Spokane Wrongful Death Lawyer

Spokane Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of life’s most painful experiences. When that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence, misconduct, or wrongful act, the emotional toll can be compounded by confusion and a desire for answers. Beyond grief, many families face overwhelming financial burdens from medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost income.

At Brumley Law Firm, we understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one. However, pursuing a wrongful death claim can help bring closure and provide essential financial stability. Our Spokane personal injury lawyers are dedicated to guiding families through this difficult time with compassion, transparency, and strength. We are committed to helping clients pursue justice and seek compensation permitted under Washington law.

Why Hire Brumley Law Firm for Your Wrongful Death Case in Spokane?

When navigating the aftermath of a loved one’s death caused by negligence, experience matters. Brumley Law Firm has built a trusted reputation across Washington for representing wrongful death victims and their families with skill and compassion.

Here’s what makes our Spokane wrongful death attorneys stand out:

  • Former Insurance Attorney Advantage: Joshua Brumley’s background as a former insurance attorney provides our team with useful insight into insurance practices.
  • Proven Record of Results: Our firm has handled numerous personal injury and wrongful death cases, securing compensation for clients in accordance with Washington law.
  • Personalized Representation: Every wrongful death lawsuit is unique. We take the time to understand your family’s needs, your loved one’s story, and your long-term goals.
  • No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

We strive to provide compassionate and consistent support throughout the legal process.

Spokane Wrongful Death Lawyer

Client Testimonials

“After losing my husband in a tragic accident, I didn’t know where to start. The team at Brumley Law Firm treated me like family and handled everything with care and respect.”

“They explained every part of the process, fought for our rights, and secured a settlement that allowed us to move forward. I will forever be grateful.”

These stories reflect what drives our Spokane wrongful death lawyers, helping families rebuild with dignity and financial stability.

How a Spokane Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help You

A knowledgeable wrongful death attorney provides both legal guidance and emotional support during this difficult process. At Brumley Law Firm, we handle every aspect of your wrongful death suit, so you can focus on healing.

Our legal team assists by:

  • Identifying Liable Parties: Determining who is legally responsible for your loved one’s death, whether an at-fault driver, negligent employer, healthcare provider, or other party.
  • Gathering Evidence: Collecting police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony to prove liability.
  • Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We deal directly with insurers to pursue a fair settlement for your losses.
  • Litigating When Necessary: If negotiations fail, we are prepared to present a compelling case in court to pursue justice.

Our goal is to help you recover appropriate compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable under Washington wrongful death law.

Common Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle in Spokane

Our Spokane wrongful death attorneys represent families in a wide range of cases involving fatal injuries caused by negligence or misconduct, including:

  • Car accidents and other motor vehicle crashes caused by reckless or distracted driving
  • Truck accidents and commercial vehicle collisions on I-90 or State Route 2
  • Medical malpractice cases, including surgical errors, failure to diagnose, or medication mistakes
  • Workplace accidents involving unsafe conditions or employer negligence
  • Pedestrian and bicycle accidents caused by inattentive drivers
  • Defective products or machinery malfunctions
  • Premises liability incidents, such as falls or unsafe property conditions

Each wrongful death action we take on is supported by detailed investigation and collaboration with expert witnesses to establish fault and damages.

Local Spillover: Washington Wrongful Death & Fatality Statistics

While every wrongful death case is unique, examining state-level statistics can shed light on the broader risk environment in which wrongful death claims, including those we handle at Brumley Law Firm, often arise.

  • According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), Washington experienced 810 traffic fatalities in 2023, a nearly 10 % increase from 2022 and the highest figure since 1990. (Washington Traffic Safety Commission)
  • From 2022 to 2023, traffic deaths on Washington’s public roads rose from 743 to 810 people. (wsdot.wa.gov)
  • The Washington State Department of Health reports that in 2022 there were 69,116 total deaths to Washington residents, with dashboards tracking injury-related deaths and leading causes by age, county and region. (doh.wa.gov)
  • According to USA Facts, Washington’s age-adjusted all-cause death rate in 2021 was 796.4 deaths per 100,000 residents, situating the state at a higher rate than many peers. (USAFacts)

These numbers highlight the heightened risk landscape for serious injury and fatal outcomes in Washington state, conditions under which wrongful death cases may arise. This context reinforces the importance of working with an experienced wrongful death attorney who understands the dynamics of wrongful death lawsuits, wrongful death claims, and the path to fair compensation for surviving family members.

