Wrongful Death Lawyers in Federal Way, WA

Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of life’s most devastating experiences, especially when their death was caused by someone else’s negligence. In the midst of their grief, families are often overwhelmed, unsure of where to turn or how to seek justice. While no lawsuit can bring a loved one back, a wrongful death claim can provide answers, accountability, and support. You don’t have to face this painful journey alone. Help is available.

Our Federal Way wrongful death lawyers can help you seek justice and secure the support your family needs to move forward.

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Years in Business

1,000+

Of Cases Won

After a Tragic Loss, Turn to Our Professional Wrongful Death Attorneys for Help

At Lehmbecker Law, we help families in Federal Way navigate the legal system after a fatal accident caused by someone’s careless, reckless, and negligent behavior. Our Federal Way personal injury attorneys focus on protecting your rights, pursuing accountability, and securing the financial resources needed to help you move forward.

We combine decades of experience with a compassionate, hands-on approach. Families in Federal Way count on us not just to manage the legal process but to stand beside them as advocates. Over the years, we’ve guided countless families through some of life’s most difficult moments, securing the compensation they need to cover expenses and safeguard their futures.

If you’re facing the loss of a loved one because of someone’s reckless actions, we’re here to provide honest answers, help you understand your options, and get the job done.

After a Tragic Loss, Turn to Our Professional Wrongful Death Attorneys for Help

What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death in Washington?

A wrongful death occurs when a person’s death results from another party’s careless, reckless, or intentional actions. These cases often involve complex questions about fault, liability, and damages, which is why working with our experienced attorneys is so important.

In Federal Way, wrongful death claims can arise from a variety of circumstances, including:

Traffic accidents: Fatal collisions involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, cyclists, or pedestrians frequently lead to claims when distracted driving, excessive speed, or intoxication is involved.
Errors in medical care: Deaths caused by surgical mistakes, delayed diagnoses, or other failures in treatment can result in legal action against healthcare providers.
Worksite injuries: When fatal incidents occur at construction sites or other workplaces — especially due to the actions of subcontractors or third parties — survivors may be entitled to compensation beyond standard workers’ compensation payouts.
Defective products: Companies can be held liable if a dangerous design, poor manufacturing, or missing safety warnings contribute to a death.
Premises liability: If a dangerous condition on someone’s property results in a fatal accident, the owner or manager could be legally responsible.

Every wrongful death case is unique. Our attorneys carefully investigate the details, gathering evidence, consulting experts, and building a strategy to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Who Has the Right to Bring a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In Washington, a wrongful death action is generally filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. If the individual left a will, that person is usually named in it; if not, the court will appoint a representative.

The representative brings the claim on behalf of the people legally allowed to recover damages, which typically includes:

The surviving spouse or state-registered domestic partner
Biological or adopted children
Stepchildren who depended on the deceased for support

If there is no spouse or child, parents and siblings may be able to pursue a claim, particularly if they relied on the deceased financially or otherwise.

Who Has the Right to Bring a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Cases Involving the Death of a Child

Parents or legal guardians may also have the right to bring a claim when a child passes away and has no spouse, partner, or children of their own. The rules differ based on the child’s age:

For minors: A parent or guardian who regularly provided financial support may start or join a wrongful death case.
For adult children: Parents or guardians must show that they maintained meaningful involvement in the adult child’s life, such as consistent emotional, psychological, or financial support.

Because these rules are technical and fact-specific, speaking with a lawyer can clarify your eligibility and ensure your family’s claim is filed correctly.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Washington?

Washington law gives most families three years from the date of their loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit (see RCW 4.16.080). Missing this deadline can mean losing the right to seek compensation altogether.

There are exceptions to be aware of. For example, medical negligence cases may follow different timelines, so it’s critical to speak with an attorney quickly to preserve your options and build a strong case before evidence is lost or witnesses’ memories fade.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a WA Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

While no lawsuit can erase the pain of losing a loved one, financial compensation can help ease the burdens that follow a sudden death. Surviving family members may be entitled to recover:

Costs for final medical treatment and hospital care
Funeral and burial expenses
The income and benefits the deceased would have earned in the future
The value of household contributions, services, or care that the deceased provided
Loss of expected inheritance
Emotional anguish and mental suffering
The loss of companionship, affection, guidance, and support

Punitive damages, which are meant to punish the wrongdoer, are generally not available in Washington wrongful death cases. However, our lawyers work tirelessly to maximize all other forms of recovery to help your family stay financially secure.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a WA Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

What to Expect During the Wrongful Death Legal Process

Taking legal action after a death can feel overwhelming. Our attorneys handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on your family and your healing. A typical wrongful death case unfolds in several stages:

Consultation and case review: We meet with you to understand your situation, answer questions, and discuss how the law applies to your case.
Investigation and evidence collection: Our team obtains police and accident reports, medical documentation, video footage, expert opinions, and other proof to build your claim.
Filing the lawsuit: Once liability is clear, we draft and submit your case in court.
Discovery and preparation: Both sides exchange evidence, interview witnesses, and review expert findings. We manage this process entirely on your behalf.
Negotiations: Most cases settle without going to trial. We negotiate with insurance companies and opposing lawyers to secure the highest possible settlement.
Trial, if needed: When a fair agreement isn’t possible, we present your case to a jury and fight for the result your family deserves.
Collecting and distributing funds: After a settlement or verdict, we make sure the award is received and distributed properly.

