Wrongful Death Lawyers
Pursuing Justice for Families After the Loss of a Loved One
While the death of a friend or family member is difficult no matter what, losing a loved one due to negligence can compound grief and anger for surviving family members. Although nothing can make up for the tragic loss of a cherished friend or relative, pursuing justice in a wrongful death lawsuit can offer families the justice and closure they deserve.
At Becker Franklin Rovang, we are truly sorry for the great loss you and your family have suffered. Since 1984, our wrongful death attorneys have aggressively pursued justice and maximum compensation for grieving families. Our firm is committed to easing your pain during the grieving period by fighting to hold responsible parties accountable.
With decades of experience and over $50 million recovered for our clients, you can trust our advocates to provide compassionate counsel while going above and beyond to achieve a favorable outcome in your case. As seasoned trial lawyers, we never shy away from tough litigation if that’s what it takes to recover a fair settlement, giving you peace of mind that your rights are protected in and out of the courtroom.
If you lost a loved one due to negligence, Becker Franklin Rovang can aggressively pursue justice during this difficult time. Contact us online to discuss your case.
our case results Our Clients Always Come First
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$4,700,000 Recovery - Negligence
Recovery for disabled man neglected in Kitsap County Jail who suffered brain damage and quadriplegia.
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$750,000 Rear End Auto Accident - Settlement
Settlement for a 32 year old female rear-ended on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in a multicar accident involving road rage.
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$500,000 Work Injury - Settlement
Settlement for a workplace injury (Navy Shipyard) for a “temporary” worker.
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$430,000 Auto Accident - Settlement
Settlement for auto accident victim with fractured ankle sustained in T-bone accident.
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$368,000 Pedestrian Accident - Settlement
Settlement for high school girl running to school bus when hit by a car (school bus failed to stop across from her residence per district rules).
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$274,000 Recovery - Sexual Abuse
Recovery for two girls groomed and sexually abused by Church pastor who was criminally convicted. Settlement included proceeds from insurance, sale of church property, and sale of pastor’s personal residence.
If you or a loved one have an injury case in Kitsap, Pierce or Thurston counties, contact our office for a NO COST consultation. (360) 800-3009 or, complete our online contact form to get started.
What Constitutes a Wrongful Death?
While the loss of a friend or family member can be difficult no matter what, the stages of grief can be all the more prolonged and difficult to overcome when a loved one is wrongfully taken from us. If someone else’s negligence caused the death, you may be eligible to pursue justice and compensation in a wrongful death claim.
In Washington state, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of negligent actions by another party. However, proving liability in court can be complex and challenging—especially while dealing with the emotionally taxing fallout of an unexpected tragedy. Fortunately, our attorneys are well-versed in the legal intricacies of wrongful death lawsuits to guide your steps with wisdom and compassion.
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“Steve Franklin was caring and extremely helpful during the traumatic time.”
- KCI never left a review after the incredible services this law firm provided me. I was in a car accident. Steve Franklin was caring and extremely helpful during the traumatic time. I was new to living in the area and felt so comfortable and supported by him. Five years later…. They still send me birthday cards. I know, I know…. It may seem silly, but this is such a sweet gesture! 10/10 Recommend.
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“The team I got to work with was fantastic!”
- Stephanie W.The team I got to work with was fantastic! They are very responsive, kind, and understanding. I was lucky enough to get their help for a complicated situation and am very glad I found them and chose to work with them on my case. Highly recommend!
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“Set realistic expectations and delivered.”
The whole team helped resolve my suit as expeditiously as possible with an ultimately acceptable outcome. Good communication and wonderful people to work with, set realistic expectations and delivered. 10/10 would not advise getting in a car wreck, but if you do these are the people to call!- Colin S. -
“They handled my case so meticulously and didn’t miss a thing!”
I worked with Steve for over a year and him and his team are absolutely amazing! They handled my case so meticulously and didn’t miss a thing! When he explained things to me he always broke it down so I understood exactly what was happening and of- Lauren R.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful death claims can arise due to a wide range of circumstances.Common causes include:
- Car accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Construction accidents
where you can find us Our Office Locations
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Port Orchard1730 Pottery Avenue
Suite 210
Port Orchard, WA 98366 -
Poulsbo19307 8th Avenue NE
Suite C
Poulsbo, WA 98370
How Does A Wrongful Death Settlement Work?
