The sudden loss of a family member changes your world forever, leaving a void that no legal action can ever truly fill. Fatal accidents on Tacoma roadways or private properties often result from a driver’s distraction or a property owner’s neglect.

These tragedies leave grieving families to face sudden funeral costs and the permanent loss of financial support. Seeking justice through a legal claim provides a pathway to hold the responsible parties accountable for their reckless choices.

A Tacoma Wrongful Death Lawyer from our firm provides the steady, capable assistance you need during this stressful period. Our team represents the rights of grieving families throughout the Puget Sound, using a legacy of advocacy that dates back over a century.

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Why Choose Jacobs & Jacobs for a Tacoma Wrongful Death Lawyer

Jacobs and Jacobs Injury Law Group attorneys

Our family firm provides a legacy of advocacy that spans more than 130 years of Washington history.

  • Our team maintains deep roots in the Puget Sound region, a tradition that began with B.F. Jacobs in the late 1800s.
  • We employ more than 50 members who work together to support your pursuit of fair treatment and a successful outcome.
  • Tom Jacobs currently handles more injury and death claims than any other attorney in Pierce County, showing the trust our neighbors place in our work.
  • Our attorneys bring the experience of representing tens of thousands of people to even the most complex fatal accident cases.
  • We offer flexible meeting options at our Kent and Puyallup offices, through Zoom, or via home visits to meet your specific needs.
  • Our staff manages the adjusters, the paperwork, and the legal deadlines under our philosophy of “We’ll take it from here.”

This client-focused support reduces stress through consistent communication and personalized legal strategies for every family we represent.

Washington Wrongful Death Statutes and Beneficiary Rights

Washington law establishes clear rules for how families pursue a recovery after a fatal accident. Grasping these statutes helps you identify the legal options available for your family’s future.

Our team uses a thorough knowledge of these codes to advocate for people who suffered the loss of a loved one due to negligence.

Beneficiaries under Washington law

State law identifies specific family members who may recover damages through a wrongful death action. RCW 4.20.010 explains that the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate must file the claim. The law primarily protects the surviving spouse, state-registered domestic partner, and children.

If the deceased person had no spouse or children, the parents or siblings may pursue a claim if they resided in the United States at the time of the death. Our team helps families identify the correct personal representative to initiate the legal process.

The three-year statute of limitations

Washington law sets a strict time limit for starting a wrongful death lawsuit. RCW 4.16.080 generally gives families three years from the date of the death to file their case in court. Missing this date usually results in the loss of your right to seek any compensation, regardless of the facts of the case.

Our team starts our investigation immediately to meet all legal deadlines while evidence remains available and witness memories stay clear. Acting quickly allows us to preserve traffic camera footage and electronic data that might disappear over time.

Pure comparative fault in fatal accidents

Washington uses a pure comparative fault system according to RCW 4.22.005. This law allows families to seek damages even if the deceased person shared some responsibility for the accident. The court reduces the total financial award by the percentage of fault a jury assigns to the deceased person’s actions.

A family seeking a recovery where the loved one was 10 percent at fault sees their total award reduced by that same 10 percent. Our team works to show the full extent of the other party’s negligence to protect your right to a fair recovery.

Frequent Causes of Fatal Accidents in Tacoma

High-speed collisions on the I-5 and dangerous conditions on local properties contribute to many wrongful death cases in Tacoma every year. Identifying the exact cause of the tragedy helps our firm hold the negligent parties accountable for the loss your family has suffered.

Commercial Truck and Motor Vehicle Collisions

Distracted driving and excessive speed often lead to fatal impacts on busy Tacoma highways. Heavy commercial trucks pose an especially high risk to passenger vehicle occupants due to their massive weight and size.

We investigate driver logs, phone records, and vehicle data to prove the driver failed to operate their vehicle safely. Establishing this negligence creates a strong link between the driver’s choices and the loss of your loved one.

Motor vehicle accidents remain a leading reason for wrongful death claims in our region near the Tacoma Dome and the I-5 corridor.

Commercial Truck and Motor Vehicle Collisions

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Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities

Cyclists and pedestrians possess no protection against several thousand pounds of moving metal and glass. Drivers who fail to yield at crosswalks or ignore bike lane boundaries often cause life-ending trauma.

Our team examines traffic camera footage and witness accounts to show the driver violated traffic laws. Proving this failure helps us build a strong argument for your family’s recovery. We advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable road users when negligence leads to a tragedy in our local neighborhoods.

Fatal Falls and Premises Liability

Property owners must maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for visitors and guests. Broken handrails, poorly lit stairwells, or slick floors can cause a fatal fall for an unsuspecting person.

We investigate the maintenance history of the location to see if the owner ignored known hazards. Holding a property owner accountable requires showing they knew or should have known about the danger. Our firm focuses on identifying the specific failures that led to the fatal incident.

