Compassionate Spokane Wrongful Death Attorneys Representing Grieving Families
When someone’s life is cut short because another person or entity failed to act responsibly, the loss ripples through every part of a family’s life. Beyond grief, families often find themselves left with financial pressure, unanswered questions, and uncertainty about what to do next. Our Spokane wrongful death lawyers help families understand their legal options and take thoughtful steps forward during an incredibly difficult time.
At Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner, we have spent decades representing Washington families in serious injury and wrongful death cases. Since 1972, we have built our practice around careful preparation, clear communication, and standing up to insurance companies and powerful defendants. We serve clients throughout Washington, including Spokane, and we take on the legal burden so families can focus on healing.
Our office in Spokane, WA
- Address: 1312 N Monroe St f179, Spokane, WA 99201
- Open hours: 24 Hours
- Phone number: 509-228-8790
- Map Directions
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit brought when a person dies as a result of someone else’s negligent or intentional act or failure to act. These cases hold the responsible party financially accountable and compensate surviving family members for their losses.
Wrongful death claims often arise from incidents such as:
- Car accidents,
- Commercial truck accidents,
- Pedestrian accidents,
- Bicycle accidents,
- Motorcycle accidents,
- Medical malpractice,
- Premises liability cases,
- Defective products, and
- Dog bite incidents.
Under Washington law, a wrongful death claim is filed by the deceased’s personal representative. These cases are separate from any criminal proceedings and focus solely on civil responsibility and compensation.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?
A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the losses suffered by the deceased’s beneficiaries and, in some cases, the estate.
Beneficiaries generally include the deceased person’s spouse or state-registered domestic partner, or their children or stepchildren. If none of those individuals survive the deceased, the law may allow a parent or sibling to benefit from the claim.
Each claim is different, and the types of compensation available depend on how the death has affected the family.
Funeral and Burial Expenses
A wrongful death claim may include compensation for reasonable funeral and burial or cremation costs. These expenses are often significant and directly tied to the loss of a loved one. Recovering these costs can help relieve some of the immediate financial obligations placed on surviving family members.
Loss of Financial Support
When a family member provides income or financial contributions, their death can leave a lasting economic gap. Compensation may reflect the wages, benefits, and financial support the deceased would have provided over time.
Loss of Household Services
In addition to income, many people provide essential services within the home. Compensation may account for the loss of household services such as childcare, home maintenance, transportation, and other daily tasks the deceased regularly performed. Replacing these services can create ongoing costs for surviving family members.
Loss of Companionship and Support
Surviving family members may seek compensation for the loss of companionship, care, guidance, and emotional support their loved one provided.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Spokane?
In most cases, Washington law gives families three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If a claim is not filed within that time, victims may lose the right to pursue compensation.
Speaking with a Spokane wrongful death lawyer can help families understand how the deadline applies to their specific circumstances.
FAQs
Is a Survival of Action the Same as a Wrongful Death Claim?
No. While the two claims are related, they are legally distinct. A wrongful death claim focuses on the losses suffered by surviving family members due to the death. A survival action, on the other hand, allows the deceased person’s estate to pursue compensation for losses the person experienced before death, such as pain and suffering or lost earnings between injury and death.
How Long Will My Case Take?
There is no set timeline for a wrongful death case. Some claims resolve through settlement within months, while others take longer, especially if litigation is necessary. The length of a case depends on factors such as the complexity of the evidence, the number of parties involved, and whether the defendant disputes responsibility.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Spokane Wrongful Death Attorney?
Our firm handles wrongful death cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to hire us, and attorney fees are only paid if we recover compensation on your behalf. If you get nothing, you owe us nothing.
Speak with a Spokane Wrongful Death Lawyer About Your Next Steps
When a loved one’s life is lost because someone else failed to act responsibly, the impact goes far beyond legal questions. Families are left to navigate grief, change, and uncertainty all at once. We know no amount of compensation can replace your loved one or erase the loss you are carrying. But the law can provide a way to seek accountability and financial stability during a difficult transition.
At Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner PLLC, our wrongful death attorneys approach each case with care, preparation, and a commitment to standing up for families who deserve answers. Our firm has recovered more than $100 million for clients across Washington.
Don’t wait. Contact our Spokane wrongful death lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Legal References Used to Inform This Page
To ensure the accuracy and clarity of this page, we referenced official legal and other resources during the content development process:
Revised Code of Washington, Section 4.16.080
Revised Code of Washington, Section 4.20.010
Revised Code of Washington, Section 4.20.020
Revised Code of Washington, Section 4.20.046
