What is a wrongful death claim in a survival action?

A wrongful death claim in a survival action is a type of civil lawsuit that is filed when a person dies as the result of another’s negligence. In Washington, wrongful death claims allow the surviving family members of the deceased to hold the liable party accountable for their actions. The wrongful death claim is filed in addition to the surviving party’s claim for “survival damages”, which are damages that the deceased could have claimed for his or her injuries had they survived. A wrongful death claim in a survival action typically includes damages for the surviving family members’ emotional distress related to the death of their loved one, as well as any lost wages or income that were expected to be provided by the deceased. It can also include funeral and burial costs, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of the deceased’s companionship and care. In Washington, wrongful death actions must be filed within three years of the date of death and are usually brought by the family members, administrators of the estate, or executors of the estate. The wrongful death claim allows families to seek justice for the death of their family member and can provide them with financial security and peace of mind.

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What is a wrongful death claim in a survival action?

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