Wrongful Death Attorney in Kent

Do You Have Standing to Bring a Wrongful Death Action?

In order to recover for a wrongful death in the State of Washington, a Personal Representative must be first appointed. The Personal Representative is entitled to act on behalf of the Estate, and on behalf of the beneficiaries. If you are a relative mentioned in the first classification, or a parent of a minor who was killed, then you should be a beneficiary of the wrongful death statute.

If you are a relative mentioned in the second category, we would need to know more about the facts and circumstances of your case to determine whether you were financially dependent upon the deceased loved one according to Washington state law.

If this is your situation, or if you are a personal representative (or if a family member has been killed and a personal representative has not yet been appointed) please call us so that we can learn more about your case. Our initial consultation is free, and there is no obligation to use us.

At the consultation you can learn about our services, and we can learn about your case and help you understand the options that may be available.

What to Do After a Wrongful Death

When a wrongful death suddenly occurs, many families do not immediately know what to do or where to turn for help. You may be unsure why your loved one's death occurred, as well as being uncertain who is to primarily responsible for their death.

If you suspect your loved one's death may make your family eligible to file a wrongful death claim, there are several steps you should take:

• Gather evidence at the accident scene. The more evidence you gather, and the sooner you do so, the stronger your case will be. If you can, get the contact information of witnesses, take photographs, and take notes about any details that help explain what happened.
• Keep notes of any details surrounding your loved one's death, such as what they were doing at the time of the accident and immediately beforehand.
• Keep a record of any medical care your loved one received prior to their passing, as well as any final expenses such as funeral costs.
• Depending on the nature of your loved one's passing, you may be contacted by a local media outlet and asked to give a statement. Avoid making any kind of statement if you intend to seek legal action, as it often will end up doing more harm than good for your case.
• Contact an attorney as soon as possible. While it may be difficult to think about the legality of your situation after losing a loved one, you must take quick action to guard your family's rights and pursue compensation. The sooner you get in touch with an attorney, the more time you have to build a strong case.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims In Washington?

There is a three year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Washington. In other words, you have until the third anniversary of your loved one's death to seek legal action against the responsible party. With that being said, this timeline may be longer or shorter in some cases. For this reason, it is crucial you get an attorney involved in your case as early as possible to guard against potentially costly pitfalls.

Working to Convince Defendants & Insurance Companies to Settle

In the case of wrongful death litigation, our firm works to build ironclad cases for our clients and help them recover full damages for their loss. We understand the tactics often employed by defendants to avoid paying their due. They may attempt to prolong the litigation process as much as possible, offer inadequate settlements, or even try to shift blame onto third parties – or even the victim.

We understand the proof insurance companies require when considering a large payout for their clients. In the case of a wrongful death, because the amount of damages is often high, insurance companies usually will not enter into negotiations for a reasonable settlement unless it can be proven that their client is liable, and that they are likely to lose a significant amount at trial.

We seek to prove liability in the early stages of litigation (often after depositions and other discovery has occurred) so that meaningful settlement discussions can take place.

Seeking Justice for Your Loved One in Kent, WA

Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence or wrongful actions is a devastating experience. Our compassionate Kent wrongful death attorneys at Dore Law Group, PLLC are here to help you seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

When you choose our firm to represent you in a wrongful death case, you can expect:

• Personalized attention and support throughout the legal process
• Experienced and skilled legal representation in negotiations and court proceedings
• Transparent communication and updates on the progress of your case
• Dedicated advocacy to maximize the compensation you and your family deserve

Our team understands the emotional and financial challenges you may be facing after the loss of a loved one. We are committed to fighting for justice on your behalf and helping you navigate the complexities of a wrongful death claim in Washington. 

Trial-Tested Counsel When You Need It

While we work hard to seek fair and just settlements for our clients in wrongful death matters prior to trial, in some cases defendants are not willing to pay a reasonable settlement for their actions. If this is the case, we are well prepared to go to trial to seek to prove the case of our clients before a jury.

Our founder, Jim Dore, Jr., has successfully helped clients obtain full and fair compensation at trial when defendant refuse to settle for fair compensation. If a loved one has been killed due to the negligent actions of someone else, call us for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can learn about your case, and discuss with you the options that may be available. If we are retained, we will work hard to obtain for you the full measure of damages to which you may be entitled.

Contact us today to learn more about your situation and your options. Our Kent wrongful death attorney is here to guide you through this process.