Wrongful Death Lawyer in Washington State
Representing Injured People & Families Since 1995
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence isn’t something you can prepare for. In the middle of that grief, you may also face funeral expenses, lost income, insurance communications, estate questions, and decisions about preserving evidence. A wrongful death evaluation can clarify who may be responsible, which Washington claims may apply, and what deadlines require attention.
You may be asking yourself:
- Will this just be another case file to whoever we hire?
- Can we pursue compensation that reflects what we lost?
- How do we even know if we have a case?
- Will anyone actually call us back, or will we be chasing updates ourselves?
You shouldn’t have to sort through those questions alone while you’re grieving. We’ve represented injured people and families since 1995 and have recovered more than $200 million for our clients. We can assess the circumstances of the death, explain the role of the estate’s personal representative, and identify the next legal steps.
Call (253) 544-5935 or use our online contact form to request a free consultation. We’re available 24/7.
Wrongful Death Results & Team-Based Support
Wrongful death cases can involve insurance pressure, estate administration, extensive financial records, and evidence held by several parties. We organize that work through a team-based structure, with attorneys and legal professionals tracking records, deadlines, court dates, and insurance communications.
Our relevant credentials and client support include:
- A documented wrongful death result. We secured more than $16 million for a family in a wrongful death case.
- Accessible client communication. More than 1,500 positive client reviews reflect the importance we place on prompt answers, clear updates, and plain-language guidance.
- Substantial legal experience. Our attorneys bring more than 100 years of combined legal experience to the evaluation and preparation of complex claims.
- Leadership in Washington law. Founding attorney Patrick A. Palace served as president of the Washington State Bar Association from 2013 to 2014.
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- Natalie S.
I had an outstanding experience working with Ciana on a personal injury matter. Without her expertise, I would have never realized that I even had a case. Ciana’s attention to detail and deep understanding of personal injury law were invaluable. She guided me through every step with professionalism and care, ensuring I understood the process and felt supported. Thanks to her diligence and expertise, what could have been overlooked became a well-handled case. I highly recommend Ciana to anyone needing a knowledgeable and dedicated legal professional.
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- Jay R.
Hailey was super helpful and communication was always prompt and professional. Thank you for all your hard work Hailey and the rest of the team at Palace law.
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- Former Client
They are an amazing team and made my case an easy process to cope with. They stayed in great communication with me every step of the way and fought to maximize my profit. Palace Law is hands down THE BEST law firm I’ve dealt with. Attorney John H and assistant Hailey make an amazing team.
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- Sharon R.
I highly recommend Palace Law for your work place injury. I would definitely use them again but hopefully I won’t have to.
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- John A.
I’ve spent the last 7 years working with them and it hasn’t been a easy ride but they work very hard to get the best outcome for there clients. Sandra has done an outstanding job keeping me informed of the process and keeping me feel safe and secure with my future. I couldn’t of asked for a better person and team to help me during this stressful time and working hard to get me what I deserved.
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- Chad F.
Exceptional legal representation! My experience with Kim was outstanding. She was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated to ensuring I received the outcome I deserved. Kim’s communication throughout the process was clear and timely, providing me with peace of mind during a challenging time.
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- Kelly Y.
Aria has been working with me and she is very thorough. I don’t get good sleep at night because of my injury but knowing that Palace Law is on the job gives me peace of mind specially, when they have employees like Aria thanks for letting me give my feedback and putting me in a position to give feedback.
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- Jacob H.
They have been entirely helpful since they accepted my case. Thorough and informative every step of the way. When I had an IME and no gas in my car they arranged for a ride to and from. After fighting tooth and nail myself with little to no results Palace Law stepped in and immediately Sedgwick stopped dragging me through the mud.
Common causes of wrongful death include:
- Motor vehicle accidents involving cars, trucks, or motorcycles
- Medical malpractice
- Unsafe property conditions
- Workplace accidents involving potentially responsible third parties
- Defective products
- Toxic exposure
- Boating accidents
- Fatal dog bites
A criminal investigation or prosecution doesn’t replace a separate civil claim for damages.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Washington?
Under Washington law, the deceased person’s personal representative brings the wrongful death action for the statutory beneficiaries. The personal representative may be named in a will or appointed by a court through the estate administration process. If no personal representative has been appointed, that issue generally must be addressed before the lawsuit can proceed.
Beneficiaries may include the deceased person’s spouse or state registered domestic partner and children, including stepchildren. When there’s no qualifying spouse, domestic partner, or child, certain parents or siblings may qualify under Washington law. Eligibility depends on the family relationships and statutes applicable to the claim.
Washington generally applies a three-year statute of limitations to wrongful death actions, but families shouldn’t assume every deadline runs three years from the date of death. Claims involving government entities, medical negligence, or other claim-specific rules may require additional steps or a different analysis. Reviewing the facts early can help identify the deadlines that apply.
Wrongful Death Damages & Survival Actions
A Washington wrongful death claim may address medical expenses related to the final injury, funeral and burial costs, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship, care, guidance, or services. The available economic and noneconomic damages depend on the beneficiaries, evidence, and applicable law.
A survival action serves a different purpose. It preserves qualifying claims that belonged to the deceased person before death, which may include economic losses and certain pain, suffering, anxiety, emotional distress, or humiliation experienced before death. The estate’s personal representative may need to evaluate wrongful death and survival claims separately because each addresses different losses.
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What If No Personal Representative Has Been Appointed?
A Washington court may appoint a personal representative through the estate administration process when the deceased person didn’t name one in a will or the named person can’t serve. The appropriate procedure depends on the estate and family circumstances. Because the personal representative brings the wrongful death action, families should address this issue promptly.
What Evidence Should Our Family Preserve?
Keep death and medical records, funeral bills, photographs, videos, witness information, insurance correspondence, employment and income records, and documents showing the support or services the deceased person provided. Don’t alter physical or digital evidence. The useful records will depend on how the death occurred and which people or entities may be responsible.
Can a Workplace Death Involve a Third-Party Claim?
It can. Workers’ compensation benefits may apply after a fatal workplace incident, while a separate claim may exist against someone other than the employer or a coworker. Potential third parties can include contractors, property owners, drivers, or product manufacturers, depending on the facts. These matters require separate analysis of workers’ compensation benefits and third-party liability.
Should We Speak With the Insurance Company?
You can provide necessary notice, but consider obtaining legal advice before giving a recorded statement, signing a release, or accepting a proposed settlement. An insurer’s investigation serves its own evaluation of the claim. Families may not yet know the full financial losses, statutory beneficiaries, or claims available to the estate.
Organized Support Throughout a Wrongful Death Claim
No settlement can undo what your family has lost. We can manage records, deadlines, insurance communications, and court filings while explaining each stage in plain language. Our team keeps the legal work organized to help you understand who to contact and what comes next.
We work with families across Washington from our University Place office. We also offer flexible meeting options, including meeting with clients who can’t travel.
Call (253) 544-5935 to request a free evaluation from Palace Law. We’re available 24/7 to listen, answer your questions, and discuss your next steps.
