Losing a loved one is devastating, but if another person’s negligence caused the tragedy, the grief and pain are multiplied. You have legal options when another party’s actions or inaction kill your loved one. File a wrongful death lawsuit to recover your economic and non-economic damages.
An experienced Tacoma wrongful death attorney at Ye Law Firm can review your case to determine if it can lead to compensation.
Why Choose Us?
Consider hiring our accomplished wrongful death lawyers at Ye Law Firm to represent you. Our seasoned lawyers have obtained significant settlements and jury awards for clients who lost their loved ones in an accident.
Our esteemed wrongful death attorneys, recognized by the National Trial Lawyers' Top 100, have earned peer respect and secured multiple multi-million-dollar settlements in recent wrongful death and personal injury cases. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Let our experienced wrongful death lawyers evaluate your case to provide an estimated value.
Visit our Federal Way law office at 31919 1st Ave S, Suite 104, Federal Way, WA 98003. The location sits conveniently at the corner of 1st Ave S and SW 320th St, in the same building as the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce. We proudly serve Tacoma clients with personal injury and wrongful death claims. Call (253) 946-0577 today to schedule your free consultation.
Compensation In Tacoma Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one is a devastating experience, and it can be excruciating when someone else's negligence or wrongdoing causes their death. In such cases, families have the right to seek compensation through wrongful death claims. Compensation in wrongful death claims provides financial support for the surviving family members left behind.
This can include compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. Additionally, you may receive compensation for your loved one’s pain and suffering and your mental anguish. While no amount of money can ever replace the loss of a loved one, seeking compensation can help ease the financial burden that may arise in the aftermath of their passing. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else's actions, understanding your rights and seeking legal guidance is invaluable.
A Ye Law Firm wrongful death lawyer will handle all aspects of your claim, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary. They will guide you through the process, providing support and guidance at every step. Your attorney will review the circumstances of the death and what your potential damages can be.
For example, if your loved one was young and you had children together, you can receive more compensation for mental anguish, loss of domestic services, loss of inheritance, college funds, etc.
What Is Your Tacoma Wrongful Death Claim Worth?
When pursuing a wrongful death claim in Tacoma, one of the key concerns for the surviving family members is the worth of the claim. While it is difficult to determine an exact value, several factors are taken into account to assess potential compensation in a wrongful death case:
- Medical expenses: If the deceased received medical treatment before passing away, the cost of their care can factor into the claim. This can include hospital bills, medication, and other healthcare expenses related to the incident.
- Funeral and burial expenses: The costs associated with funerals and burials can add up quickly. In a wrongful death claim, these expenses can help ease the family's financial burden.
- Loss of earnings: The claim can also factor in the potential earnings the deceased may have made during their lifetime. This includes their salary, benefits, and any future earnings projections.
- Loss of companionship: Wrongful death often leaves behind loved ones who have lost a spouse, parent, or child. You can seek compensation for the emotional distress, loss of guidance, and companionship these individuals have experienced.
- Pain and suffering: If the deceased experienced pain and suffering before passing away, the family can also seek compensation for this.
Every wrongful death case is unique, and the circumstances surrounding the claim will determine its value. Consulting with our wrongful death attorney at Ye Law Firm is vital to understanding the potential value of your claim.
Why Do Tacoma Wrongful Deaths Happen?
Understanding the reasons behind wrongful deaths in Tacoma can help shed light on the importance of pursuing legal action if someone’s negligence killed your family member. If you have doubts about whether you have a case, Ye Law Firm’s wrongful death lawyer will review your case for free today. Common reasons for Tacoma's wrongful deaths are:
- Car Accidents: Reckless driving, drunk driving, speeding, and other forms of negligent behavior on the road can lead to fatal accidents. An attorney can investigate the circumstances and determine if a wrongful death claim is warranted.
- Medical Malpractice: Mistakes or negligence by healthcare providers can result in tragic consequences. If medical malpractice is suspected to have led to the death of a loved one, consulting with a wrongful death attorney is vital.
- Workplace Accidents: Hazardous work environments, lack of proper safety measures, or employer negligence can lead to fatal accidents. A lawyer can determine whether you can file a wrongful death claim against an employer or a third party.
- Defective Products: Manufacturers or sellers can be held liable for deaths caused by defective products. Seeking legal counsel can help determine if a product liability claim is viable.
- Premises Liability: Negligence on the part of property owners or managers can result in fatal accidents or incidents. An attorney can investigate the premises liability and help determine if a wrongful death claim is viable.
Where Tacoma Fatal Accidents Happen
Unfortunately, fatal accidents in Tacoma and other Washington cities are frequent. Possible local locations where fatal motor vehicle accidents can trigger a wrongful death claim include:
High-Risk Corridors and Intersections
Major arterial roads like Pacific Avenue and Portland Avenue frequently rank as high-risk corridors due to their history of serious and fatal crashes. Heavy traffic flows through these areas, especially during peak hours, and drivers frequently speed while pedestrian safety features remain insufficient. For instance, Pacific Avenue, a busy commercial corridor, has seen incidents involving vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, exacerbated by high speeds and complex intersection designs.
