Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Seattle, WA
Plaintiff’s burden of proof
In a wrongful death lawsuit in Seattle, WA, the burden of proof rests on the party or parties bringing the action (the “plaintiff”), who are usually the dependents and beneficiaries of the victim. The experienced attorneys, at the Corrie Yackulic law firm know how to prove the elements of wrongful death lawsuits in Seattle. The plaintiff must show that the defendant had an obligation to prevent or refrain from causing the circumstances which led to the wrongful death of the victim. In addition, the plaintiff in a wrongful death lawsuit must show the damages that were caused as a result of the conduct of the defendant.
Types of compensation
A wrongful death lawsuit in Seattle may seek compensation for the loss of love, companionship, and moral support of the deceased, as well as the financial support and household services which the claimant would have received but for the negligent, accidental, or homicidal death of the victim.
The monetary damages you receive in a Seattle wrongful death lawsuit depends on a number of factors, including the relationship you had with the deceased. Some examples of wrongful death compensatory damages include:
- Expenses related to the death, such as funeral expenses, burial expenses, and administrative expenses
- Loss of monetary support from the decedent, including salary and lost bonuses
- Loss of companionship
In determining the amount of damages for wrongful death lawsuits in Seattle, the court looks at such things as expected lifespan of the deceased and future earnings.
Claims for medical expenses, lost income, and property damage of the victim, belong to the estate of the victim which may bring a “survival action” on behalf of the estate. Damages recovered in a survival action pass to the estate of the victim.
Contact the Corrie Yackulic Law Firm, PLLC to speak to an attorney about Seattle wrongful death lawsuits. Let us put our effective representation to work for you.
