Wrongful Death Attorney in Spokane

An unexpected, preventable death can leave families shattered. Beyond the grief, some questions demand answers, and bills that keep arriving. Washington law exists to make negligent parties pay for the damage they cause. It will not undo the loss, but it can force accountability and provide financial relief when your family needs it most.

Our Spokane wrongful death attorneys take on the legal burden so you can focus on what matters: your family and the memory of the person you lost.

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Years in Business

1,000+

Of Cases Won

Spokane Wrongful Death Lawyers Who Stand with Grieving Families

At Lehmbecker Law, we understand that behind every wrongful death case is a family in crisis. You did not ask for this fight, but now you are in it. Our job is to carry the weight of litigation while you process an unimaginable loss.

Since 1986, we have represented Washington families in complex wrongful death matters. We know how insurance companies operate, what defense attorneys will argue, and how to build cases that hold up in court. More importantly, we treat every client like a person, not a file number.

What Leads to Wrongful Death Claims in Spokane

A wrongful death claim arises when someone dies because another person or entity acted carelessly, recklessly, or with intent to harm. Washington law allows surviving family members to seek compensation from those responsible.

Spokane wrongful death cases commonly involve:

Traffic collisions: Fatal car accidents, truck crashes, and motorcycle wrecks caused by speeding, distraction, or impaired driving.
Construction and workplace fatalities: Deaths at job sites due to safety violations, defective equipment, or negligent contractors. Workers' compensation may also apply.
Medical negligence: Fatal misdiagnoses, surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, and failure to treat serious conditions.
Premises hazards: Deadly slip and fall incidents, structural collapses, fires, or drownings on poorly maintained properties.
Dangerous products: Defective vehicles, machinery, appliances, or medications that cause fatal injuries.
Dog attacks: Fatal maulings when owners fail to restrain or control aggressive animals.

We investigate each case thoroughly, working with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and forensic specialists to determine exactly what happened and who is liable.

Who Has the Right to File a Spokane Wrongful Death Claim

Washington law designates specific individuals who may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. The claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate, acting on behalf of eligible beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries entitled to compensation typically include:

The surviving spouse or registered domestic partner
Children, including adopted and stepchildren
Dependents who relied on the deceased for financial support

If no spouse or children exist, parents and siblings may have standing to file, provided they can show dependency or a close relationship with the deceased.

Our attorneys help families determine eligibility, appoint a personal representative if needed, and ensure claims are filed properly from the start.

When a Child Dies Due to Negligence in Spokane

The death of a child defies comprehension. No parent should have to bury their son or daughter because someone else was careless.

Washington law allows parents or legal guardians to pursue wrongful death claims for minor children. For adult children, parents may file if they maintained a genuine, ongoing relationship. Courts examine the nature of that bond carefully.

Our team handles these cases with the sensitivity they require, guiding parents through each step while fighting aggressively for the compensation they deserve.

Spokane Wrongful Death Filing Deadlines

According to RCW 4.16.080, Washington imposes a three-year statute of limitations on wrongful death claims, measured from the date of death. File after that window closes, and the court will likely throw out your case.

Some exceptions exist. Cases involving medical malpractice or delayed discovery of the cause of death may have modified deadlines. Claims against government entities often require faster action.

Do not assume you have time. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and defendants prepare their defenses. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

Damages Recoverable in Spokane Wrongful Death Cases

Washington law permits families to recover both economic and non-economic damages. The specific amount depends on factors such as the deceased's age, income, family role, and the circumstances of the death.

Compensation may cover:

Hospital bills, emergency treatment, and end-of-life care
Funeral and burial costs
Lost wages and future income that the deceased would have earned
Value of household services, childcare, and guidance
Loss of inheritance
Pain and suffering experienced by survivors
Loss of companionship, love, and consortium

Our attorneys calculate damages carefully, consulting economists and vocational experts when necessary to ensure your claim reflects the full scope of your loss.

How a Spokane Wrongful Death Lawsuit Unfolds

Legal proceedings can feel overwhelming when you are grieving. Our firm handles every phase of litigation so you can step back from the courtroom stress.

Free consultation: We review the facts, answer your questions, and explain whether you have a viable claim.
Investigation: Our team collects police reports, medical records, employment documents, and witness accounts. We bring in experts to analyze evidence.
Claim filing: We prepare and file the lawsuit in the appropriate Washington court, naming all potentially liable parties.
Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and request documents. This phase reveals the strengths and weaknesses of each position.
Negotiation: We engage with insurers and defense counsel to pursue a fair settlement. Most cases resolve here, but we never accept less than your family deserves.
Trial: If negotiations stall, we present your case to a jury. Our attorneys have decades of courtroom experience and are fully prepared to go the distance.
Distribution: Once compensation is secured, we ensure funds are distributed to eligible beneficiaries in accordance with Washington law.

You will receive regular updates throughout the process. We return calls, answer emails, and make sure you always know where your case stands.

Why Spokane Families Choose Lehmbecker Law

Choosing a wrongful death attorney is a significant decision. You need someone who will fight hard, communicate clearly, and treat your family with respect. That is exactly what we deliver.

At Lehmbecker Law, we have recovered millions for grieving families. More than that, we have helped them find a measure of closure when the legal system held wrongdoers accountable.

Someone Should Answer for What Happened. We Can Make That Happen.

If your loved one died because of another party's negligence, our Spokane wrongful death attorneys are ready to pursue every dollar your family is owed.

40 years of trial experience: We have seen every defense tactic and know how to dismantle them.

Zero fees unless you win: We advance all costs and collect nothing if your case does not succeed.

Statewide reach: Our firm serves Spokane and communities across Washington.

Direct attorney access: You work with experienced attorneys, in addition to paralegals and legal assistants.

Speak with a Spokane Wrongful Death Attorney Now

Our legal team is ready to review your case and explain your options. The consultation costs nothing. Call Lehmbecker Law today.

Our Spokane Wrongful Death Lawyers

Managing Attorney

Verdicts and Settlements

Explore our impressive record of favorable verdicts and settlements, which showcases our success in securing just compensation for our clients.

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.