Vancouver Wrongful Death Lawyer | Harlan Law Firm
If you are searching for a wrongful death lawyer in Vancouver, WA, you need someone who will fight. Harlan Law Firm has the experience and resources to hold negligent parties accountable. Whether your loved one was killed in a car accident, trucking accident, or an act of medical malpractice, our team is here to help.
Call 360-735-8200 | Get Your Free Consultation | After Hours & Text: 360-281-3530
Losing someone you love is devastating. When that loss is the result of another party's carelessness, recklessness, or deliberate misconduct, the grief can be compounded by anger, confusion, and financial strain. As the personal representative of your loved one's estate, you have the right to file a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for your losses.
Washington law allows surviving families to recover damages including medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The statute of limitations in Washington is generally three (3) years from the date of death; waiting too long to take legal action can forfeit your right to file a wrongful death lawsuit entirely.
Our wrongful death lawyers offer free, confidential consultations. There is no cost to speak with us, and we only collect a fee if we win your wrongful death case. Our Vancouver wrongful death attorneys are committed to your family, we are ready to listen and ready to fight. Our wrongful death claims practice serves families throughout Clark County and the greater Portland metro.
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Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Vancouver WA
Wrongful death can result from many types of accidents and negligence. Our attorneys have handled cases involving all of the following and more:
Car Accidents. Speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, and failure to yield are leading causes of fatal collisions in Clark County. When a driver's negligence costs a life, families can pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party and their insurer. Learn more about our car accident practice.
Medical Malpractice. Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, and failure to treat a known condition can all form the basis of a wrongful death lawsuit against a physician, hospital, or healthcare provider. Learn more about medical malpractice.
Trucking Accidents. Collisions involving commercial semi-trucks are often catastrophic. Trucking companies and their insurers fight these claims hard, which is why you need experienced wrongful death attorneys on your side. Learn more about our trucking accident practice.
Defective Products. When a manufacturer, designer, or distributor puts a dangerous product into the marketplace, they can be held liable if that product causes a fatality. Product liability claims may be filed alongside, or independent of, a wrongful death claim.
Motorcycle Accidents. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on Vancouver-area roads. When another driver's carelessness causes a fatal crash, the victim's family has the right to pursue full compensation. Learn more about our motorcycle accident practice.
Premises Liability. Falls, drowning, fires, and other hazards on unsafe properties can result in wrongful death. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors and guests.
Pedestrian Fatalities. Pedestrians struck by motor vehicles have little protection. If a driver fails to yield, runs a red light, or drives under the influence, the family of a deceased pedestrian can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Learn more about our pedestrian injury practice.
Commercial Liquor Liability. Washington's dram shop laws may hold bars and restaurants responsible when they over-serve a patron who then causes a fatal accident. Our firm handles commercial liquor liability cases as part of wrongful death representation. Learn more about our liquor liability practice.
Work with a Vancouver Wrongful Death Lawyer
You have 3 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death action in Washington State.
The sooner you contact a wrongful death lawyer, the more time our team has to investigate, gather evidence, and build a strong case for you. Missing this deadline may forfeit your right to compensation.
What Does A Wrongful Death Attorney Do?
From your first call through resolution, Harlan Law Firm walks with you every step of the way. Our attorneys handle every legal detail with care and precision, allowing your family to focus on healing. We serve as your advocates, investigators, and negotiators, ensuring your loved one’s story is fully heard and justice is pursued.
Step 1: Free Case Evaluation
We listen to your story, explain your rights, and answer your questions with zero obligation and zero cost. During this consultation, we help you understand your legal options and outline the next steps if you choose to move forward. You’ll never have to wonder what comes next—we’ll guide you with honesty and clarity. Start by filling out our contact form, or by calling (360) 735-8200.
Step 2: Investigation & Evidence Gathering
Our team gathers police reports, medical records, witness statements, expert opinions, and any other evidence needed to prove negligence. We also consult with accident reconstructionists, financial experts, and other professionals to build a strong factual foundation. Every detail matters when it comes to holding the responsible party accountable.
Step 3: Building Your Case
We calculate the full value of your losses, including future damages, so insurance companies cannot low-ball your family. This includes lost income, emotional suffering, medical costs, and loss of companionship. Our goal is to ensure your claim tells the complete story of your family’s loss, both emotionally and financially.
Step 4: Negotiation/Litigation
We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. If the other side won’t do right by your family, we take them to trial. Our attorneys are skilled litigators who prepare every case as if it will be presented before a jury, ensuring we’re ready for any scenario that leads to justice.
