Trusted Legal Representation After Tragedy
Seattle Wrongful Death Attorney
Your loved one deserved better. At Campiche Andrews PLLC, our Seattle wrongful death lawyers help families turn devastating loss into accountability.
100+ of Successful Cases
We've helped over 100 clients secure justice and compensation in complex personal injury and wrongful death cases.
We're available 24/7
When you need us, we’re here, day or night. Your case matters and we never stop fighting for you.
No fees unless we win
You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Has negligence led to a loved one’s death in Washington?
When a life is cut short by someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing, grief can feel overwhelming and the system confusing. Our team guides families across Seattle and Washington through the legal process with compassion and precision. If negligence, recklessness, or an intentional act contributed to your loss, you may pursue compensation for both financial and human losses under Washington law.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. In Washington State, surviving family members such as spouses, children, or parents can file a claim for both economic and non-economic damages.
Common causes of wrongful death include:
Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. We assist families in pursuing claims arising from:
Workplace incidents
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Washington?
Washington law allows the following parties to bring a wrongful death claim:
The personal representative of the deceased’s estate
A spouse or state-registered domestic partner
Children or stepchildren
Parents or siblings
(in some cases, such as if there are no immediate heirs)
Wrongful Death Claim Process
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Consultation
We listen, map deadlines, and identify urgent evidence to preserve—at no cost to you.
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Investigation
Records, witnesses, scene work, and expert screening. For medical and trucking cases, we preserve audit trails and black-box data.
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Filing
The Personal Representative files survival and wrongful death claims. We frame causation and quantify loss with economists and specialists.
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Negotiation
Mediation timed to evidence milestones. Trial-ready depositions and exhibits increase leverage for fair offers.
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Resolution
Settlement or verdict. Court-approved allocation protects minors; liens resolved; funds disbursed promptly.
Wrongful Death Case Value in Washington: Factors, Evidence, and Examples (No Averages)
| Factor | Why it matters | What we collect |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Clear rule violations and expert support make fault easy to understand. | Audit trails, orders and MARs, policies, expert opinions. |
| Causation | A simple, step-by-step story linking choices to the death increases confidence. | Chronologies, imaging and labs, demonstratives that show the link. |
| Economic loss | Dependents and steady earnings increase measurable damages. | Tax returns, pay records, economist analysis. |
| Human story | Juries and insurers value proof of relationships and daily impact. | Family and friend statements, photos, life-story exhibits. |
| Venue | Some courts and juries are more receptive to patient-safety cases. | Local verdict research and prior rulings. |
| Defense posture | Policy limits and risk tolerance affect negotiation and timing. | Demand responses, mediation briefs, insurance information. |
Fetal distress not escalated
Venue: King County. Strip readings and nursing notes show repeated warnings without timely escalation. A delayed C-section is confirmed in the timeline and expert reviews.
Post-operative sepsis missed
Venue: Pierce County. Orders and vital signs do not match the patient’s decline. Antibiotics arrive six hours late. Experts explain how earlier treatment would have changed the outcome.
Medication error at a public hospital
Venue: Snohomish County. Medication records and pharmacy logs confirm a wrong dose. A claim notice was served on the hospital district before filing the lawsuit.
There is no useful “average settlement.” Value comes from proof, venue, and risk. Strong evidence and a clear story move cases higher.
Comparative Fault in Washington Wrongful Death: What if My Loved One Was Partly at Fault?
10 percent fault
Total damages of 1,000,000 become a client share of 900,000.
Plaintiff 90% • Fault 10%
30 percent fault
Total damages of 1,000,000 become a client share of 700,000.
Plaintiff 70% • Fault 30%
50 percent fault
Total damages of 1,000,000 become a client share of 500,000.
Plaintiff 50% • Fault 50%
Gross settlement
1,000,000
Comparative fault at 30 percent
Minus 300,000. Net damages 700,000 before fees and costs.
Attorney fee
Charged as a percentage of the recovery under the fee agreement.
Case costs
Records, experts, filings, and depositions are usually reimbursed from the recovery.
Washington follows pure comparative fault. The recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault, but the case can still move forward even when the percentage is high.
Survival Action vs. Wrongful Death
A premium, interactive overview of how each claim works in Washington.
Survival Action
Decedent’s claims continue through the estate.
