bellingham wrongful death attorney Tag

Wrongful Death Settlements: Questions Answered

In the grieving process for a loved ones lost to wrongful death settlements, comes the reality that the family may face financial hardship without a fair wrongful death settlement. Wrongful death lawyers help grieving family members – through a representative of the decedent’s estate – file wrongful death claims to compensate family members or the estate for the wrongful death of their family member.

Since most of us are not wrongful death attorneys, it is understandable that families feel overwhelmed about wrongful death claims and wrongful death settlements. With over 40 years’ experience helping families recover damages for the loss of their loved ones, we are happy to answer questions that help provide peace of mind to our grieving clients.

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Wrongful Death Lawsuit Brought by Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Who Lost Husband to COVID-19

As reported by thehill.com, a Southwest Airlines flight attendant has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against her employer after she attended a training session that she says exposed her – and indirectly her husband – to Covid-19. The suit alleges that the company’s lax Covid-19 protocols and contact tracing efforts eventually led to the death of her husband. Covid pneumonia was listed as the primary cause of death. Sixty-nine-year-old Carol Madden, filed the suit in the U.S. District Court in Maryland; she is seeking more than $3 million in damages for the wrongful death of her then 73-year-old husband.

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Top 4 Myths about Wrongful Death Claims

While no amount of money can replace your lost family member, there are practical reasons for pursuing a wrongful death settlement. Financial stresses often become very real after the loss of a family member, especially if they were the primary bread winner. Unexpected expenses such as the cost of the funeral and medical bills can also add up quickly. If you lost a loved one because of the negligent or intentional behavior of another, a wrongful death claim may the best (and only) way to recover financial compensation. There are many myths about wrongful death claims that may prevent people from filing a claim that they are entitled to. We will take a look at some of the main ones in this article.

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When Is a Fatal Car Accident Considered Wrongful Death?

Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is always shocking and devastating. Surviving family is left to pick up the pieces – both emotionally and financially – and may be left wondering how they are going to get by without their suddenly deceased family member.

According to IIHS, there were 33,654 fatal motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2018, resulting in 36,560 deaths. The accidents and deaths resulted in a death rate of 11.2 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.13 deaths per 100 million miles traveled. But how do we know when a fatal accident rises to the level of wrongful death?

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What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Case?

When a loved one is killed because of the reckless or negligent behavior of another – whether that be another driver or a medical professional – the family is likely to experience extreme grief over their loss. As the shock wears off, the family may start to panic about how they will be able to afford medical bills from the deceased or even pay their regular bills if the victim was contributing to household income or caregiving. Wrongful death claims are filed to seek compensation for the losses the family has endured and those that they will suffer down the road. Another way of saying compensation is “recovering damages.”

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2019 Changes to WA State Wrongful Death Laws

Effective, July 28, 2019, Washington State’s wrongful death laws were expanded with the amendment of four statutes in SSB 5163. In short, the Substitute Senate Bill allows a broader category of people to be able to sue for wrongful death (RCW 4.20.020) and expands the types of damages they may recover (RCW 4.20.046). Note that the law was remedial and retroactive and applied to all claims that were not time barred, as well as any claims that were pending in any court on July 28, 2019.

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Family of Walmart Employee That Died of Coronavirus Complications Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit

As reported by CNBC, A 51-year old Walmart employee died of complications of Coronavirus just two days after he was finally sent home from work on March 23^rd. Wando Evans’ family alleges in the lawsuit that Evans told his managers about his symptoms but was ignored. The suit also alleges that Walmart knew that other employees were also showing symptoms of Coronavirus and that another man who worked at the store also died, just four days after Wando. Wando had worked for Walmart for the last 15 years as an overnight stock and maintenance associate at a store in Evergreen Park, near Chicago.

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State or Federal Court for a Wrongful Death Claim?

When a person dies because of the negligence or willful act of another entity or person, the surviving family members may be able to bring a civil lawsuit, often through a representative of the deceased person’s estate. This type of lawsuit is called a wrongful death claim and its purpose is to recover damages for pain and suffering, lost income, care and companionship, medical and funeral expenses, etc. The rules for wrongful death claims vary from state to state, where the vast majority of wrongful death claims are made.

There are some circumstances, though, where wrongful death claims end up in federal court. Often, this is when a defendant requests that the case be moved from the state-level to the federal judicial system.

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What is a Statute of Limitations and the Discovery Rule for Wrongful Death Claims?

If you have lost a loved one because of the negligence of another, you’re likely feeling heartbroken and overwhelmed. You may also be wondering how you are going to support your family financially in light of the loss. A wrongful death claim may be a valid option to help your family recover damages such as funeral and medical expenses, lost income and more.

When it comes to all types of personal injury claims – including wrongful death – every state has many laws in place. These laws include a statute of limitations and the “Discovery Rule.”

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When Fraternity Hazing Turns Deadly: Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Many freshman college students are excited to join a fraternity or sorority as they start their college experience. It’s a way to create a sense of belonging when away from home for the first time. Most people love their experiences but sometimes things can go very wrong when hazing is taken way too far. Hazing is humiliating and sometimes dangerous initiation rituals, often imposed on students seeking membership into a fraternity or sorority. In recent years, there have been some tragic deaths associated with college hazing that have made the national news. Some of these deaths have resulted in wrongful death lawsuits brought by the family of the deceased. When the actions of a fraternity lead to the death of a person, it may be appropriate to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the university and/or fraternity to recover damages. Here is one example: on February 3, 2020, the mother of the Rutgers student who was killed by a train after becoming intoxicated at a frat party sued the school and fraternity for wrongful death.

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