What is a wrongful death claim?

A wrongful death claim is a type of civil lawsuit that can be filed when someone dies due to the negligence or intentional act of another person. In Washington, a wrongful death claim can be filed by the surviving family members of the deceased, such as the parents, spouse, or children. This type of lawsuit is intended to seek monetary damages for the loss of the deceased person. The wrongful death claim must be filed within a specific period of time, as stated by the Washington statute of limitations. Additionally, the claim must prove that the death was caused by another person’s negligence or intentional wrongful act, such as medical malpractice, a defective product, or a car accident. The family of the deceased can pursue both economic losses, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of future earnings, as well as non-economic losses, such as loss of companionship or emotional distress. A wrongful death claim is not a criminal case. In a criminal case, the accused party can be sent to prison if found guilty. In a wrongful death claim, the accused party may have to pay monetary damages to the deceased’s family. It is important to note that the family members of a deceased person also have the option of filing a wrongful death lawsuit, even if the accused is found innocent in a criminal trial.

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What is a wrongful death claim?

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