Damages Recoverable in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

July 28, 2025

When a loved one passes away due to the negligent or intentional actions of another, families are left not only with emotional trauma but also with significant financial burdens. In Washington, a wrongful death lawsuit offers a path for families to seek compensation for these losses. If you're dealing with such a situation, having a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney on your side is critical. Floyd Personal Injury Law Group, based in Washington, understands the complexities involved and can help you navigate the legal process to recover the compensation you deserve.

What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil claim filed by the survivors of the deceased against the person or entity legally responsible for the death. Washington state law allows certain individuals—typically spouses, children, or parents of the deceased—to file such claims. The purpose of the lawsuit is to hold the negligent party accountable and provide financial relief to the surviving family members.


To ensure your case is as strong as possible, hiring an experienced wrongful death lawyer is vital. Not only will they handle the intricacies of your case, but they’ll also work to ensure you recover the maximum amount in damages.

Types of Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

When it comes to wrongful death claims in Washington, the law permits recovery of both economic and non-economic damages. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of damages recoverable:


1. Economic Damages:
Economic damages are measurable, financial losses that result from the death of a loved one. These may include:

  • Medical Expenses: Any medical treatment or hospitalization that occurred before the death can be compensated. This might involve bills for surgeries, treatments, or emergency services directly related to the fatal incident.
  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Funeral expenses can place an additional financial strain on families. A wrongful death lawsuit typically covers these costs, ensuring that families aren’t burdened with the cost of laying their loved one to rest.
  • Lost Wages and Financial Support: One of the most significant financial impacts of a wrongful death is the loss of the deceased's future income. In Washington, families can recover the wages the deceased would have earned had they lived. This can include not only salary but also benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions.


A wrongful death law firm will work with financial experts to calculate the full scope of these losses. For example, if the deceased was the primary earner, families may be eligible to recover the projected future income based on their career trajectory.


2. Non-Economic Damages:
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate for the more abstract, emotional suffering that families endure following a wrongful death. These damages can be more subjective but are no less important.

  • Loss of Consortium: In legal terms, "loss of consortium" refers to the deprivation of the companionship and affection a spouse or partner provides. Surviving spouses often suffer significantly from the absence of emotional support and intimacy, and this can be compensated in a wrongful death case.
  • Pain and Suffering: Surviving family members may also be compensated for the emotional distress and mental anguish caused by the death of a loved one. This includes both the grief experienced and any psychological trauma.
  • Loss of Parental Guidance: If the deceased was a parent, surviving children may seek compensation for the loss of parental guidance, nurturing, and support. This is particularly important in cases where the deceased had young or dependent children.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Family members may be compensated for the impact the death has on their overall quality of life. Losing a close relative can significantly alter a person’s emotional well-being and sense of purpose, and these intangible losses are acknowledged in a wrongful death claim.

Washington State Laws on Wrongful Death

Washington's wrongful death laws are unique and somewhat restrictive compared to other states. For example, only certain individuals—such as the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents—are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the deceased did not have a spouse or children, the law allows parents or siblings to file, but only under specific conditions.


Furthermore, the state places a statute of limitations on wrongful death lawsuits, meaning claims must be filed within three years of the date of death. Missing this deadline could result in forfeiting the right to pursue compensation.

Why Hiring the Right Wrongful Death Lawyer Matters

The outcome of a wrongful death lawsuit often hinges on the expertise and strategy of your legal representation. A seasoned wrongful death law firm will have the experience to navigate Washington’s legal system, gather the necessary evidence, and advocate fiercely on your behalf.


Attorneys at Floyd Personal Injury Law Group have decades of experience handling wrongful death cases across Washington. They understand the emotional and financial toll such tragedies take on families and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available.


Important Considerations

  • Proving Negligence: To win a wrongful death case, your attorney will need to prove that the defendant’s negligence caused the death. This often involves gathering police reports, witness testimony, expert opinions, and medical records.
  • Valuing Your Claim: One of the most critical tasks of a wrongful death lawyer is determining the value of your claim. This includes assessing economic damages, such as lost wages, and non-economic damages, like emotional suffering.
  • Trial vs. Settlement: Many wrongful death cases settle outside of court, but if the settlement offer isn’t fair, your attorney may recommend taking the case to trial. A skilled wrongful death lawyer will prepare your case for either outcome.

Conclusion

The death of a loved one is a life-changing event, and when that death is caused by someone else's negligence, the pain is compounded. While no amount of money can bring your loved one back, recovering damages through a wrongful death lawsuit can ease some of the financial burdens and hold the responsible party accountable.


Floyd Personal Injury Law Group is dedicated to helping families in Washington navigate these difficult times. With an experienced team of wrongful death attorneys, they are committed to seeking justice for your loved one and obtaining the compensation your family deserves.

Contact Our Washington Wrongful Death Attorneys Today!

