We’re sorry for your loss. Nothing will make this right. But when someone’s carelessness takes a life, Washington law lets the family hold them accountable. Rich Martin is a Seattle wrongful death lawyer who has helped families through this for 28 years. We’ll handle the legal side, gently and carefully, so you can grieve.
Seattle: local facts
- County
- King County
- Court
- King County Superior Court, King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Seattle (crashes in the Seattle case area)
- Major roads
- I-5, I-90, SR 520, SR 99 (Aurora Avenue North), Mercer Street
- Hospitals
- Harborview Medical Center (Level I trauma center for adults and children)
- Population
- 823,400 (Washington OFM estimate, April 1, 2026)
- Our office
- Our Bellevue office is about 11 miles away (about 17 minutes without traffic).
When a death was caused by someone else
A wrongful death claim is a case brought when someone dies because of another person’s or company’s carelessness. It’s not about putting a price on a life. It’s about making sure your family isn’t left alone with the bills and the loss.
These cases often come from:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes. See Seattle car accidents and Seattle truck accidents.
- Pedestrians and cyclists hit by drivers. See pedestrian accidents.
- Unsafe property, like a broken stair rail or a fall that should have been prevented.
- Medical mistakes. Read about medical malpractice deaths.
Who can bring a wrongful death claim in Washington
The claim is filed by the personal representative of the person who died (RCW 4.20.010). That’s the person named in the will, or appointed by the court. The money goes to the family members the law names (RCW 4.20.020).
| Who receives the money | When |
|---|---|
| Spouse or registered domestic partner, and children (including stepchildren) | First in line |
| Parents or siblings | Only if there is no spouse, partner, or child |
Not sure who qualifies in your family? That’s one of the first things we’ll sort out together. Read more: who can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Two kinds of claims: the family’s loss and your loved one’s
Washington law allows two related claims. Most cases include both.
| Claim | What it covers | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Wrongful death | The family’s losses: lost income and support, lost love and companionship, and funeral costs | RCW 4.20.020 |
| Survival claim | The claims your loved one had before they died, like medical bills and their own pain and suffering | RCW 4.20.046, RCW 4.20.060 |
You don’t have to sort out these legal labels. We’ll explain them in plain words and handle the filings.
How long a family has to file
A wrongful death case generally must be filed within three years of the death, under RCW 4.16.080. The Washington Supreme Court confirmed this in Deggs v. Asbestos Corp. (2016). Other rules can make the time shorter, like a claim against a city or county (RCW 4.96.020).
We know it’s hard to think about deadlines right now. You don’t need to decide anything today. But it helps to call early, so evidence like video and records can be saved.
What a wrongful death claim can cover
| Money losses | Personal losses |
|---|---|
| Funeral and burial costs | Loss of love, care, and companionship |
| Medical bills before death | Loss of guidance for children |
| Lost income and support the family would have had | Your loved one’s pain and suffering before death (survival claim) |
Every family is different, so every case is different. We’ve reached multiple wrongful death settlements above the insurance policy limits. Past results don’t guarantee future results. Learn more about wrongful death settlements in Washington.
How we handle a wrongful death case
- We listen. A free, private talk about what happened, at your pace.
- We find out who is responsible. Police reports, records, video, and witnesses.
- We explain how the estate works, so the personal representative can bring the claim.
- We add up the losses, now and in the future, with the family’s help.
- We deal with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
- We go to court if we must. Rich has tried more than 30 cases to a jury.
Wrongful death after a crash in Seattle
Many wrongful death cases start with a crash. In 2025, 30 people died in traffic crashes on Seattle streets, according to the City of Seattle. Each one left a family behind.
If a case goes to court, a death caused by a crash in Seattle is usually heard at the King County Courthouse at 516 Third Avenue, under King County LCR 82. Most cases settle before trial.
What to do in the first weeks
Grief comes with paperwork, and it can feel like too much. Here’s what usually helps, in this order.
- Take care of yourselves first. The legal side can wait a little.
- Keep every bill and receipt. Funeral, medical, travel, and lost work.
- Gather documents like the death certificate, police report, and insurance policies.
- Don’t sign anything from an insurance company before you talk to a lawyer.
- Don’t post about the case online.
- Call when you’re ready. We’ll explain your options at your pace.
When the family includes children
If children lost a parent, the claim must plan for their future: years of support, care, and guidance they won’t have. When a settlement is paid to a child, a court often has to approve it and decide how the money is held. We handle that process with the family.
Talking to insurance companies after a death
An insurer may call soon after the death. They may sound kind and offer to help with funeral costs. Be careful. Some early offers come with a release that ends the family’s claim.
Before you sign anything from an insurance company, let us read it. It costs nothing.
How long a wrongful death case takes
These cases usually take longer than injury cases. We need to understand the full loss, which can include years of lost income and support. Some settle within a year. Others take longer, especially if the case goes to trial. We’ll keep you informed at every step.
What a personal representative does
The personal representative is the person who acts for the estate. In a wrongful death case, they bring the claim on behalf of the family. Often it’s a spouse or an adult child, but it can be someone else the family trusts.
Being the personal representative doesn’t mean doing the legal work. We do that. The personal representative makes decisions with the family, like whether to accept a settlement, and we explain every option along the way.
Funeral costs and bills right now
Funeral costs come fast, often before any claim is settled. Keep every receipt. These costs are part of what the family can recover. If the death was caused by a car crash, the person who died may have had PIP coverage that pays some funeral costs. Ask us, and we’ll check the policies.
Why families choose Rich Martin
- Patience. We move at a pace that works for your family.
- One lawyer. Rich handles your case himself, so you aren’t retelling your story to new people.
- Results. Multiple wrongful death settlements above policy limits.
- No Win, No Fee. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. Not even the case costs.
Meet Rich Martin or read wrongful death claims in Washington State.
Talk to a Seattle wrongful death lawyer
When you’re ready, we’re here. The call is free and private. Call (425) 635-2000 or send us a message. You can also see our Seattle personal injury lawyer page.
Wrongful Death: results for our clients
Past results don't guarantee future results. Every case is different. See all results →
Your attorney: Rich Martin
28 years. More than 2,000 injury cases. More than 30 jury trials. When you call, you talk to Rich, and he handles your case himself.
About Rich Martin →Questions about Seattle wrongful death
What does No Win, No Fee mean?
You pay nothing up front. Our fee comes out of the money we win for you. No hourly bills. No retainer. If we don't win, you owe us nothing. Not even the case costs.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Washington?
The personal representative of the person who died files it (RCW 4.20.010). The money goes to the spouse or partner and children, or to parents or siblings if there are none (RCW 4.20.020).
How long do we have to file?
Generally three years from the date of death. Claims against a city or county have extra steps, so it helps to call early.
Do parents or siblings need to have been dependent?
Not anymore. Since 2019, parents and siblings don't have to prove financial dependence to be beneficiaries.
What if there's also a criminal case?
A criminal case and a wrongful death claim are separate. The family can bring a civil claim whether or not charges are filed.
What does it cost to hire you?
Nothing up front. No Win, No Fee. If we don't win, the family owes us nothing. Not even the case costs.
Can we bring a claim if our loved one was partly at fault?
Often, yes. Washington's comparative fault rule reduces the recovery by the person's share of fault, but it doesn't end the claim (RCW 4.22.005).
Do we have to go to court?
Most wrongful death cases settle. If a case goes to trial, we prepare the family and stand with you every step.
Talk to a lawyer today. The call is free. Call (425) 635-2000.
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