If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Washington, understanding your legal rights is a critical first step toward justice. This guide covers Washington’s wrongful death laws, profiles three law firms that handle these cases, and answers the most important questions families face.
Introduction
Losing a family member due to another party’s negligence is devastating. Washington State provides no caps on wrongful death damages and a 3-year filing window, making it one of the stronger states for families pursuing full compensation.
Washington Wrongful Death Laws
The Washington Wrongful Death Statute
Washington’s wrongful death law is governed by Revised Code of Washington § 4.20.010. The statute requires the Personal Representative of the deceased’s estate to file the claim.
Who Can File
The Personal Representative of the deceased’s estate must file.
Statute of Limitations
Washington imposes a 3-year statute of limitations, measured from the date of death.
Recoverable Damages
Washington allows recovery for pecuniary loss, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. There are no caps on wrongful death damages in Washington.
Survival Action
Washington maintains a separate survival action alongside the wrongful death claim.
Top 3 Wrongful Death Attorneys in Washington
1. Davis Law Group
Location: Seattle, WA (Serving statewide)
Phone: (206) 727-4000
Website: https://injurytriallawyer.com
One of Washington’s most prominent and recognized trial firms. Because Washington has no damage caps, their heavy-hitting team pursues maximum loss of consortium and mental anguish damages against the most powerful corporate defendants. They are particularly dominant in fatal commercial trucking, highway, and maritime accidents in the Puget Sound region.
2. Morrow Kidman Tinker Macey & Macey PLLC (MKTS)
Location: Bellevue, Seattle, WA
Phone: (425) 453-1700
Website: https://mktslaw.com
An elite boutique trial firm in Washington handling some of the most complex and high-value wrongful death cases in the state. They expertly navigate the probate appointment process and pursue both the wrongful death and survival actions simultaneously to ensure every available category of damages is fully litigated.
3. Jacoby & Meyers
Location: Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, WA (Statewide)
Phone: (888) 522-6291
Website: https://jacobyandmeyers.com
A nationally recognized firm with strong Washington State presence. They have the financial backing to take on large corporate defendants and insurance companies, and their rapid-response team deploys accident reconstructionists immediately to preserve critical evidence before the 3-year window expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there caps on damages in Washington?
No. Washington imposes no caps on wrongful death damages.
What should I do immediately after losing a loved one due to negligence?
Contact a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. The 3-year deadline runs from the date of death. Preserve all evidence and do not speak with insurance companies before consulting an attorney.
Closing
Washington’s no caps framework and 3-year filing window provide families with strong legal tools. The firms listed above have the resources to pursue maximum recovery. If you have lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence, contact one of these attorneys today.
For immediate grief support, contact the National Alliance for Grieving Children at (866) 432-1542.