Wrongful Death
When a loved one dies because of another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, your family may have the right to bring a wrongful death claim. These cases can help recover financial losses and hold the responsible party accountable under Nevada and Washington law.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim arises when a wrongful act or neglect causes a person’s death. In Nevada, wrongful death actions are governed by NRS 41.085, and Washington wrongful death claims are generally brought under RCW 4.20.010 and related statutes.
In many cases, two claims may exist: one for the family members’ losses and one for the damages the deceased person suffered before death through the estate.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful death cases can stem from many types of preventable incidents. Common causes include:
- Motor vehicle collisions, including car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian crashes
- Workplace accidents involving machinery, falls, fires, or hazardous exposure
- Medical negligence, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication mistakes
- Dangerous or defective products
- Premises liability incidents, including unsafe property conditions or negligent security
Types of Injuries That Can Lead to Fatal Outcomes
Some injuries are so severe that they can become fatal immediately or after a period of treatment. Families often see wrongful death claims following traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, severe burns, or crush injuries.
Even when a person survives for a short time after the incident, the estate may still recover damages for pain, suffering, medical care, and other losses before death.
What to Do After a Wrongful Death
While no legal step can undo your loss, taking a few actions early can protect your family’s rights:
- Preserve documents, photos, and any incident reports.
- Request medical records, death certificates, and autopsy findings if available.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before speaking with counsel.
- Keep receipts for funeral costs and other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect deadlines and evidence.
In Nevada, most wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death under the applicable statute of limitations. Washington deadlines can vary depending on the claim, so prompt legal review is important.
How Pacific West Injury Helps Families
Pacific West Injury investigates what happened, identifies every liable party, and builds a claim supported by evidence. We work to prove negligence, calculate damages, and negotiate with insurance companies that may try to minimize your family’s loss.
Our team can help gather accident reports, witness statements, expert opinions, medical records, and financial documentation. If a fair settlement is not offered, we are prepared to take the case further.
Compensation Available in a Wrongful Death Case
Depending on the facts of the case, recoverable damages may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship, society, comfort, and consortium
- Grief and sorrow
- Pain and suffering experienced before death
- Punitive damages in limited cases where allowed by law
In Nevada, punitive damages may be available through the estate in certain cases involving especially egregious conduct. Washington law also allows certain survival and wrongful death damages depending on who is bringing the claim and the circumstances.
Talk to Pacific West Injury Today
If your family is coping with the loss of a loved one, Pacific West Injury is here to help you understand your rights and pursue justice. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us handle the legal burden while you focus on your family.
