Wrongful Death Bill Will Not Pass in 2010 | Seattle Wrongful Death Lawyer

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As a Seattle wrongful death lawyer I was very interested in the wrongful death bill that was before our legislature this year. In fact, I co-authored a book about Washington wrongful death that was waiting to go to the presses to see if the new proposed law would be adopted.

In Washington, the Wrongful Death Act currently places many limitations on the legal rights family members have in the case of thewrongful death of a person over the age of 18 with no children or spouse. Once someone reaches the age of 18 they are considered an adult under the law. Current Washington wrongful death law has a major loophole in it. If the victim of a wrongful death is 18 or older and they are unmarried with no children then several claims cannot be brought on the behalf of the victim unless his or her parents can prove that they were financially dependent on their child. In other words, once your child turns 18, if they are the victim of a wrongful death in Washington, you cannot sue for wrongful death unless you were financially dependent on the child. No justice can be sought for these victims who do not leave children or spouses behind. Despite many attempts by brave Democrats in the house and senate to modify the Wrongful Death act, the bill will not pass in 2010.

The Wrongful Death bill (2ESSB 6508) was passed by the House on March 4. However, the Senate did not accept the House version of the bill
When a husband loses a wife he is called a widower. When a wife loses a husband she is called a widow. There is no word in the English language for a parent that has lost a child because that loss is too deep to adequately communicate with words. Apparently, Republican leadership in the Washington State Senate does not feel that the loss of an adult child deserves justice.

This information is provided by Straight Talk Law, where you can order free books on Washington auto accidents, auto insurance, and other valuable legal information, offered as a public service by personal injury attorney and author Jason Epstein and his auto accident, motorcycle accident, and wrongful death law practice in Seattle, Washington.