Renton Wrongful Death Attorneys

Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is devastating. While nothing can replace what was taken, a wrongful death claim can provide financial relief and accountability. At Freeman Law Firm, Inc., our compassionate wrongful death attorneys help families in Renton and across Washington pursue justice for their loss. If your family is facing this situation, contact us at (206) 880-2454 today for a free consultation.

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Overview of Wrongful Death

What is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the legal fault of another person or entity. In Washington State, wrongful death claims are governed by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 4.20. These laws allow the deceased person's estate or family members to seek compensation for the losses resulting from the victim’s untimely death.

When Can You File a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a lawsuit that holds a person or company financially responsible for causing a preventable death and is separate from any criminal case, which focuses on punishment rather than compensation.

When a Claim May Be Filed

A fatal car accident caused by a drunk or distracted driver
A medical provider’s mistake leading to a preventable death
Unsafe work conditions resulting in a fatal injury
A defective product that causes a deadly accident

Wrongful Death vs. Survival Actions

Wrongful death claims allow family members to seek compensation for their loss, while survival actions let the estate recover damages the deceased could have claimed if they had survived.

Wrongful death claims benefit the surviving spouse, children, or other eligible family members. Compensation covers financial losses and the emotional impact of the loss.
Survival actions benefit the estate. The claim seeks damages for medical bills, lost wages before death, and pain and suffering the deceased experienced. Any recovery is distributed according to estate law.

Both claims may be pursued in Washington, depending on the circumstances.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Washington?

Washington law only allows certain people to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The claim is brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate, but the compensation goes to specific family members.

Who Is Eligible to Receive Compensation?

Washington law divides beneficiaries into two groups:

Primary beneficiaries – A spouse, state-registered domestic partner, or children (including stepchildren) are first in line to receive compensation.
Secondary beneficiaries – If there is no spouse, partner, or child, the parents and siblings may receive compensation.

Wrongful Death Claims for a Child

Parents can file a wrongful death lawsuit if their child was killed because of someone else’s negligence. If the child was under 18, the parent had to have regularly supported them to bring a claim. For an adult child, the parent has to show they had a meaningful relationship with them and that no spouse, partner, or children survive.

Washington law requires the personal representative of the estate to file the lawsuit. A family member typically serves in this role, but if no one is appointed, the court may designate a representative.

What Compensation Can Families Recover in a Washington Wrongful Death Case?

A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to recover compensation for both financial and personal losses. The amount depends on the circumstances, but Washington law recognizes two main categories of damages.

Economic Damages

Covers the financial impact of losing a loved one. For example:

Lost income and benefits the deceased would have provided
Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
Funeral and burial expenses
The value of household services the deceased performed

Non-Economic Damages

Compensation is also available for the emotional and personal losses caused by the death, such as:

Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
The emotional suffering of surviving family members

Limits on Compensation in Washington

Some types of damages that are available in other states cannot be recovered in Washington:

Punitive damages are not allowed, even in cases of extreme negligence.
The estate cannot recover damages for the deceased’s lost enjoyment of life after death.

Every case is different, and the amount a family can recover depends on the specific losses they have suffered.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Washington’s statute of limitations for personal injury sets a three-year deadline for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. The clock starts on the date of death, and missing this deadline can mean losing the right to recover compensation.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Certain circumstances may extend or delay the deadline:

The person responsible for the death leaves Washington or cannot be found
The wrongful cause of death is not immediately discovered
The claim involves a government agency, which requires advance notice before a lawsuit can be filed

What Happens If the Deadline Is Missed?

A lawsuit filed after the deadline is likely to be dismissed, even if there is clear evidence of negligence. Getting started as soon as possible helps preserve key evidence and witness testimony.

What Our Clients Say About Us

“Freeman Law Firm, Inc. was a lifesaver for us! After a tree crashed through our roof 6 months ago, we were stuck with $14,000 of expenses our insurance company was refusing to cover. We tried negotiating ourselves and even filed a complaint with the Insurance Commissioner with no luck! Less than a week after talking with Spencer and only 24 hours after he first contacted our insurance representative, we had a check in the mail!! He was so quick in helping us and really understood what was needed to resolve our situation. Sometimes, you just need an advocate on your side- and Freeman Law Firm, Inc. is the best choice!”