Step 5: Resolution & Recovery
Whether through settlement or verdict, we fight to put your family in the strongest possible financial position and achieve the accountability your loved one deserves. After resolution, we help ensure the recovery process is handled smoothly so you can move forward with financial peace of mind. Our mission is to help you find closure and a sense of justice after unimaginable loss.
Speak to a Wrongful Death Lawyer (Vancouver, WA)
Why Choose Harlan Law Firm, Vancouver Wrongful Death Lawyers?
Choosing the right law firm for a wrongful death claim is one of the most important decisions your family will make. Here is why Vancouver families trust Beau Harlan:
- Mr. Harlan is a former prosecutor with real courtroom experience. Beau Harlan's background as a former state prosecutor and assistant district attorney gives him a distinct advantage in understanding how opposing counsel thinks, how insurance companies operate, and what it takes to win in front of a jury.
- Our firm has been in practice since 1993. With more than 30 years of legal experience and a focus on personal injury and wrongful death since 2006, Beau Harlan has built a reputation in the Vancouver-Portland metro area for tough, dedicated, and compassionate representation. Read our client reviews.
- Our results speak for themselves. When insurance companies refused to offer a fair settlement in one car accident case, we went to trial and won $200,000 for our client after they had been offered only $38,000. Results like that are why Vancouver families call us first.
- We take no fee unless we win. We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and our fee comes only from a successful settlement or verdict. If we don't win, you owe us nothing.
- We are proudly licensed in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Many wrongful death cases in the Vancouver area involve cross-border issues, with accidents or incidents occurring in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Beau Harlan is fully licensed in both states and can handle claims on either side of the Columbia River.
Work with a Vancouver Wrongful Death Lawyer
Frequently Asked Questions on Vancouver WA Wrongful Death Claims
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Washington state?
Under Washington law, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased's estate. This is typically the executor named in the will, or a person appointed by a court. Our attorneys can help you understand your standing and guide you through the process of establishing legal authority to file.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Washington?
Washington's statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally three (3) years from the date of your loved one's death. There are limited exceptions: for example, if the death involved a government entity or if the victim was a minor. In most cases, waiting too long means losing your right to take legal action entirely. Call us now to begin your claim.
What kind of compensation is available in a wrongful death lawsuit?
Washington’s wrongful death laws allow surviving family members and the estate’s representative to pursue compensation for both financial losses and emotional suffering caused by a loved one’s death. Recoverable damages often include medical and funeral costs, lost income and future earnings, loss of household services, and compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of companionship.
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?
A wrongful death lawsuit compensates the surviving family members for their own losses: grief, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and so on. A survival action, on the other hand, is filed on behalf of the deceased's estate and pursues damages that the deceased would have been able to claim had they survived. In many Washington wrongful death cases, both types of claims are filed simultaneously. Our attorneys will evaluate whether both apply in your situation.
Can I file a wrongful death claim even if a criminal case is pending?
Yes. A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action separate from any criminal prosecution. Even if the responsible party is acquitted in criminal court, or if no criminal charges are ever filed, you can still pursue a civil wrongful death claim. Many families have successfully recovered compensation even when a criminal conviction was not obtained. Speak with our team to understand your options.
What does it cost to hire a wrongful death attorney?
Our fee is a percentage of your recovery; we only collect compensation for our work if we win. If we don't obtain compensation for your family, you owe us nothing. Your initial free consultation is also completely no-cost and no-obligation.
Can a wrongful death claim be filed if the accident involved medical malpractice?
Yes; in fact, medical malpractice is one of the most common bases for wrongful death cases. If a doctor, nurse, hospital, or other healthcare provider failed to meet the applicable standard of care and your loved one died as a result, your family may have a viable wrongful death claim. Visit our article library for more information on how medical negligence cases work.
What if my loved one was partially at fault for the accident?
Your family can still recover compensation even if your loved one bore some responsibility for the accident. The total award is simply reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if your loved one was found 20% at fault and the total damages are $500,000, your family would recover $400,000. Insurance companies often try to inflate the deceased's percentage of fault to minimize their payout: another reason experienced legal representation is essential.
If you've lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence in Vancouver WA or the greater Portland area, don't face the legal system alone. Call Harlan Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Vancouver wrongful death attorney.
Call 360-735-8200 | After Hours & Text: 360-281-3530 | Request Your Free Consultation