We’re sorry you’re here. Families usually find this page in the hardest weeks of their lives, with more questions than answers. Rich Martin is an Everett wrongful death lawyer, and this page answers the questions families often have. When you’re ready to talk, the call is free and private.
Everett: local facts
- County
- Snohomish County
- Court
- Snohomish County Superior Court, 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Everett
- Major roads
- I-5, US 2 (Hewitt Avenue Trestle), SR 526, Evergreen Way, Broadway
- Hospitals
- Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (Level II trauma center)
- Population
- 114,900 (Washington OFM estimate, April 1, 2026)
- Our office
- Our Bellevue office is about 29 miles away (about 39 minutes without traffic).
What a wrongful death claim is
When a person dies because someone else was careless, Washington law lets the family seek money from the people or companies responsible. It can’t undo the loss. It can cover what the family has lost financially, recognize the loss of a parent, partner, or child, and hold the responsible party to account.
Common causes include car, truck, and motorcycle crashes, pedestrians struck by drivers, unsafe property, and workplace incidents caused by an outside company.
See our Everett pages on car crashes, truck crashes, motorcycle crashes, and pedestrian crashes.
Traffic deaths in Everett and Snohomish County
People killed on Everett city streets
Countywide, Snohomish County had 57 fatal crashes in 2022, 41 in 2023, and 59 in 2024, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (2024 is preliminary). Each of those numbers is a family that lost someone.
Family questions, answered
Who actually files the case?
One person files for the whole family: the personal representative of the estate (RCW 4.20.010). That’s usually the person named in the will. When there’s no will, the court appoints someone, often a spouse or adult child.
Where is the estate opened?
In the county where your loved one lived (RCW 11.96A.050). For an Everett resident, that’s Snohomish County Superior Court. We can help the family with this step.
Which relatives share in the money?
First, a spouse or registered domestic partner and the children, including stepchildren. If there are none, parents and siblings (RCW 4.20.020). Since 2019, parents and siblings no longer have to prove they were financially dependent (SSB 5163).
Can parents bring a claim when a child dies?
Yes, in many cases. A parent who supported a minor child, or who was closely involved in an adult child’s life, may bring a claim (RCW 4.24.010).
What the claim can include
There are usually two parts. The wrongful death claim covers the family’s own losses: the income and household support they’ve lost, the loss of love, care, and guidance, and funeral and burial costs (RCW 4.20.020). The survival claim covers what your loved one could have claimed if they had lived, such as medical bills, lost wages before death, and their own pain (RCW 4.20.046, RCW 4.20.060). Both are usually pursued together.
How much time the family has
Three years from the death is the general rule (RCW 4.16.080), confirmed by the state Supreme Court in Deggs v. Asbestos Corp. (2016). Two situations move faster. If a city, county, or transit agency is involved, a claim form must be filed first, followed by a 60-day wait (RCW 4.96.020). If a federal vehicle or worker caused the death, a written claim must reach the federal agency within two years (28 U.S.C. § 2401(b)).
You don’t need to know which deadline applies. That’s our job. A short call can tell you.
Government and military vehicles
Everett is home to a Navy base. Naval Station Everett has been a homeport since its first ships arrived in 1994 (U.S. Navy). A claim against the federal government works differently from a normal insurance claim. It must be filed in writing with the right federal agency within two years (28 U.S.C. § 2401(b)). The agency then has six months to decide before you can sue (28 U.S.C. § 2675).
Claims against government follow special rules. A claim against the City of Everett must be signed by hand and filed with the City Clerk by mail or in person. The city doesn’t accept electronic signatures. Snohomish County claims go to its Risk Management office, and Community Transit takes claim forms by email or mail. After filing, state law requires a 60-day wait before a lawsuit (RCW 4.96.020).
When the death happened at work
A family may receive L&I survivor benefits when a worker dies on the job. If an outside party caused the death, such as another driver, a property owner, or a different contractor, the family may also have a claim against that party (RCW 51.24.030). These two claims are connected, so they should be planned together.
Dealing with insurance companies
An adjuster may call soon after the death and sound caring. Remember who they work for. Early offers sometimes include a release that ends the family’s rights permanently, often before anyone understands the full loss. You can simply give them our number.
What we do, step by step
- Listen. A private, unhurried conversation about your loved one and what happened.
- Set up the estate, with the personal representative appointed by the court.
- Investigate: police and medical records, video, and witnesses.
- Measure the loss, sometimes with an economist’s help.
- Negotiate, and go to court if the insurer won’t be fair.
Some families reach a settlement within a year. Others take longer. We’ll be honest about timing and keep you updated.
When children lose a parent
A parent’s death changes a child’s whole future: the income that would have supported them, and the guidance and care a parent gives. Washington law lets children share in the family’s recovery. When the children are minors, a court may need to approve a settlement and decide how the money is protected until they’re adults. We guide families through those steps.
Paying for the funeral now
Funeral homes need payment long before any case resolves. Keep every receipt, because funeral and burial costs are part of the claim. If the death followed a car crash, coverage on an auto policy may help with some of these costs right away. We’ll look at every policy that might apply.
Where a case would be heard
Few injury claims ever reach a courtroom. When one does, Washington lets the injured person sue in the county where the harm happened (RCW 4.12.020). For Everett, that’s Snohomish County Superior Court at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue in downtown Everett. You won’t need to travel to Seattle for hearings.
Serious injuries in Everett are often treated at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, a Level II trauma center for adults and Level III for children, according to the state Department of Health.
Working with us from Everett
We don’t have an office in Everett. Our Bellevue office, at 11811 NE 1st Street, Suite 303, is about 29 miles away. Many Everett clients never need to make the drive. We can handle most of your case by phone, email, and mail, and meet in person when it helps.
Why families trust Rich Martin
- Experience: 28 years and more than 2,000 injury cases.
- Personal attention: Rich handles the case himself.
- A gentle pace: no pressure, ever.
- No cost unless we win: we cover case costs up front.
Further reading: who can file a wrongful death lawsuit, average wrongful death settlements in Washington, and our Seattle wrongful death page.
Speak with an Everett wrongful death lawyer
Whenever your family is ready, call (425) 635-2000 or send a message. We’ll listen before we say anything else.
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 Everett 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.
Can more than one family member file?
No. The estate's personal representative files one case for the family (RCW 4.20.010).
My loved one lived in Everett. Which court handles the estate?
Usually Snohomish County Superior Court, the county where they lived (RCW 11.96A.050).
Is three years always the deadline?
It's the general rule, but government and federal claims have earlier steps. Call early to be safe.
Must we come to Bellevue to meet?
No. Many families work with us by phone. Our Bellevue office is about 29 miles from Everett.
An insurer offered us money. Should we accept?
Talk to us first. Some early offers include a release that ends the family's claim.
Is there any cost to talk?
None. There's also no fee unless we recover money for your family.
Talk to a lawyer today. The call is free. Call (425) 635-2000.
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