Everett Wrongful Death Lawyer
Jeff & Kupala Foster
Personal Injury Attorneys · Mukilteo, WA
Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence or reckless conduct is a devastating experience that no family should have to endure. While nothing can restore what has been taken from you, a wrongful death claim provides financial security for your family and holds the responsible party accountable. Foster Law Offices handles wrongful death cases with the compassion your family deserves and the aggressive legal advocacy that produces results. Jeff and Kupala Foster understand loss personally and they bring that understanding to every case they handle. No fee unless we win. Call or text (425) 971-5400.
What You Need to Know
Washington's Wrongful Death Act at RCW 4.20.010 allows the personal representative of the deceased's estate to file a claim on behalf of surviving family members. Eligible beneficiaries typically include the surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, and stepchildren. In some cases parents and siblings may also recover if there are no surviving spouse or children. The statute exists because the law recognizes that a family's financial security and emotional wholeness matter — that the people who depended on someone who was taken from them too soon deserve legal recourse. Damages available in a wrongful death claim include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost future income and the financial support the deceased would have provided over their working lifetime, the loss of companionship, guidance, and consortium that surviving family members will never receive, and the grief and emotional suffering of those left behind. These damages require expert calculation. Economists project the lifetime income the deceased would have earned. Life care experts calculate the value of household services and parental guidance. Mental health professionals document the impact of grief and loss on surviving children and spouses. These claims require thorough investigation: establishing the exact cause of death, identifying all responsible parties and all available insurance coverage, preserving evidence before it disappears, and building a comprehensive damages case that honors the full value of the life that was lost. Foster Law handles every aspect of this process with urgency and care while you and your family focus on grieving and beginning to heal. We do not use legal jargon with our clients. We do not make promises we cannot keep. We communicate clearly, honestly, and regularly throughout the entire process. And we never forget that behind every case file is a real family experiencing real, irreplaceable loss.
What Foster Law Does for You
- —Investigate the circumstances of the death thoroughly to establish liability
- —Identify all responsible parties, including drivers, employers, property owners, and manufacturers
- —Calculate all economic and non-economic losses to the family comprehensively
- —File and manage wrongful death claims on behalf of surviving family members
- —Work with economists and medical experts to document future losses
- —Provide compassionate direct attorney communication throughout the entire process
Free Consultation
Ready to talk to an attorney?
No fee unless we win
Why Clients Choose Foster Law
- —Sensitive compassionate approach to your family's most difficult time
- —Jeff and Kupala personally handle every wrongful death case
- —No fee unless we secure compensation for your family
- —Experience with complex wrongful death claims in Snohomish County Superior Court
- —Trial-ready preparation that produces real results
- —No office visit required. We come to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Washington?
Washington law allows the personal representative of the deceased's estate to file on behalf of surviving beneficiaries. Beneficiaries typically include the surviving spouse, children, and stepchildren. Parents may recover if there are no spouse or children. Call Foster Law for guidance specific to your situation.
What damages are available in a wrongful death case?
Damages may include medical expenses before death, funeral and burial costs, lost future income and financial support, loss of companionship and consortium, and the grief and emotional suffering of surviving family members.
What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Washington?
Generally three years from the date of death. Certain circumstances may shorten this deadline particularly when government entities are involved. Call or text Foster Law at (425) 971-5400 as soon as possible.
Can we file a wrongful death claim while criminal charges are pending?
Yes. A wrongful death claim is a civil matter entirely separate from any criminal proceedings. You can pursue civil compensation regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or what happens in a criminal case.
What if our loved one was partially at fault for the incident?
Washington's pure comparative fault rule applies to wrongful death claims. Even if your loved one was partially responsible the family may still recover compensation reduced by their percentage of fault.
How long does a wrongful death case typically take?
It depends on the complexity of the case and the responsiveness of the insurance companies involved. Foster Law works diligently to resolve these cases as efficiently as possible while ensuring the family receives the full compensation available under Washington law.
The information in these FAQs is general legal information, not legal advice for your specific situation. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
We Handle Wrongful Death Cases Throughout Snohomish County
Ready to Talk?
Talk to a Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Jeff and Kupala Foster will personally review your case, answer your questions honestly, and tell you exactly what your options are. Free consultation. No obligation. No fee unless we win.
Available evenings & weekends · No fee unless we win