Compensation You Can Obtain in a Wrongful Death Case

When a wrongful death lawsuit is successful, surviving family members may recover economic and noneconomic damages to help ease financial burdens. Compensation may include:

  • Medical expenses incurred before the person’s death
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Lost wages and lost future earnings the deceased person would have contributed
  • Loss of companionship, guidance, and parent-child relationship
  • Pain and suffering experienced by the family
  • Loss of financial support for dependents

We aim to identify all potential sources of financial compensation, including insurance, employer coverage, and litigation options.

What is the Process for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim?

Filing a wrongful death claim in Washington State can feel daunting, but our attorneys simplify the process for grieving families. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

  1. Initial Consultation: We begin with a free case review to evaluate your situation and determine eligibility.
  2. Appointment of a Personal Representative: Under Washington wrongful death law, the personal representative of the decedent’s estate files the claim on behalf of the legal beneficiaries.
  3. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Our law firm compiles medical records, accident reports, and expert opinions to establish the cause of death and identify negligent parties.
  4. Filing the Claim: We submit the wrongful death action to the appropriate court and handle all legal proceedings.
  5. Negotiation or Trial: We engage in settlement discussions with the insurance company, and if necessary, take the case to court.
  6. Distribution of Damages: Any recovered funds are distributed among eligible family members in accordance with Washington State law.

Through each step, our attorneys ensure you understand your rights and options for recovering damages.

Statute of Limitations in a Spokane Wrongful Death Claim

In Washington State, the wrongful death statute generally allows three years from the date of the person’s death to file a wrongful death claim. Missing this time limit may forfeit your right to pursue legal action.

However, certain exceptions can extend or shorten this period, such as cases involving medical malpractice or delayed discovery of the cause of death. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys can help determine how these laws apply to your case and ensure your claim is filed on time.

Elements of Negligence in a Wrongful Death Claim

To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, your attorney must prove liability by establishing the following four elements of negligence:

  1. Duty of Care: The negligent party owed a duty to act safely or responsibly.
  2. Breach of Duty: The party failed to uphold that duty through a wrongful act or omission.
  3. Causation: The breach directly caused the loved one’s death.
  4. Damages: The death resulted in measurable harm, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, or lost income.

Our wrongful death attorneys meticulously build cases around these elements to strengthen your wrongful death suit and maximize potential recovery.

Washington State’s Comparative Fault Laws

Under Washington State’s comparative fault laws, multiple responsible parties can share liability in a wrongful death case. Even if the deceased was partially at fault, surviving relatives may still recover damages, reduced in proportion to their loved one’s degree of fault.

Our Spokane wrongful death attorneys have extensive experience interpreting these laws to ensure that grieving families receive a fair settlement despite shared liability arguments raised by insurers or defense counsel.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Washington?

In Washington, only certain family members or a personal representative of the decedent’s estate may file a wrongful death claim. Eligible parties include:

  • Spouse or state-registered domestic partner
  • Children or stepchildren
  • Decedent’s parents (if no spouse or children exist)

These legal beneficiaries may recover both economic and non-economic damages, including compensation for financial support, companionship, and emotional suffering.

Contact a Spokane Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

No legal process can erase the pain of losing someone you love, but pursuing a wrongful death claim can bring accountability and financial relief. The Spokane wrongful death lawyers at Brumley Law Firm are dedicated to standing beside you during this deeply challenging time.

Our personal injury attorneys serve families across Spokane and Eastern Washington, helping them navigate wrongful death actions with care and persistence. We are ready to help you pursue justice, recover fair compensation, and protect your family’s future.

Call us at (833) 740-2275 and schedule your free consultation today with Brumley Law Firm to discuss your wrongful death case and explore your legal options.