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Wrongful death of a child,
spouse or parent is a tragedy. It means the loss of love, care, companionship, and guidance. It may
also mean the loss of financial support. In Washington
our state recognizes the rights of recovery to
children, spouses and parents for the wrongful death of
a spouse, child or parent. A wrongful death case is
technically more difficult then a typical negligence
claim. Washington law allows recovery to
certain surviving heirs for emotional loss and for
financial loss.
The rights of recovery
are twofold:
1) Statutory Wrongful
Death action allowed for children, spouses, and at times
parents or relatives, for emotional losses;
2) Statutory Survival Action allowed for estate heirs
for financial loss to the estate of the person
wrongfully killed.
Wrongful death claims should only be brought through an
experienced lawyer who brings wrongful death
claims. Pat Trudell's law practice includes wrongful
death and survival action claims. He understands
theories of liability and works with experts
when necessary to demonstrate liability. Pat works with
the surviving beneficiaries to appreciate and articulate
the loss of love, care, companionship, and guidance in
monetary terms. He works with financial experts to
calculate the financial loss to the estate.
Pat is known by insurance companies and defense lawyers
as an attorney who fairly evaluates wrongful death and
survival claims. His evaluation is based on the reality
of the emotional losses and financial losses. When
possible he will negotiate a financial recovery similar
to what can be accomplished at trial. If the insurance
company for the negligent party causing the death does
not recognize fairness, Pat will file and try the case
to get fairness.
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