Amanda C - Yelp
"Spencer Freeman and Kim Shomer at Freeman Law Firm, Inc. are fantastic attorneys to work with. They are extremely knowledgeable and good at what they do. They have heart and passion for people and it shows. I have seen first hand that they have your best interest in mind. I highly recommend them."

T. Bernard - Google
“I was injured and had a complex case, the staff worked hard and fought on my behalf to obtain very reasonable compensation. They all had so much care and compassion for my case and me. They communicated with me and always sought my opinion and preferences throughout the process. While I hope I will never need their services again, I wouldn't hesitate one second to seek their assistance if I ever do.”

R. Adams - Google
“They offered a highly informative and educational seminar on health, recovery from injuries and resources to help improve lives, one person, one claim at a time. I recommend this firm to my patients.”

B. Franklin - Google
“Kim and Spencer are incredible. They care about the health and recovery of their clients. They are amazing lawyers, but they also work hard on getting you connected to the care you need to make a full and speedy recovery. It’s comforting to know your attorney cares about you and your health.”

J. Smith - Google
“I have entrusted Freeman law office with my needs for over the last year. Kim is wonderful and very professional. They made the process very efficient and easy. She and her team really set my mind at ease. They were patient and really listened to me. I would recommend them to anyone!!!"

C. Stone - Google
“I've known Spencer for nearly a decade. Last year I was in two car accidents and I knew I needed to call Spencer. Spencer is a specialist in his field of practice. He knows how to handle everything. Especially, a very needy client, as myself. Spencer and his staff have taken great care of me. Emotionally and physically, finding specialists to facilitate in my care. Thank you all.”

Mike V - Yelp
“I can't say enough about Spencer and Kim. I've had the privilege of working with them and they are incredible people. They truly care about their clients and want to make sure that they are well taken care of. Not only do they expertly deal with the law and insurance issues, but they are incredibly compassionate and want to make sure we get the care we need. That is a rare combination in this industry. I could not recommend this couple or firm more highly."

HR H - Yelp
“Grateful for the support that Freeman Law provided while I went through the healing process from my car accident last March. They kept me informed and were incredibly friendly the entire way! Thanks again :)”

S. Gayle - Google
“This law firm has such compassion for the people they take in and help care for. Very kind and extremely knowledgeable attorneys!"

D. Soderberg - Google
“Very professional, and efficient. You can tell they care about you, you’re not just another case to them. I definitely recommend them.”

K. Israel - Google
“Very professional, Kim and Spencer are great people and amazing Lawyers they absolutely work with you and for you. I can't say enough about them!!"

I. Lincoln - Google

“Freeman Law Firm, Inc. was a lifesaver for us! After a tree crashed through our roof 6 months ago, we were stuck with $14,000 of expenses our insurance company was refusing to cover. We tried negotiating ourselves and even filed a complaint with the Insurance Commissioner with no luck! Less than a week after talking with Spencer and only 24 hours after he first contacted our insurance representative, we had a check in the mail!! He was so quick in helping us and really understood what was needed to resolve our situation. Sometimes, you just need an advocate on your side- and Freeman Law Firm, Inc. is the best choice!”

Amanda C - Lakewood, WA - Yelp.com
“Freeman Law Firm, Inc. was a lifesaver for us! After a tree crashed through our roof 6 months ago, we were stuck with $14,000 of expenses our insurance company was refusing to cover. We tried negotiating ourselves and even filed a complaint with the Insurance Commissioner with no luck! Less than a week after talking with Spencer and only 24 hours after he first contacted our insurance representative, we had a check in the mail!! He was so quick in helping us and really understood what was needed to resolve our situation. Sometimes, you just need an advocate on your side- and Freeman Law Firm, Inc. is the best choice!”

Amanda C - Lakewood, WA - Yelp.com
“Freeman Law Firm, Inc. was a lifesaver for us! After a tree crashed through our roof 6 months ago, we were stuck with $14,000 of expenses our insurance company was refusing to cover. We tried negotiating ourselves and even filed a complaint with the Insurance Commissioner with no luck! Less than a week after talking with Spencer and only 24 hours after he first contacted our insurance representative, we had a check in the mail!! He was so quick in helping us and really understood what was needed to resolve our situation. Sometimes, you just need an advocate on your side- and Freeman Law Firm, Inc. is the best choice!”