A wrongful death settlement generally follows a structured process. Here’s how it works:
- Filing the Claim: The first step is for a personal representative (usually a family member or court-appointed person) to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased’s estate and eligible survivors.
- Investigating the Case: Your attorney will investigate the circumstances of the death, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult experts to build a strong case.
- Calculating Damages: Attorneys calculate both economic and non-economic damages to determine the value of your claim.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Your legal team will negotiate directly with the responsible party’s insurance company to seek fair compensation. This step may involve extensive back-and-forth discussions.
- Reaching a Settlement Agreement: If a fair settlement is agreed upon, the case resolves without trial. If negotiations fail, your attorney may pursue litigation.
Legal representation ensures your rights are protected and that you achieve the compensation your family deserves. Get in touch with a wrongful death lawyer at Becker Franklin Rovang for experienced counsel.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Under state law, statutory beneficiaries may be eligible to recover damages after a wrongful death. These include designated relatives of the deceased who suffered a financial loss as a result of the death. If the decedent was single and without children, then surviving parents or siblings have the authority to recover damages, but only if they were financially dependent on the decedent for support at the time of death.
Eligible parties include:
- Spouse or registered domestic partner
- Children, including stepchildren and adopted children
- Parents or siblings, if there are no surviving spouses or children
- Personal representative of the deceased’s estate if no other relatives exist
There are special rules for children who have lost a parent, and court approval is required in the event of a settlement. If you need clarification on whether you qualify as a statutory beneficiary, our attorneys can evaluate your case to determine whether or not you have legal grounds to file a lawsuit.
Recoverable Damages in Wrongful Death Claims
The type and amount of compensation available in a wrongful death claim depend on the unique circumstances involved. Generally, recoverable damages may include:
- Burial costs
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Loss of income and future earnings
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
What Is The Most You Can Sue For Wrongful Death?
Washington State does not impose a cap on damages awarded in wrongful death cases. This means there is no predefined limit on the compensation you may seek. The total amount awarded depends on the unique circumstances of each case and can include both economic and non-economic damages.
Because each wrongful death case is unique, the potential value of a claim will depend on factors such as the age of the deceased, their earning potential, and the emotional and financial impact on surviving family members. Consulting with an experienced wrongful death attorney near you is crucial. An attorney can help you assess the specific damages in your case, advocate for your family’s rights, and guide you through the legal process to seek the compensation you deserve.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death?
The statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits is three years from the date of death (Washington Revised Code § 4.16.080(2)). However, there may be exceptions to this rule. Consulting with an experienced wrongful death lawyer is imperative to determine and comply with the appropriate filing deadlines and seek damages in court.
Why Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney?
After the unexpected loss of a loved one, the last thing you and your loved ones need is additional stress. While it may be tempting to cut costs by forgoing legal representation, working with a qualified attorney is paramount to successfully recovering compensation in your case. A wrongful death lawyer can assist you with:
- Gathering compelling evidence to establish liability in your case
- Identifying all liable parties to maximize available compensation
- Navigating the legal nuances of the wrongful death claims process
- Negotiating effectively with insurance companies and other involved parties
- Representing your best interests at trial if necessary to obtain a fair settlement
Qualities to Look for in a Wrongful Death Lawyer
To successfully recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit, partnering with a trusted attorney is a must. Here are some essential qualities to look for in a wrongful death lawyer:
- Experience handling wrongful death cases
- Consistent and effective communication skills
- A reputation for aggressive litigation and successful verdicts
- Professional credentials, affiliations, and awards or recognition
At Becker Franklin Rovang, we have a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes by providing compassionate counsel and support to our clients. If you lost a loved one due to negligence, time is of the essence. Our firm can help you explore your legal avenues for justice while protecting your rights from start to finish.
Compassionate Counsel for Grieving Families
Since 1984, our firm has vigorously pursued justice and closure for grieving families in wrongful death lawsuits. At Becker Franklin Rovang, our in-depth understanding of personal injury law empowers us to guide our clients’ legal steps with wisdom and clarity during life’s most challenging seasons. Our attorneys have recovered over $50 million for the wrongfully injured and prepare every case for trial in case that’s what it takes to obtain a fair settlement. With thousands of cases handled and free, no-obligation consultations available, you can trust our compassionate team to give your claim the care and attention it deserves.
Grieving the death of a loved one? Take the first step toward justice and closure. Call (360) 800-3009 to schedule a free consultation with our wrongful death lawyers.
