Case Results
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.
$3,660,000
Wrongful Death
Wrongful deaths of two minor children in highway collision with truck in Thurston County.
$2,363,340
Firefighters, Wrongful Death
Line of duty wrongful death of Western Washington firefighter.
$1,100,000
Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse, Wrongful Death
Nursing home wrongful death of south Puget Sound vulnerable adult neglect and abandonment.
$675,000
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death arising from failure to assess and monitor patient.
$550,000
Wrongful Death
Premises liability fall caused brain bleed and death for 80 year old on exterior stairs of multifamily residence in Pierce County.
$500,000
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death of child in health care facility.
What Is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death claim may arise in Washington when a person's death is caused by another person or organization's negligence, recklessness, or other wrongful conduct. The action is generally brought by the decedent's personal representative for the benefit of eligible family members. While no legal action can undo the loss, a wrongful death claim can provide accountability and compensation for the economic and noneconomic losses resulting from the death.
Wrongful death claims may arise from many different circumstances, including vehicle crashes, workplace accidents, nursing home neglect, dangerous property conditions, defective products, and other preventable incidents.
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Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Construction Site Wrongful Death
Fatal construction accidents often involve falls, crushing injuries, electrocutions, heavy equipment, unsafe worksites, or OSHA safety violations.
Nursing Home & Vulnerable Adult Wrongful Death
When abuse, neglect, dehydration, falls, medication errors, or inadequate medical care contribute to the death of a vulnerable adult, families may have legal options.
Workplace Wrongful Death
Some workplace fatalities involve third-party negligence, defective equipment, unsafe premises, or other circumstances beyond workers' compensation.
Fatal Vehicle Accidents
Representing families after fatal car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, bicycle, commercial vehicle, and other catastrophic transportation accidents.
What Should You Do After a Wrongful Death?
1.
Preserve Important Information
Keep accident reports, medical records, photographs, insurance information, and any communications related to the incident.
2.
Avoid Early Settlement Decisions
Insurance companies may contact families soon after a fatal accident. Before accepting a settlement or providing recorded statements, understand your legal rights.
3.
Identify and Preserve Potential Evidence
Surveillance footage, vehicle data, facility records, workplace records, inspection reports, and other evidence may be lost or overwritten if it is not preserved promptly.
4.
Determine Who May Be Responsible
Wrongful death claims often involve multiple responsible parties, including individuals, companies, employers, healthcare providers, property owners, manufacturers, or government agencies.
5.
Speak With an Attorney
Early legal guidance can help preserve evidence, identify all potential claims, and ensure important legal deadlines are protected.
Why Choose Ron Meyers & Associates for Wrongful Death Cases?
40+ Years Representing Families After Preventable Deaths
For more than four decades, we've handled Washington wrongful death cases involving fatal crashes, workplace and construction accidents, nursing home neglect, defective products, and other serious negligence.
Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation
Ron Meyers is a member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums, reflecting significant results in serious injury and wrongful death litigation.
Cases That Helped Shape Washington Law
Ron Meyers has successfully argued cases before the Washington Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, bringing appellate-level experience to complex wrongful death and liability disputes.
NITA Master Advocate
Wrongful death litigation can require complex liability evidence, expert testimony, and substantial damages analysis, making advanced trial advocacy especially important when a case cannot be fairly resolved.
Lifetime Recognition for Advocating for Injured People and Families
Ron Meyers received the Washington State Trial Lawyers Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing decades of advocacy for people harmed by negligence and the families affected by preventable loss.
Client Reviews
When you’re facing a catastrophic injury, the loss of a loved one, or concerns about the care of a vulnerable adult, choosing the right legal team matters. Hear from clients and families who trusted Ron Meyers & Associates to guide them through some of life’s most difficult moments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death
What is considered wrongful death under Washington law?
A wrongful death occurs when a person's death is caused by another party's negligent, reckless, or wrongful conduct. Washington law allows certain surviving family members or representatives to pursue compensation under specific circumstances.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Washington?
A Washington wrongful death action is generally brought by the deceased person's personal representative for the benefit of eligible beneficiaries, which may include a spouse or registered domestic partner, children or stepchildren, and, in certain circumstances, parents or siblings.
What compensation may be available?
Depending on the circumstances, damages may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost financial support, loss of services, and other losses recognized under Washington law.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim?
Washington law establishes deadlines for filing wrongful death lawsuits. Because those deadlines vary depending on the facts of the case, families should seek legal guidance as soon as possible.
Can multiple parties be responsible for a wrongful death?
Yes. Many wrongful death cases involve more than one responsible party, such as employers, contractors, healthcare providers, manufacturers, government agencies, or multiple drivers.
Do all fatal accidents result in a wrongful death claim?
No. A successful wrongful death claim generally requires evidence that another party's negligence or wrongful conduct caused or contributed to the death.
Will the case have to go to trial?
Many wrongful death claims resolve through negotiation or mediation, while others require litigation. The appropriate approach depends on the facts of the case and the parties involved.
Talk With a Washington Wrongful Death Attorney
If you've lost a loved one because of someone else's negligence, Ron Meyers & Associates can help you understand your legal options. We'll answer your questions, explain the process, and help you determine the best path forward.