$123 M
Automobile Accidents
$10 M
Automobile Accidents
$5.3 M
Automobile Accidents
$3.5 M
Noteworthy Cases
$3.33 M
Noteworthy Cases
$2.4 M
Verdict Settlements
$1.05 M
Verdict Settlements
$1 M
Verdict Settlements
Estate of Young vs. FedEx, et al.
Hu v. Neighbor and HOA
Confidential Aircraft Air Bag Defect Case
Confidential Nursing Home Case
Millions
Recovered for
Our Clients
Note: Like every person, each case is unique. Prior case results should not create expectations of an outcome in any individual case.
When someone dies because of another person’s or organization’s negligence, their family has the right to seek accountability. Washington law allows certain family members to pursue a wrongful death claim in these situations. At Stritmatter Law, we represent families in Seattle and across Washington, focusing on identifying responsible parties, investigating the circumstances, and helping you understand your legal options.
Why Families Choose Stritmatter Law
Wrongful death cases often involve complex facts and well-resourced defendants. We approach each case with preparation, experience, and a willingness to take it as far as needed.
Families choose our firm because we offer:
- More than 250 results exceeding $1 million in the last 15 years, including a $123 million verdict in the Ride the Ducks Aurora Bridge case
- A trial-focused approach from the start of every case
- Access to leading investigators and technical specialists
- Offices in Seattle, Hoquiam, and Spokane, serving clients statewide
- Experience handling cases involving corporations, insurers, and public entities
We are often involved in cases where liability is disputed or the facts are unclear at the outset. Our focus is on developing a well-supported claim grounded in evidence.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Washington?
Washington law requires that a wrongful death claim be filed by the personal representative of the estate. That person brings the claim on behalf of eligible beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries may include:
- A spouse or registered domestic partner
- Children, including adopted children
- When there is no surviving spouse or child, parents or siblings
If a personal representative has not been appointed, that step occurs through probate. We can help you understand what is required and how to move forward.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death claim addresses both financial and personal losses tied to the death. The types of damages available depend on the relationship to the person who died and the facts involved.
Damages may include:
- Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of financial support and household services
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Damages tied to the individual’s experience before death through a related survival action
Washington law does not provide for punitive damages in wrongful death cases. Damages are limited to losses recognized under state law.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In most cases, wrongful death claims in Washington based on negligence must be filed within three years from the date of death. However, the timeline can vary depending on the circumstances.
For example:
- Claims involving government entities may require advance notice and shorter deadlines
- The timeline may be affected if the cause of death was not immediately known
- Certain procedural factors can impact how the deadline is calculated
We review timing issues early, so your ability to bring a claim is preserved.
How Do Investigations Work in Wrongful Death Cases?
Many wrongful death cases require a detailed investigation before liability is fully understood. This is especially true when multiple parties may be involved or when companies conduct their own internal reviews.
Our work often includes:
- Gathering medical, employment, and incident records
- Interviewing witnesses and preserving statements
- Working with accident reconstructionists and industry professionals
- Reviewing safety standards, policies, and internal practices
Identifying every responsible party matters. If a liable party is not included early, it can affect the outcome of the claim.
What Should You Expect When You Contact Us?
We start by examining what is known and what still needs to be clarified. In many wrongful death cases, key facts are incomplete at the outset, especially when companies, insurers, or public entities are involved.
Early on, we focus on:
- Preserving evidence, such as records, reports, and witness accounts that may not remain available
- Identifying all potentially responsible parties, particularly where multiple entities or layers of responsibility are involved
- Evaluating how the incident occurred, and whether safety standards, policies, or accepted practices were followed
We also explain how the legal process applies to your situation, what timelines may look like, and when key decisions typically arise. From the outset, our goal is to give you a clear, fact-based understanding of where things stand and how the case may develop.
Talk With Stritmatter Law About a Wrongful Death Case
If you lost a family member due to negligence, Stritmatter Law can help you evaluate your options and how best to proceed. We represent families across Seattle and Washington in wrongful death cases and focus on building claims that hold the right parties accountable.
Contact us today for a free consultation with an attorney who will give your case the attention it deserves.
Seattle Wrongful Death Claims
Can a wrongful death claim proceed if the person who died was partially at fault?
Yes. Washington follows a comparative fault system. A claim may still proceed, although damages may be reduced based on shared responsibility.
Can more than one party be responsible for a wrongful death?
Yes. Some cases involve multiple defendants, including companies, contractors, or public entities.
How are wrongful death settlements distributed?
Distribution depends on the beneficiaries and the nature of their losses. It may be resolved through agreement or court involvement.
What happens if a government agency is involved?
Claims against public entities require specific notice filings and must follow certain procedures. Early review helps ensure those requirements are met.
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