Interstate 5 (I-5) and State Routes
Interstate 5, running through Tacoma, is a hotspot for fatal accidents, particularly in areas with high congestion or merging traffic. A notable example is a recent crash on I-5 just south of Pacific Avenue, where a 44-year-old driver lost control, struck a semi-truck and died at the scene.
Another incident last year on I-5 in Tukwila, near Tacoma, involved a vehicle falling off an overpass onto the freeway, killing a 26-year-old passenger. State Route 167, near Fife and the Puyallup River, also reported a fatal crash in September 2024, where a suspected impaired driver hit a pole, ejecting and killing a 24-year-old passenger.
Residential and Urban Areas
Fatal accidents in Tacoma’s residential and urban neighborhoods often involve pedestrians or motorcyclists. A recent hit-and-run on Spokane Street claimed the life of one person, highlighting the dangers pedestrians face in areas with inadequate crosswalk protections and limited visibility. This tragic event underscores the need for better safety measures in high-traffic pedestrian zones.
Fighting The Insurance Company After A Wrongful Death
Family members are usually distraught after their loved one dies. When someone’s negligence fatally injures your loved one, dealing with insurance companies is generally essential. The liable insurance company may need to compensate you for your losses. However, insurance companies can be difficult at the worst possible time. But you don’t have to worry for a moment. A Ye Law Firm lawyer in Tacoma can manage the insurance adjusters. Here’s how:
Understanding The Insurance Landscape
Wrongful death lawyers are well-versed in insurance companies' tactics to minimize payouts. These initial offers are often far below the claim's actual value, which may include compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering. To determine a fair claim value, a lawyer evaluates the full scope of damages under Washington law, specifically RCW 4.20.010, for wrongful death claims.
Negotiating With Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters protect their company’s interests by pressuring families to accept quick settlements or questioning the validity of claims. A wrongful death lawyer at Ye Law Firm is your advocate, handling all communications with adjusters to prevent missteps that can weaken your case.
Filing and wrongful death lawyer Claims
A wrongful death lawyer at Ye Law Firm in Tacoma streamlines the claims process by preparing and submitting all necessary documentation to the insurance company. This includes compiling evidence of liability, such as proof that the at-fault driver was speeding or impaired, and quantifying damages like the loss of financial support for dependents. In Washington, the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents can file wrongful death claims, and a lawyer ensures the claim meets legal requirements.
Litigation as a Strategic Tool
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, a wrongful death lawyer will escalate the case to litigation. Often, the threat of a trial, where juries may award significant damages for pain and suffering or punitive damages in cases of gross negligence, prompts insurers to increase their settlement offers. Lawyers with a track record of multi-million-dollar outcomes, like those recognized by the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 at Ye Law Firm, leverage their courtroom experience to strengthen negotiations, even if the case settles before trial.
Reducing Stress and Maximizing Recovery
Dealing with an insurance company while mourning a loved one is emotionally and mentally taxing. A wrongful death lawyer at Ye Law Firm takes on the entire process, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements, allowing you to focus on healing.
They maximize your recovery while protecting your rights by handling legal complexities, such as proving negligence in a Tacoma intersection crash or navigating underinsured motorist claims. Their contingency-based fee structure means you pay nothing upfront, as fees are deducted from the settlement or verdict, aligning their incentives with your success.
What To Do After A Wrongful Death In Tacoma?
After a fatal accident or incident in Tacoma that kills your family member, shock and grief will likely overwhelm you. While understandable, you need to take critical actions quickly to ensure you have the opportunity to pursue justice in a civil lawsuit:
Ensure Safety and Report the Incident
You should contact the police in Tacoma to report the fatal incident. Provide accurate details to law enforcement, but avoid speculating about fault or giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal guidance from our Ye Law Firm's wrongful death lawyer.
Gather Evidence and Information
Collecting evidence early strengthens a potential wrongful death claim. If safe and appropriate, take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and road conditions, if it was a car accident. Obtain contact information from witnesses, as their statements can help establish liability, especially in complex cases like hit-and-runs or multi-vehicle collisions.
If you’re not at the scene, our Ye Law Firm's wrongful death lawyer can assist in gathering this evidence through subpoenas or accident reconstructionists.
Consult a Wrongful Death Lawyer
Engaging a wrongful death attorney at Ye Law Firm is vital for navigating the legal process and dealing with insurance companies. Your wrongful death lawyer will handle every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, so you can focus on grieving and supporting your other loved ones. With their experience, they will work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, providing peace of mind during an incredibly difficult time.
Contact A Tacoma Wrongful Death Attorney Now
Contacting our Tacoma wrongful death lawyer at Ye Law Firm after losing a loved one in a fatal accident is essential to secure justice, financial compensation, and peace of mind during a devastating time. Our tenacious legal professionals focus on wrongful death claims under Washington law, ensuring that insurance companies do not take advantage of families and are not overwhelmed by the legal process.
Contact our Tacoma wrongful death lawyer at Ye Law Firm for a free consultation at (253) 946-0577.