People are destined to die at some point in their lives and, when it happens wrongfully, the survivors feel cheated, as if someone should be made to pay. In a lot of cases, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed against the party causing the wrongful death, and the survivors can be compensated for their loss. A wrongful death attorney in Gig Harbor, Washington understands how painful this process can be and will represent clients who want to pursue the matter further. Here are some specific things to understand about wrongful death lawsuits and other personal injury lawsuits in Washington.
Understanding Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Washington
A person who wishes to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of another person has three years from the date of the wrongful death to file the lawsuit in a civil court. If the wrongful death occurred because of a local or state agency or employee, the person must first file a formal claim with the agency within the same three-year period and then file the lawsuit no earlier than 60 days later.
More About Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Washington
If the claimant does not file the formal claim or the lawsuit in the time allotted, it is quite possible that the case will never be heard, and the claimant will not be awarded any damages. It is also possible that the other party can claim the decedent was partly to blame for the wrongful death that occurred. If that is found to be true, any percentage that the decedent was found at fault will be reduced from the damages that will be awarded.
An Attorney to Help in Washington
It will be to the advantage of the claimant to ensure a shared fault claim does not hold true for the decedent, which will be better handled by an attorney. The Law Offices of Anthony C. Otto is a law firm in Gig Harbor that represents clients pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit. Anyone who wants to talk to a wrongful death attorney in Gig Harbor can contact this law firm. Visit Anthonyotto.com for more information.
