Posts Tagged ‘Lynnwood Wrongful Death Lawyers’
Lynnwood Wrongful Death Attorneys
Wrongful Death in Washington, RCW 4.20.010, provides for a cause of action in the event of a wrongful death of a family member and loved one. When the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act, neglect or the fault of another, his or her personal representative may maintain an action for damages against a person or entity which is responsible for causing the death of another. The lawsuit may be filed on behalf of all beneficiaries providing they are statutory beneficiaries and have a right to recover compensation under our statute in Washington.
RCW 4.20.020 entitles all beneficiaries to join in a wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate of the deceased. The action shall be for the benefit of a wife, husband, child or children, including step-children of persons who death shall have been so caused. If there is not a wife, husband or child, a wrongful death action may still be maintained for the benefit of parents, sisters or brothers, providing each are dependent upon the deceased person for support and who are residents within the United States at the time of the death.
Lynnwood Wrongful Death Attorneys
A wrongful death in Washinton is one of the toughest cases to settle, but it can be done with help of proper legal counsel. If a member of your family has died due to the recklessness of another there should, at the very minimum, be financial compensation. Here is a priority list of who is to inhearit a Lynnwood wrongful death settlement:
1. Spouse and no parents or children– everything to spouse.
2. Spouse and children – spousetakes the first $50,000 plus ½ of the balance of the estate if thechildren are also the spouse’s. If they are not, spouse only takes ½ of the estate. Remainder is divided equally among the children in the same generation.
3. Spouse and parents (no children) – spouse takes the first$50,000 plus ½ of the balance ofthe estate. Remainder is divided equally among parents.
4. No children but parents –parents share equally.
5. No parents — the parent’s children take all (i.e. brothers and sisters or their descendants). Shares are divided equally among the children in the same generation.
If you are unsure if you have a wrongful death claim we welcome you to schedule an initial consultation at a time and place of your convenience free of charge. Contact our Lynnwood Wrongful Death Law Firm Today.