At every step, we keep you informed, handle the legal complexities, and work to achieve the best outcome possible for your family.

Why Families Turn to Lehmbecker Law's Federal Way Wrongful Death Lawyers

When a loved one’s death is caused by negligence, choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference. Families in Federal Way choose Lehmbecker Law because:

Our approach is simple: treat every client like family and handle every case as if it were our own.

Get a Free Consultation from Our Wrongful Death Attorneys in Federal Way

If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, our Federal Way wrongful death attorneys are here to guide you through this challenging time and fight for the compensation your family deserves.

We deliver results: Our attorneys have recovered substantial verdicts and settlements for Washington families.

We make legal help accessible: You pay no fees unless we win your case, so cost is never a barrier to 5-star representation.

We’ve been part of the community for decades: Since 1986, we’ve built trust with local families by fighting for justice and fairness.

We fight relentlessly: From negotiation strategy to the inside of courtrooms, we are your family’s voice and advocate fiercely to secure justice and fair compensation.

Contact Lehmbecker Law Today!

Let our Federal Way wrongful death attorneys help you pursue justice and protect your family’s future.

Request Free Consultation

Our Federal Way Wrongful Death Lawyers

Managing Attorney

Verdicts and Settlements

At Lehmbecker Law, we take pride in our strong track record of securing favorable verdicts and settlements for our clients. Our results reflect our commitment to meticulous preparation and fierce advocacy on behalf of those we represent.

Overcoming Negative Police Report

For a Client Wrongly Put at Fault

Lehmbecker Law overcomes a negative police report and secures the client compensation for his medical costs, pain and suffering, and property damage.

$185,000

For a Victim of DUI Accident in Dram Shop Case

Lehmbecker Law successfully recovers damages for a victim of a DUI accident and holds a bar accountable for over serving.

Lifetime Pension Awarded

For a Roofer After 5-Year Fight

Lehmbecker Law reaches a successful settlement for a family whose father was seriously injured.

$6M

FOR A CLIENT INJURED BY A VEHICLE WHILE WALKING

Lehmbecker Law reaches a successful settlement for a family whose father was seriously injured.

$1.8M

FOR A CONSTRUCTION WORKER WHO FELL INTO AN UNPROTECTED SHAFT

We also obtained a lifetime pension from worker’s compensation for this injured worker.

$62,500

For a Client Suffered From a Dog Attack

Our exceptional advocacy leads to a great outcome in a pit bull attack case, securing justice and compensation for the victim.

$45,000

For a Client Suffered From a Dog Bite

Lehmbecker Law secures victory in dog bite lawsuit, delivering justice and compensation to the victim.

$5.75M

FOR A GRANDFATHER STRUCK BY A YOUNG DRIVER

Finding a hidden $5M umbrella policy and making a compelling video from the Grandfather’s family helped us settle this case in less than a year.

$2.0M

FOR A MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CLIENT INJURED DURING A HEART PROCEDURE

We showed that the physician performed an unnecessary procedure that seriously injured our client.

$1.75M

FOR A WOMAN WITH A PERMANENT LEG INJURY

The insurance company didn’t believe she was that injured. We convinced them.

$2.0M

for an elderly woman who suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery

After being struck in a crosswalk by a delivery van.

$2.0M

for a young woman who suffered multiple orthopedic injuries

After being struck in a crosswalk by a taxicab.

$2.0M

for our client who suffered permanent cardiovascular impairment

After his surgeon attempted to perform an unnecessary procedure.

$1.75M

for our client who was hit in the front driver’s side of her vehicle

As she was driving straight through a green light in Kirkland, WA.

$675,000

for our client after she was hit by a driver failing to yield

While making a left turn.

$460,000

for our client

After being hit by a driver making an illegal U-turn.

$410,000

for our client when a piece of plywood fell onto his knee and punctured it

While working on a construction site.

$326,900

for our client

After being T-boned by a drunk driver.

$250,000

for our client who was crushed under a wall

While working on a construction site.

$250,000

for our client

After he and his dog were hit by a distracted driver who didn’t see them crossing the street.

$250,000

for our client

After his leg was broken in three places during a construction-site accident that occurred while he was working as a carpenter.

$250,000

for our client

After being hit and run side-swiped on the freeway (uninsured motorist claim).

$192,500

for our client

Who violently rear ended while traveling back to his office in the Seattle area.

$150,000

for our client

After being rear-ended while at a complete stop.

$150,000

for our client

after he slowed down to make a turn and was rear ended.

$150,000

for our client

After being hit twice within one year.

$90,000

for our client

After our client exited a restaurant, slipped on a mossy paving stone and fell, resulting in a broken ankle.

$60,000

for our client

After he was bitten by a dog in the leg while delivering a package.