

A single phone call from the hospital or the police can unexpectedly end one chapter of your family's life and start an entirely different one. If someone else's negligence caused this tragedy, Washington law gives you a way to hold them accountable and recover what your family needs to move forward.
Our compassionate Redmond wrongful death lawyers handle the legal fight so you can focus on your family.
At Lehmbecker Law, we know that a wrongful death claim is never just a simple legal file. It represents a traumatic event in your life and a person your family misses every single day. Since 1986, our attorneys have guided Washington families through the aftermath of horrible and preventable tragedies, from the first phone call through settlement or trial.
We take time to understand what your loved one meant to your family and what your household has lost, financially and otherwise. From there, we build a claim that reflects the full weight of that loss, not just the number an insurance company wants to offer.
Washington law defines a wrongful death as a death caused by another party's wrongful act, neglect, default, or omission that would have entitled the injured person to file a personal injury claim had they survived. In other words, if the circumstances leading to the death could have supported a lawsuit while the person was still alive, the family generally has a valid wrongful death claim once that person passes away.
This standard covers a wide range of situations, from a fatal car crash caused by a distracted driver to a preventable death in a hospital or on a job site. The common thread is that someone else's carelessness or misconduct, not chance or natural causes, took your loved one's life.
A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies because of another party's negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct. Washington law allows the personal representative of the deceased's estate to pursue compensation on behalf of surviving family members.
In Redmond, wrongful death cases commonly stem from:
Our attorneys investigate each case thoroughly, working with accident reconstructionists and medical professionals to determine exactly what happened and who bears responsibility.
Liability in a wrongful death case depends on who acted carelessly or unlawfully, and that isn't always the person most obviously connected to the incident. Our Redmond wrongful death lawyers dig into every case to identify each party whose conduct contributed to the death.
Parties who may be held liable include:
More than one party can share responsibility for a single death, and Washington law allows families to pursue compensation from all of them.
Washington law is specific about who may bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Under RCW 4.20.020, the personal representative of the deceased's estate files the claim, typically on behalf of:
If you are unsure whether you qualify, our Redmond wrongful death lawyers can review your family's situation during a free consultation and clearly explain your options.
Most wrongful death claims come down to proving negligence, and that requires more than showing something tragic happened. Washington law requires your attorney to establish four elements before a court will award compensation.
We build this proof through police reports, medical records, witness statements, and, when needed, testimony from accident reconstructionists or medical professionals. Strong evidence early in the case makes it far harder for an insurance company to dispute liability later.
Washington does not cap damages in wrongful death cases, and families may recover both economic and non-economic losses. The right amount depends on the deceased's age, income, family role, and the circumstances of the death.
Compensation may include:
We work with economists and vocational specialists when needed to make sure your claim reflects the true financial impact of your loss, not just the immediate bills.
Grief makes it hard to think about paperwork and deadlines. Our firm manages every stage of the process so you can step back from the legal side while we build your case.
You will hear from us regularly throughout the process, so you always know where your case stands.
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Talk to Lehmbecker Law about what happened, who's responsible, and what your family may be owed. We'll answer your questions honestly and lay out your options with no pressure. The consultation costs nothing.
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Choosing a wrongful death attorney is a significant decision during an already painful time. Here's what our clients can count on:
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Decades of trial experience: Since 1986, we have handled complex negligence claims across Washington State and know how defense attorneys operate.
No fees unless you recover: We advance case costs and collect nothing unless we win compensation for your family.
Statewide representation: We serve Redmond and communities throughout Washington.
Direct attorney access: You work with a real attorney, not just paralegals and case managers.
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Our exceptional attorneys have recovered significant compensation for grieving families across the state, and we have watched that recovery help them find real closure once the responsible party was held accountable.
Our dedicated team is ready to review your case and walk you through your options. The consultation is free, and there's no obligation.
Our Redmond wrongful death attorneys represent families throughout the Eastside and beyond, including:
If you want to call: (425) 455-3186
If you want to email: info@lehmlaw.com
No. Criminal and civil cases follow separate processes and standards of proof. You can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit even if criminal charges were never filed, reduced, or resulted in an acquittal, because a civil claim only requires a preponderance of the evidence.
Most wrongful death claims settle before trial. Even so, we prepare every case as though it will go before a jury. Insurance companies tend to offer fairer settlements when they know your attorney is fully prepared to litigate.
We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, so your family pays nothing upfront and owes us nothing unless we recover compensation. Our fee comes out of the final settlement or verdict as a percentage we'll explain clearly during your free consultation, so there are no surprises later.
No attorney can promise a specific outcome, since every case turns on its own facts and evidence. What improves a family's chances is a thorough investigation, clear proof of negligence, and an attorney willing to prepare for trial rather than settle for less than the case is worth. We'll give you an honest assessment of your case's strengths during your free consultation.
Many wrongful death cases resolve within 12 to 24 months, though cases involving multiple defendants or disputed liability can take longer. We work to move your case forward efficiently, but we never rush a settlement that shortchanges your family.