A Wrongful Death Attorney You Can Trust
Count on Colin when you need him most. We're here for you in Vancouver, WA
"The dead cannot cry out for justice; it is a duty of the living to do so for them." - Louis McMaster Bujold
Losing a loved one unexpectedly in an accident is a life-changing event. When tragedy occurs, The Scott Law Firm, PLLC is committed to holding negligent parties accountable. Personal injury attorney Colin Scott understands the impact losing a loved one can have on a family.
If you have lost a loved one due to the carelessness, recklessness or intentional act of another, taking legal action will not bring your loved one back. But it can allow you to seek justice on their behalf. And compensation can provide your family with some financial stability as you adjust to life without your love one.
Wrongful death cases can be complicated. Negligent parties often deny responsibility. Insurance companies will challenge your claim because to them, it’s all about the bottom line, not your family’s tragedy. They know there’s a lot of money at stake. They may deny liability or question the details of the accident. They may even claim your loved one was responsible for what happened.
Attorney Colin Scott knows how to investigate your loved one’s accident to get the facts. He gathers evidence, reviews documentation, interviews witnesses and if needed, consults experts. He knows how to build a strong case that insurance companies have to take seriously. And he is committed to helping you get the best possible outcome, either through a negotiated settlement or a jury verdict.
Call Colin to learn more about how our firm can assist you with a wrongful death matter in Vancouver, WA. Contact us online or call 360-718-3640 to schedule a time that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wrongful Death Claims
- What is a wrongful death claim?
- Who can file a wrongful death claim?
- What is the time limit to file a wrongful death claim?
- What types of compensation are available in wrongful death cases?
- Is it possible to file a wrongful death lawsuit if criminal charges were filed?
If you have lost a loved one due to the carelessness, recklessness or intentional act of another, contact the Scott Law Firm, PLLC today to speak with a personal injury attorney. Colin can review the details of your loved one's accident and explain your legal options during a free consultation. Contact us online or call 360-718-3640 to schedule a time that works for you.
What is a wrongful death claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil action seeking financial compensation on behalf of someone who was killed as the result of another's negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. Examples include:
- Unsafe Motorists (Drunk Drivers, Speeding, Texting While Driving)
- Dangerous Products (Defective Children's Products, Faulty Safety Equipment, Asbestos)
- Workplace Accidents (Negligently Operated Machinery, Failure to Follow Safety Rules)
- Medical Malpractice (Missed Diagnosis, Prescribing Wrong Medication)
- Intentional Acts (Criminal)
Who can file a wrongful death claim?
In most cases, the family member who files the lawsuit is a surviving spouse, child or parent of the decedent. However, this may vary depending on the facts in your situation.
What is the time limit for filing a wrongful death claim?
In the state of Washington, the time limit is generally 3 years from the date of death, meaning that beneficiaries have exactly 3 years from the date of the accident or fatal injury to file suit. This time limit may vary depending on the facts in your situation. Oregon uses a different method to determine the statute of limitations in wrongful death cases.
Once the applicable statute of limitations expires, a court will no longer hear the case. Therefore, it is extremely important that you speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney who is licensed to practice law in the proper jurisdiction and who can identify the applicable statute of limitations in your situation.
What types of compensation are available in wrongful death cases?
- Hospital Bills & Medical Expenses
- Funeral & Burial Expenses
- Lost Wages & Projected Income
- Pain & Suffering
- Loss of Care, Comfort & Companionship (Available to Certain Relatives such as the Spouse and Children of the Decedent)
Is it possible to file a wrongful death claim if criminal charges were filed?
Yes, if there are pending criminal charges against one or more defendants (such as a drunk driver charged with vehicular homicide), you may pursue a civil wrongful death claim at the same time. However, you must do so within the applicable statute of limitations for the civil case, which may not be the same as the statute of limitations for the criminal case. Note that the defendant in the civil case may not be the same as the defendant in the criminal case - for example, if your loved one was killed due to negligent security, you can file a civil case against the establishment that was responsible for securing the premises, not just the individual who is facing criminal charges for homicide.