Medical emergencies and workplace safety

Fatalities sometimes occur when properties or businesses fail to provide basic safety equipment or emergency protocols. Faulty fire alarms, blocked emergency exits, or a lack of required safety gear can prevent a person from escaping a dangerous situation.

We review safety inspections and building codes to determine if the property meets all legal requirements. Proving a pattern of neglect helps establish the owner’s liability for the death. These cases often involve complex layers of responsibility that our team investigates thoroughly.

Evaluating Damages in a Wrongful Death Pursuit

Grieving families face significant financial and emotional burdens that require a comprehensive legal evaluation. We focus on how the loss of your loved one affects your family’s long-term security and well-being. Proper documentation through a legal lens provides the proof necessary to support your pursuit of a recovery.

Economic losses and funeral costs

The sudden loss of a primary earner creates immediate financial strain for a family. We calculate the total loss of future income, including benefits, bonuses, and retirement contributions, that the loved one would have provided.

Claims also include the immediate costs of funeral services, burial or cremation, and any medical expenses incurred before the death. Our team compiles payroll records and invoices to create a comprehensive record of these financial losses. This documentation ensures the claim accounts for the full economic impact of the tragedy.

Loss of companionship and family support

Non-economic damages address the emotional impact of losing a spouse, parent, or child. These damages compensate for the loss of love, companionship, guidance, and emotional support the loved one provided. Washington law allows beneficiaries to seek a recovery for this profound change in their quality of life.

We present evidence of the relationship’s depth to help a jury grasp the scope of the family’s suffering. Every family relationship deserves a thorough evaluation during the legal process.

Life expectancy and earning capacity projections

Calculating the long-term loss of income requires a detailed analysis of the deceased person’s career path and life expectancy. We work with economic specialists to project what the loved one would have earned over their remaining working years.

This process accounts for inflation and potential career advancements to ensure the family’s future security. Clearly presenting these anticipated losses helps your claim account for the lifetime of support the family lost. Economic projections provide a factual basis for the financial recovery we pursue.

FAQ for Tacoma Wrongful Death Lawyer

Who has the legal right to file a wrongful death claim in Washington?

Washington law requires the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate to file the wrongful death claim. The personal representative pursues the action for the benefit of the surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children.

If no spouse or children exist, parents or siblings may become beneficiaries under certain conditions. Our team helps families through the probate court process to appoint a personal representative for the estate.

What if my loved one was partially at fault for the accident?

Washington’s pure comparative fault rule allows families to seek a recovery even if the deceased person shared some responsibility. The court decreases the total financial award by the percentage of fault a jury assigns to the loved one’s actions.

If a jury finds the loved one 20 percent responsible, the family still receives 80 percent of the total damages. Our team works to show the full extent of the other party’s negligence to protect your family’s recovery.

Can I pursue a claim for a death that occurred months after the accident?

You may pursue a wrongful death claim as long as the injuries from the accident directly caused the death. We work with medical specialists to prove the link between the initial trauma and the eventual loss of life.

These cases require a thorough review of medical records to establish the cause of death for the insurance carrier. The three-year statute of limitations generally begins on the date of the death.

What damages are available in a wrongful death case?

Families may seek economic damages for lost future income, funeral expenses, and medical bills incurred before the death. Non-economic damages compensate for the loss of companionship, love, guidance, and emotional support.

In some cases, the estate may also pursue a survival action for the pain and suffering the loved one endured before they passed. Our firm evaluates every available type of damage to ensure the pursuit of a full recovery.

How long will a wrongful death case take to resolve?

The length of a case depends on the complexity of the accident and the willingness of the insurance company to offer a fair settlement. We avoid settling claims until we fully recognize the long-term financial impact on the surviving beneficiaries.

Settling too early may leave the family without the support they need for the future. Our team provides regular updates on the status of your case and works to resolve the matter as efficiently as possible.

A Legacy of Compassion and Strength

The months following a loss involve deep grief, significant logistical challenges, and uncertainty about your family’s financial security. Managing these burdens while trying to honor a loved one’s memory adds unnecessary stress to an already difficult time.

Photo of Tom Jacobs
Tom Jacobs – Tacoma
Wrongful Death Lawyer

Our firm has provided a pillar of strength for the residents of the Puget Sound for over 130 years, helping them resolve the most challenging situations of their lives. We believe that no one should have to face the legal system alone, especially when they are dealing with a tragedy that was not their fault.

Our family-led team at Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group brings a legacy of trial experience and compassionate support to your case. We provide the direct, capable assistance needed to manage the paperwork and the aggressive tactics of insurance adjusters.

Our Kent and Puyallup offices are open to you, and we offer the flexibility of home visits or Zoom meetings for your convenience. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus your energy on your family and the healing process.

If you suffered the loss of a family member and need a way forward, call us at our office to discuss your case and learn how we can take it from here.

Jacobs and Jacobs Injury Law Group – Tacoma Office

Address: 1201 Pacific Ave #600,

Tacoma, WA 98402

Ph: (253) 544-5060