Wrongful Death
Family’s losses from the death itself.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
Wrongful death settlements and verdicts often include:
Medical expenses related to the injury
Funeral and burial costs
Lost income and financial support
Loss of consortium and companionship
Emotional pain and suffering of surviving family
Survival vs. wrongful-death allocations
Seattle Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Timeline, Costs, and What to Expect
Process, timeframe, fees. Clear steps from intake to resolution with typical nine to twenty four month ranges.
Process Timeline
Timing varies by facts, court calendars, and insurer posture.
Fees, Costs, What to Expect
Contingency model
No attorney fee up front. The fee is a percentage of the recovery paid at the end. Typical ranges are thirty three to forty percent based on stage and complexity. If there is no recovery, attorney fee is zero.
Case costs
Out of pocket costs include records, experts, court filing, service, depositions, and exhibits. Firms often advance costs and are reimbursed from the recovery. You approve major expenses in advance.
Court approval for minors
When a minor receives money, Washington courts approve the settlement and a plan to safeguard funds. This adds several weeks after the parties agree to terms.
Time drivers
Number of defendants Expert availability Court calendar Insurer posture
First thirty days
Speed mattersPR appointment if needed, preservation letters, full record requests, early expert screening.
Months three to nine
Build leverageDiscovery, depositions, expert reports, mediation when the record is complete.
Months twelve to twenty four
Trial readyPretrial motions, exhibit lists, witness prep, trial. Approval hearing if minors recover.
Real Cases. Real Outcomes.
We know the court systems, medical networks, and how to build strong cases that hold insurance companies, corporations, and negligent parties accountable.
Our firm has earned millions in verdicts and settlements, including:
$10.7M
Third-Party Workplace Injury
$2.5M
Wrongful Death / Medical Malpractice
$500K
Car vs. Pedestrian
Why Choose Campiche Andrews PLLC?
Decades of wrongful death litigation experience
Compassionate, personalized guidance every step of the way
Millions recovered for families across Washington
Our Wrongful Death Attorneys
At Campiche Andrews PLLC, our attorneys bring decades of combined experience handling complex wrongful death claims across Washington State. Our team includes seasoned civil trial lawyers known for delivering results in high stakes injury and death cases. Our compassionate, courtroom- tested approach ensures every client receives personal attention, strategic counsel, and aggressive advocacy from start to finish.
We represent families in Seattle and throughout Washington
Our office is conveniently located in Queen Anne, Seattle, allowing us to serve clients throughout the city and neighboring communities. We are familiar with local courts, medical facilities, and the unique aspects of practicing law in across Washington.
Wrongful Death Resources
Washington Wrongful Death: Settlement Value, Damages, and Timeline
In Washington, a wrongful death claim seeks compensation when a person dies because of another’s negligence or misconduct. Eligible family members recover economic losses (medical bills, funeral costs, income) and noneconomic losses (loss of companionship and guidance). Most cases resolve through settlement; deadlines are short, so legal help early is essential.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Seattle: Who Can File & What to Expect
Wondering who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Seattle? Learn your rights, the legal process, and what to expect from a Seattle wrongful death attorney.
What Families Should Know About Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Washington State
Lost a loved one due to negligence? Get a free guide on filing a wrongful death claim in WA.
Wrongful Death FAQs
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Washington?
The statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of death. Acting sooner helps preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
Can I still file a wrongful death lawsuit if no one was criminally charged?
Yes. A civil wrongful death case does not require a criminal conviction. Our attorneys can pursue compensation even if prosecutors decline to press charges.
What compensation can be recovered in a wrongful death case?
You may be entitled to damages for medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of income, and the emotional and financial loss to surviving family members.
Who can bring a wrongful death claim in Washington?
Spouses, children, and sometimes parents or siblings may file, depending on the circumstances. We can help determine who is eligible.
What does it cost to hire your firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis, there are no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
“I can’t thank them enough and will recommend them to anyone who needs legal help as I wouldn’t choose anyone else to help me with anything legal related!”
— Former client
Talk to a Seattle Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
There are strict time limits for filing wrongful death claims in Washington, often just three years from the date of death. Don’t wait to get the answers and help you need.
Call Campiche Andrews PLLC at (206) 281-9000 or fill out our secure form to schedule a free consultation. We’re here for you, day or night.