Steps in a Wrongful Death Case

• Hire the Right Lawyer for Your Case

The journey to justice begins with having the right legal ally by your side. Our firm believes in guiding our clients with compassion, empathy, and a deep-rooted understanding of Oregon and Washington’s legal landscape. When families trust us with their cases, we take the time to understand their unique situation thoroughly. Experience plays a pivotal role here. With our seasoned trial lawyers, clients can feel confident knowing they have a team that’s been through the trenches and knows how to maneuver the complexities of wrongful death lawsuits strategically. 

But beyond our experience, our commitment stands out. For us, it's not just about representing an injured person; it's about standing with a family, understanding their pain, and ensuring they get the justice their loved one deserves. By choosing us, families are leveraging our legal expertise and aligning themselves with a team genuinely dedicated to helping them rebuild their lives after such a profound loss.

• Open an Investigation into Your Loved One’s Death:

The first step is initiating a comprehensive investigation into the tragic circumstances of the case. This process often involves scrutinizing accident scenes, analyzing medical records, and interviewing potential witnesses. For us, every detail matters. By delving deep into the events leading up to the unfortunate incident, we aim to provide our clients with a clear picture, laying the groundwork for a solid legal case.

• Determine the Liable Party (or Parties):

Identifying the responsible party is a critical component. Whether it's an individual, a corporation, or multiple entities, we tirelessly work to pinpoint those at fault. We navigate the nuances of responsibility, ensuring that the correct parties are held accountable.

• Assemble the Required Evidence and Documentation:

Armed with information, the next step is consolidating this into compelling evidence. Be it photographic proof, testimonies, or crucial documents; we understand the weight they bear in a lawsuit. But our role doesn't stop at just gathering. We meticulously analyze each piece, ensuring it aligns with Oregon or Washington's legal requirements. Our goal? Building an iron-clad case that stands up in court and helps our clients move toward healing and closure.

Navigating a wrongful death lawsuit is challenging, but with us by your side, you have a team dedicated to helping you overcome these challenges and rebuild after such a profound loss.

• Initiate Settlement Negotiations:

Before filing a lawsuit, engaging in settlement negotiations with the responsible parties can be beneficial. This approach often results in a swifter resolution which eliminates the emotional toll of litigation. With our knowledge and experience, we meticulously assess the claim's true value, considering all facets - from medical expenses to emotional trauma. In every case our team takes on, we strive to reach an equitable settlement that aligns with the best interests of our clients.

• File the Lawsuit:

If settlement negotiations don't yield a satisfactory outcome, the next logical step is to file a lawsuit. We handle all the complexities, from drafting the complaint to ensuring it's filed within Oregon or Washington's statute of limitations. With each legal document, we reinforce our dedication to upholding our client's rights and seeking justice for their loss.

• Litigation:

Once the lawsuit is filed, both sides will engage in the discovery process, exchanging evidence and documenting the testimony of witnesses. During this phase, our commitment is unwavering. We ardently represent our clients, preparing for possible trial scenarios and constantly strategizing. Whether it’s examining witnesses or presenting compelling evidence, we stand poised, ready to advocate passionately for our clients. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

The loss of a loved one brings unimaginable pain and challenges. If the death was caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intent, however, the frustration and grief can be even deeper. Typically, the personal representative of the deceased's estate is the one to initiates the lawsuit. This representative may be named in the deceased's will or be appointed by the court. 

Potential beneficiaries of the claim can include spouses, children, parents, or others.  It's important to know that each wrongful death case is unique, and who can file and receive compensation from a claim varies based on individual circumstances. We're here to clarify eligibility, ensuring the right individuals seek and obtain the justice they deserve.

If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys regarding a situation that may qualify as a wrongful death, give us a call today. Schedule a free consultation to get answers to any questions you may have.