Amanda C - Lakewood, WA - Yelp.com

Proving Fault in a Renton Wrongful Death Case

Winning a wrongful death case requires proving that someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions caused the death. The law sets clear requirements, and the evidence has to show exactly how the responsible party failed to prevent harm.

What Must Be Proven?

A successful wrongful death claim needs to establish:

Duty of care – The defendant had a legal responsibility to act safely or avoid causing harm
Breach of duty – The defendant failed to meet that responsibility
Causation – The breach directly led to the death
Damages – The death resulted in financial and personal losses for surviving family members

What Evidence Can Be Used?

Proving fault requires strong evidence, which may include:

Testimony from accident reconstruction or medical experts
Medical records showing the cause of death
Witness statements from people who saw what happened
Police reports or official investigations that document what happened

What If the Deceased Was Partially at Fault?

Washington follows pure comparative fault, which means compensation is reduced if the deceased shared any blame. For example, if the deceased was found 30 percent at fault, the total compensation would be reduced by 30 percent. Even if the deceased was mostly at fault, the family can still recover a portion of the damages.

Defenses Used in Wrongful Death Cases

Defendants in wrongful death lawsuits use a variety of arguments to avoid responsibility or limit the amount they have to pay. Some defenses challenge whether negligence occurred, while others focus on legal technicalities.

No negligence – The defendant argues they acted responsibly and did not cause the death.
Lack of causation – Another factor, not the defendant’s actions, caused the death.
Comparative fault – The deceased was partly responsible, which reduces the amount recoverable.
Waivers or assumption of risk – The deceased knowingly participated in a hazardous activity or signed a waiver releasing liability.
Statute of limitations expired – The lawsuit was filed too late and cannot proceed.
Immunity defenses – Certain government agencies and employers have legal protections that prevent wrongful death claims.

How Freeman Law Firm Fights Back

Defendants and insurance companies use these arguments to reduce or deny compensation. Freeman Law Firm exposes weak defenses and presents clear, evidence-backed claims by:

Gathering documentation, witness testimony, and expert analysis to prove how negligence led to the death
Challenging attempts to shift blame onto the deceased when the facts show otherwise
Demonstrating when a waiver does not apply or was signed under unfair circumstances
Filing lawsuits on time and following all legal procedures to prevent dismissal
Presenting a compelling case that establishes fault and the full impact of the loss

Wrongful death cases can be met with aggressive defenses, but Freeman Law Firm, Inc. builds cases that anticipate the tactics that will be used by the other side and focus on proving what really happened.

How the Right Wrongful Death Lawyer Protects Your Family

Insurance companies and defense lawyers look for ways to avoid paying what a case is truly worth. A wrongful death lawyer builds the case, challenges weak defenses, and fights for the compensation a family needs to move forward.

What a Wrongful Death Lawyer Does

Investigates what happened – Collects evidence, interviews witnesses, and works with experts to build a strong case.
Identifies all available compensation – Calculates financial losses, such as future income, medical bills, and the personal impact of losing a loved one.
Handles negotiations – Pushes back against lowball settlement offers and fights for full compensation.
Protects families from insurance company tactics – Counters attempts to shift blame, delay payments, or deny valid claims.
Represents the case in court if needed – Prepares a case for trial if the other side refuses to take responsibility.

Wrongful death cases are never just about money. They are about holding the responsible party accountable and securing the financial future of those left behind. Having the right lawyer means having someone in your corner who knows how to win these cases.

Your Family Deserves Justice—Call Freeman Law Firm, Inc. Today

When negligence takes a life, families are left to deal with overwhelming grief and financial uncertainty. Freeman Law Firm, Inc. fights for those who deserve accountability and financial security after an unexpected loss.

The compassionate wrongful death lawyers at Freeman Law Firm, Inc. are ready to fight on your behalf. Call us in Renton at (206) 880-2454 or send us an email today for a free consultation.

Empowering The Injured, Enriching Communities.

Fighting For The People. Giving Back To The Community.

Giving back and supporting our community is important to us. Upon the completion of your case, you will choose a charity to receive a 1% donation made exclusively from Freeman Law Firm, Inc. fees.

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