Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence can leave your family facing emotional pain, financial uncertainty, and difficult questions about what comes next. Contact Jacobs & Jacobs today for a free consultation with a Washington State wrongful death lawyer.
A Washington personal injury attorney can help investigate what happened, identify the responsible parties, and pursue compensation for losses such as funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship.
Jacobs & Jacobs has served families in Kent, Puyallup, and throughout the Puget Sound region since 1893. Our team handles the legal details, insurance communications, and investigation so you can focus on supporting your family.
Wrongful death claims involve important legal deadlines and state-specific requirements. We use more than 130 years of experience to guide families through the process with honesty, compassion, and strong advocacy.
Call our office today to talk about your case and learn how we can help.
Why Choose Jacobs & Jacobs as Your Washington Wrongful Death Lawyer
Jacobs & Jacobs represents more than a century of legal service in the Puget Sound area. B.F. Jacobs opened our first office in 1893, and his legacy of service continues today through Tom Jacobs. Tom brings 40 years of experience to every family we represent.
Our team of over 50 members provides the resources and strength needed to confront insurance companies. We treat every person like a neighbor because we have lived and worked in Kent and Puyallup for generations.
- Our firm maintains primary offices in Kent and Puyallup with a satellite office in Olympia.
- We work on a contingency basis, meaning we only receive payment if we win your case.
- Our staff provides support in both English and Spanish to make sure clear communication reaches all families.
- We offer mobile appointments where our team comes to your home if traveling feels difficult.
Families choose us because they want a firm that possesses deep roots in the local community. We know the local courts in Pierce, King, and Thurston Counties. Our 130-year history proves our dedication to doing things the right way. We manage the legal complexities so you do not have to.
Proving Liability in a Washington Wrongful Death Claim
Washington law allows families to seek financial support when a person dies due to the wrongful act of another. Negligence occurs when a person or a company fails to act with the care that a reasonable person would use.
This can happen when a driver looks at a phone instead of the road or a property owner ignores a dangerous condition. A Washington car accident lawyer can help investigate a fatal crash and determine whether a negligent driver may be held responsible.
We investigate these actions to prove who carries the legal responsibility for your loss. RCW 4.20.010 states that the personal representative of the estate must file the claim.
- Liability: We gather evidence to show that another party caused the death through their actions.
- The Personal Representative: This person acts on behalf of the family to move the case through the legal system.
- Beneficiaries: These family members receive the money we recover for funeral costs and lost support.
Our team assists you in every step of this process. We identify every party that contributed to the incident to make sure they face accountability. This work provides the foundation for your family’s financial recovery. We handle the paperwork and the investigations while you focus on honoring your loved one.
How Comparative Fault Affects a Washington Wrongful Death Claim
Washington uses a system called pure comparative fault to determine how much money a family receives. This law allows a recovery even if the deceased person shared some blame for the accident.
The court or insurance company assigns a percentage of fault to everyone involved. They then reduce the final recovery by that percentage.
- Fault Assessment: Courts assign a specific percentage of responsibility to each party.
- Recovery Reduction: Your final amount reflects the share of blame assigned to the other party.
- Evidence: We use witness statements and photos to protect your family from unfair claims of fault.
Our firm makes sure the facts remain clear. We have managed these challenges for families across the Puget Sound for over 130 years. Accountability remains our primary focus throughout the entire legal process.
Documenting Serious Injuries for Claims
Survival actions seek recovery for the pain your loved one experienced before they passed away. These claims require detailed medical records to show the severity of the physical harm.
We look at documentation for serious injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, to show how they affect the value of the claim. A traumatic brain injury happens when a sudden jolt to the head disrupts brain function.
Catastrophic injuries like severe burns also require careful documentation. We use hospital records and specialist reports to show the pain and suffering involved. These records provide the proof necessary to show the insurance company why a fair settlement is required.
- Medical Records: These files show the surgeries and treatments your loved one received.
- Pain and Suffering: This is the legal term for the physical and emotional distress felt before death.
- Survival Action: This claim allows the estate to recover money for the losses suffered before the person died.
