Wrongful Death
Seattle Wrongful Death Attorneys Seek Justice for Bereaved Loved Ones
Washington firm handles cases arising from untimely fatalities
After a person is killed because of someone else’s carelessness or intentional act, the Seattle wrongful death attorneys at Mann & Kytle, PLLC offer strong legal support to estate representatives and grieving family members. Whether the fatality in your case involves a car crash, a defective product or some other type of incident, our Washington firm will strive to obtain legal relief for you.
Do you have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit?
You have three years from the victim’s date of death to file a lawsuit. Our accomplished attorneys can get to work right away collecting information and assessing the likelihood of a favorable outcome if your wrongful death claim goes to trial. We can also identify if there were multiple parties whose actions contributed to the fatality.
Common causes of wrongful death in Washington
Throughout the state, we handle a full range of wrongful death actions, including those arising from:
Vehicle Accidents
In a typical year, approximately 500 people die in vehicle crashes on Washington roads. If you need a Seattle car accident attorney to handle your claim against the driver who caused the crash that killed your loved one, we can help.
Security failures
Businesses and event organizers that fail to use prudent security measures could increase the risk of a fatal incident. Our firm can advise you as to whether a tragedy could have been avoided had the defendant used reasonable care.
Workplace incidents
Construction work and other jobs that involve physical activity are inherently dangerous. Though workers’ compensation does provide some death benefits, additional payment might be available to bereaved family members if a third party (not the victim’s employer or co-worker) contributed to the fatality.
Defective products
Poorly made products cause wrongful deaths and catastrophic injuries. After someone loses a loved one due to a defective product, we press to hold the liable defendant accountable.
Taking the first step towards filing a claim can seem difficult after an unexpected tragedy, but our firm provides comprehensive legal support in every aspect of wrongful death litigation.
How can you prove a wrongful death claim in Washington?
Like personal injury claims, plaintiffs in wrongful death actions must demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that a defendant’s negligent, reckless or intentional conduct was responsible for the harm. Some cases hinge on proving that the carelessness of an individual or business was the proximate cause of the fatality. Following a detailed investigation of the relevant circumstances, we work diligently to construct the strongest possible case.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Washington State?
In Washington, most wrongful death cases must be filed by the personal representative for the decedent’s estate. Once a recovery is obtained through a judgment or settlement, the proceeds are then distributed among the victim’s surviving family members. However, parents and legal guardians may initiate litigation against liable parties when a minor child dies or when they have significant involvement in the life of an adult son or daughter who was killed.
Recovering damages in a wrongful death lawsuit
No legal result can truly compensate for the untimely loss of a loved one, but several types of damages are available to address various types of harm stemming from a wrongful death. Plaintiffs in these cases can recover reimbursement for funeral costs, medical bills associated with the fatal incident and income that the victim would have been expected to earn over the course of their lifetime. You can also obtain compensation for the loss of companionship, guidance and household services resulting from the fatality.
Wrongful Death vs. Survival Actions: What's the Difference?
When a person dies due to another's negligence, Washington law allows for two distinct but related types of legal claims: a wrongful death action and a survival action. While they are often pursued together in one lawsuit, they are designed to compensate for different losses.
The Purpose of a Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim is brought by the estate's personal representative on behalf of the victim’s beneficiaries (such as a spouse, domestic partner, child, or parent). This claim seeks damages for the losses the survivors have personally suffered. This includes compensation for their loss of financial support, companionship, love, guidance, and household services.
Understanding Survival Actions
A survival action, in contrast, is brought by the estate to recover damages the victim themselves would have been entitled to had they survived. This claim "survives" the victim's death. It allows the estate to recover compensation for the victim’s own pre-death losses, including medical bills incurred, lost wages, and the victim's own pain and suffering experienced before they passed away.
Your Initial Consultation and Case Investigation
Taking legal action while grieving is overwhelming. We manage the entire legal burden so you can focus on your family. The process begins with a consultation to discuss the incident and your rights. If you choose to hire us, we immediately begin a deep investigation, gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and securing evidence before it disappears.
Identifying All Liable Parties
A fatal incident often involves more than one at-fault party. Our attorneys work to identify every person or entity whose negligence contributed to the fatality. Depending on the case, this may include a distracted driver, a trucking company, a property owner who failed to provide safe premises, or the manufacturer of a defective product.
Navigating the Path to Resolution
After building a strong case, we handle every step of the legal process. This includes filing the formal lawsuit, managing the "discovery" phase (where we exchange evidence and depose witnesses), and hiring necessary experts. While most cases are resolved through skilled negotiation or mediation, our experienced trial lawyers are always prepared to advocate for your family in court if a fair settlement is not offered.
What our customers are saying
“I recommend James Kytle. James handled my Personal Injury matter. Jim Kytle is a great lawyer. He always kept me well informed and did well with my case. I highly recommend him.”
— Personal Injury Client
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— Discrimination Client
“Mary Ruth was wonderful to work with. She has a high level of integrity. Mary Ruth knew how to be gentle when it was called for and aggressive when it was needed. I felt she truly cared about the indignities that I suffered at the hands of my prior employer. Mary Ruth and her skilled team brought me a sense of justice at the end of a nightmare. read more..."
— Wrongful Termination Client
Contact an established Washington attorney regarding a wrongful death claim
The Seattle-based firm of Mann & Kytle, PLLC assists surviving family members and estate representatives with wrongful death litigation across Washington State. You can schedule an appointment with one of our experienced attorneys by calling 206-457-2057 or contacting us online.