If you've lost a loved one due to negligence, don't wait to seek justice. Contact the experienced wrongful death attorneys at Floyd Personal Injury Law Group today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you recover the compensation your family is entitled to.


Sources:

Washington State Wrongful Death Law Overview

Types of Damages in Wrongful Death Cases

Washington State's Wrongful Death Statutes

Injured on Property: Kent’s Legal Guide by Floyd Personal Law Group
By jeff December 24, 2025
What Really Happens After a Property Injury If there is one thing I have learned from years of working with injured clients in Kent, it is that the most painful part of a property injury is often what comes after the fall. The shock, the confusion, the embarrassment. People replay the moment over and over, wondering what they did wrong. Most of the time, the answer is nothing. The emotional impact tends to catch people off guard. I hear the same questions constantly. Why do I feel so overwhelmed? Why is the property owner acting like this was my fault? Should I have spoken up sooner? I once represented a woman who fell on a slick ramp behind a retail store. She blamed herself because she was “in a hurry.” But when we reviewed the surveillance footage, it showed employees walking past the spill for nearly an hour before she fell. That is how quickly self-blame can cloud reality. Clients also struggle with symptoms that evolve days later. Pain that spreads Difficulty walking Headaches Loss of sleep Anxiety about returning to the location These are real experiences, and ignoring them only makes things worse. The moment you start doubting your own instincts is the moment the insurance company gains leverage. That is why clarity matters so much in these cases. Understanding Liability and What You Should Do Next Premises liability protects you when unsafe conditions on someone else’s property cause harm. It covers everything from wet floors to broken steps to poor lighting. The standard is simple. Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent hazards. When they do not, people get hurt. Here is what I look for when assessing a case: Was there a clear, preventable hazard? Did the owner or employees know or should they have known about it? Did their failure to act directly cause your injury? These answers often come from details that people overlook. Maintenance logs. Internal memos. Prior complaints. A witness who saw the hazard hours earlier. These pieces quietly connect the story. If you get injured, your actions in the first few hours matter more than most people realize. This is what I always recommend: Get medical care right away, even if pain feels manageable Report the incident and get a copy of the report Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and surrounding conditions Ask for names and contact information of witnesses Avoid recorded statements with insurance adjusters Document symptoms as they develop Each of these steps protects your future self. I have seen strong cases collapse because the hazard was cleaned up before anyone captured evidence or because the injured person casually apologized at the scene. These moments may feel harmless, but insurance companies use them strategically. How Compensation Works and When to Call a Lawyer The cost of a property injury is rarely just the initial medical bill. I have seen slips and falls lead to months of physical therapy, lost wages, long term pain, and ongoing stress that clients were not prepared for. People often underestimate the long term financial impact until they are in the middle of it. Here is what compensation may include in Washington: Medical expenses Physical therapy and rehabilitation Lost wages Reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Long term care costs Washington follows comparative negligence, meaning the insurance company will often try to assign part of the blame to you. You missed a warning sign You were distracted Your shoes were inappropriate These arguments come up constantly, even in cases where the property owner clearly failed to maintain a safe environment. It is why legal representation becomes important earlier than most people think. So when should you contact a lawyer? Your pain is worsening or persistent You are missing work The property owner denies responsibility The insurance company offers a low settlement You feel pressured to settle quickly You are unsure what your claim is worth Reaching out is not about being combative. It is about protecting your rights before the situation becomes more complicated. Why Work With Floyd Law Group in Kent, WA? Over the years, I have represented people who walked into my office feeling overwhelmed and unheard. Many assumed their injuries were not serious enough or believed the insurance company would treat them fairly. What they needed was guidance grounded in real experience, not vague reassurance. At Floyd Law Group, my approach is straightforward. I investigate the facts, not the assumptions I protect clients from insurance tactics I communicate clearly and honestly I focus on long term recovery, not quick settlements Because we work here in Kent, we understand the nuances of local properties, businesses, and community spaces. That local insight helps us see patterns others might miss and build cases with stronger context. Above all, my goal is simple. Make sure you are treated fairly and fully heard. FAQs How long do I have to file a claim in Washington? You generally have three years, but your case is stronger when evidence is collected early. What if no one witnessed my fall? Many strong cases have no witnesses. Evidence like photos, medical records, and past complaints can still support your claim. Can I file a claim if the injury happened at a friend’s house? Yes. Claims are handled through insurance, not your friend personally. Final Thoughts A property injury can shake your confidence as much as your body. Pain, uncertainty, and pressure from insurance companies create a perfect storm that leaves people second guessing everything. I have seen how overwhelming that feels, and I know how quickly circumstances can spiral if you do not protect yourself early. If something about your accident does not sit right with you, trust that feeling. Ask questions. Gather information. And remember, you do not have to navigate this alone. Your health, your future, and your peace of mind matter far more than rushing into a decision you cannot undo later. If you want a meta title, schema markup, or GBP optimized version, I can create that next.
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