What is a wrongful death action?

A wrongful death action is a legal claim that is brought to court when someone dies due to the negligent or intentional actions of another person or entity. In Washington, a wrongful death action may be brought by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. This means that the personal representative (such as a family member) is the one who brings a claim on behalf of the deceased. A wrongful death action is meant to provide financial compensation to help the deceased’s family with expenses, such as medical and funeral costs, loss of income, pain, and suffering. Additionally, a wrongful death claim may be brought to seek justice for the deceased and their family, even if the deceased’s family cannot bring a criminal charge against the person or entity that caused the death. Washington requires that a wrongful death action be brought within three years of the date of the death. Additionally, Washington has a cap on the amount of money that can be awarded in a wrongful death case. It is important to note that Washington also requires certain claims to be made only by the survivors of the deceased, and not by the personal representative. Ultimately, a wrongful death action is a legal procedure that seeks financial compensation on behalf of a deceased individual and the survivors of the deceased. It is important to understand that there are restrictions and limits on the amount of compensation that can be awarded in a wrongful death case, and it is important to consult a knowledgeable attorney when filing a wrongful death action.

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