What happens when a wrongful death case goes to court?

When a wrongful death case goes to court in Washington, the court decides if the defendant is to blame for the death of the plaintiff. To prove the defendant is responsible, the plaintiff must provide evidence showing that the defendant was negligent or acted in a way that led to the death of the plaintiff. If the court finds the defendant liable, the plaintiff is typically awarded damages to cover their pain and suffering, or to recompense for any medical expenses or other costs that resulted from the death of the plaintiff. In some cases, a plaintiff may also be awarded punitive damages, which are designed to punish the defendant for acting in a malicious or reckless way that resulted in the wrongful death. In Washington, wrongful death cases can also be settled outside of court. If the parties agree on an amount of compensation, they can sign a settlement agreement that details the payment of money and other considerations to the plaintiff. A formal release or waiver of liability is usually also included in the agreement, meaning that the defendant cannot be held responsible for any future legal claims related to the wrongful death.

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What happens when a wrongful death case goes to court?

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