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Dangerous properties
- Defective products
- Nursing home negligence
We know the laws that apply to these claims, and we’re ready to make compelling arguments as to why the defendant is to blame.
awards & accolades
Contact a Spokane Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Monge & Associates does not charge legal fees unless we win, and your consultation is always free. To find out more about how we can help with your claim, give us a call or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with a Spokane wrongful death lawyer.