We handle the process of requesting and organizing these medical files. This work allows your family to stay together without worrying about hospital paperwork. We focus on how these injuries change the legal value of your case.
The Statute of Limitations in Washington
Washington law sets a strict time limit for filing a wrongful death claim. RCW 4.16.080 generally gives a family three years from the date of the death to take legal action. Missing this three-year limit means the court will likely dismiss the case.
A strong case requires us to act quickly while the evidence still exists. Video footage from a nearby store or fresh witness memories disappear over time. We start the work early to make sure we preserve every detail for your claim.
- The Three-Year Limit: Laws require you to file your case within three years of the loss.
- Evidence Preservation: We secure photos and statements before they are lost or destroyed.
- Legal Deadlines: Our team manages all the filings to keep your case moving forward.
Our firm tracks all these important dates for you. We manage the timelines, so your family does not have to worry about legal calendars. Call us as soon as you can so we can begin the investigation.
Taking Action From Home
Simple actions at home help our team as we build your claim. You can keep a folder for all the paperwork you receive after the loss. This includes medical bills, funeral expenses, and letters from insurance companies. We suggest you avoid speaking with insurance adjusters from the other party before you talk to us.
- Keep all bills related to the final medical care provided to your loved one.
- Save a record of funeral and burial costs for our review.
- Call our office if you receive a letter or a phone call from an insurance company.
We offer mobile appointments where our team comes to your home if traveling to Kent or Puyallup feels difficult. We provide the support you need in a way that respects your situation. Our goal is to make this process easier for your family. We are ready to help you whenever you feel prepared to talk.
A 130-Year History in the Puget Sound
Jacobs & Jacobs has remained a steady presence in the Puget Sound area since 1893. We serve families in Kent, Puyallup, and Olympia with compassion and strength.
Our history of serving Washington since 1893 shows our dedication to treating our neighbors with respect. We are members of the local community who care about the people here.
- Primary offices in Kent and Puyallup provide easy access for King and Pierce Counties.
- Our satellite office in Olympia supports residents in Thurston County.
- A team of over 50 members makes sure we have the resources to manage your claim.
We provide honest and hopeful guidance throughout the legal process. Our team is ready to listen to your story and help you find a path forward. We possess the experience needed to hold major companies and insurance providers accountable.
FAQs
Who possesses the legal right to file a wrongful death claim in Washington?
State law requires the personal representative of the estate to file the lawsuit. The court appoints a person to fill this part if a will does not name one. While the representative officially starts the case, the money we recover goes to the surviving family members.
What happens if the negligent person also died in the accident?
Families often ask about their legal rights when the person who caused the crash also passed away. Washington law allows you to file a wrongful death claim against the estate of the negligent individual.
Our team investigates the insurance policies held by that person to find the coverage your family requires. We manage communication with the estate representatives so you do not have to handle these interactions. Call our office today to talk about your situation and learn how we help.
What losses can a family seek a recovery for after a death?
Families seek money for economic losses like funeral costs and the loss of future income. They also seek money for non-economic losses, such as the loss of love and companionship. We work to make sure every loss appears in the documentation for the insurance company.
Can a family file a claim if the death happened instantly?
Yes, a family still possesses the right to file a wrongful death claim in this situation. The claim focuses on funeral costs and the loss of the person’s support for their family members. We still hold the responsible party accountable for the loss of life.
How does the pure comparative fault rule impact the case?
The rule allows a family to get a recovery even if their loved one was partly at fault. The final amount reflects the percentage of blame assigned to the other party. We use evidence to protect your family from unfair claims of fault by insurance companies.
How long does a wrongful death claim typically take?
Every case is unique and depends on the complexity of the investigation. Some cases reach a resolution in a few months, while others take longer if they must go to court. We work to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible while protecting your rights.
Contact Jacobs & Jacobs Today
Your family does not have to handle the legal process alone. Jacobs & Jacobs has the experience and resources to investigate your case, pursue accountability, and guide you through each step with compassion.
Call (253) 845-0577 today for a free consultation with a Washington State wrongful death lawyer. We are ready to listen to your story and help your family understand its legal options.