Washington DC Wrongful Death Lawyer

At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve worked with many families facing the sudden and painful loss of a loved one due to someone else’s actions. We understand the emotional, financial, and legal toll these situations bring. Our legal team is committed to helping families during one of the most difficult times of their lives by seeking justice and financial accountability from those responsible.

Wrongful Death Lawyer Washington DC

A wrongful death case arises when someone loses their life due to another party’s negligent or reckless behavior. These cases are filed by surviving family members and are intended to hold the at-fault party accountable while helping the family recover damages related to the loss. Common causes include car crashes, medical negligence, defective products, workplace incidents, or unsafe property conditions.

Losing a loved one unexpectedly brings more than just emotional pain. It can also create sudden financial strain—especially when the person who passed away provided income or care for others. A wrongful death claim cannot undo the loss, but it can ease the financial impact and send a clear message that accountability matters.

Wrongful death damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and future earnings
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and care

These cases also give families a voice when something preventable has occurred. If a medical provider failed to follow safety standards or a company put profit ahead of safety, a legal claim helps expose those actions and discourage them in the future.

In D.C., wrongful death claims must generally be filed by a personal representative of the deceased’s estate. The process involves gathering evidence, identifying liable parties, and working within strict timeframes. Families facing this kind of loss are often overwhelmed, and it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where legal support becomes essential—to handle the process while allowing loved ones to focus on healing.

A Legal Team With Compassion And Results

At Cohen & Cohen, we take wrongful death cases personally. We’ve represented spouses, children, and parents seeking answers after devastating loss. Our team works quickly to preserve evidence, speak with witnesses, and document the full impact of the death on the family. We’ve recovered compensation in cases involving vehicle collisions, unsafe conditions, and medical care gone wrong.

What families appreciate about working with us:

• We maintain constant communication throughout the case
• We handle all legal and insurance matters so families don’t have to
• We never charge fees unless we win

Our goal is to guide our clients through this process with professionalism, care, and real results. Every case is handled with the attention and urgency it deserves.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s actions and need support, we’re here to help. Speak with our trusted Washington DC wrongful death lawyer today. Contact Cohen & Cohen for a free consultation, and let us discuss how we can pursue justice and compensation on your behalf.

Washington DC Wrongful Death Infographic

Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of the hardest experiences a family can go through. When that loss is caused by someone else’s careless actions, the pain is often made worse by the knowledge that it could have been prevented. At Cohen & Cohen, we represent families in wrongful death cases with the focus, respect, and attention these situations deserve. Our team helps clients hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of the loss.

Fatal Vehicle Accidents

Many wrongful death claims stem from fatal car, truck, or motorcycle accidents. These cases often involve drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, or reckless actions that result in deadly crashes. We’ve also handled cases where a defective vehicle part or poor road maintenance contributed to a fatal collision. In each case, we look closely at the evidence to determine who is at fault and pursue compensation for the surviving family members.

Medical Errors and Hospital Negligence

Medical professionals are expected to follow clear standards of care. When they don’t, the results can be devastating. We handle wrongful death cases involving surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, and failure to treat serious conditions. In hospital and clinical settings, delays in care or poor communication among staff can lead to avoidable deaths. These cases require detailed investigation and often involve expert opinions, but they are critical for families seeking answers.

Workplace Accidents

Some families lose a loved one due to a workplace incident. This can include construction accidents, equipment malfunctions, falls from heights, or exposure to dangerous substances. In some situations, workers’ compensation benefits apply, but in others—such as cases involving third-party contractors or safety violations—a wrongful death claim may also be appropriate. We evaluate every angle to determine what type of case applies and who should be held responsible.

Fatal Injuries from Unsafe Premises

Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe for visitors. When they fail to do so, the results can be fatal. We handle wrongful death claims related to unsafe conditions like falling objects, poor lighting, lack of security, or building code violations. These cases can involve apartment buildings, hotels, retail stores, or public spaces. Our team works to determine whether the property owner or manager failed in their responsibility to protect others.

Dangerous Products and Defective Equipment

In some wrongful death cases, the cause is a defective product—such as a faulty appliance, unsafe machinery, or a hazardous drug. These claims may involve manufacturers, distributors, or retailers who released a dangerous product to the public without proper testing or warnings. We handle these claims carefully, building a case around product design, manufacturing processes, and industry safety standards.

Each of these case types shares a common goal: to seek justice for a preventable loss. As a trusted Washington DC wrongful death lawyer, we approach every case with attention to detail, honest communication, and a commitment to getting results for families who deserve answers and accountability.

If your family has lost someone due to another party’s actions, you don’t have to go through this process alone. Contact Cohen & Cohen today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story and help you determine the next steps toward seeking justice and financial recovery.

Washington Wrongful Death Law Statistics

According to latest data from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, there were 4,238 medical malpractice claims between 2015 and 2019 that resulted in some type of expense to insurance companies

Changes to Wrongful Death Laws

The Washington State Legislature enacted SSB 5163, which expands both the categories of people who can sue for wrongful death and the types of damages they may recover.

7 Steps Our Lawyer Recommends After a Tragic Loss

The death of a loved one is always painful, but when that loss is due to someone else’s careless or reckless actions, the grief can feel even heavier. In the middle of shock and sorrow, families often find themselves unsure of what to do next. At Cohen & Cohen, we work with families who have lost someone due to wrongful death, and we understand how important those first few steps can be. Taking timely and careful action may help protect your legal rights and bring some measure of accountability.

Request and Preserve All Medical Records

If your loved one received any medical treatment before passing, request complete copies of their medical records as soon as possible. These documents often provide early clues about what went wrong. Whether it was a car crash, medical mistake, or workplace incident, having the full medical file helps establish the timeline and cause of death. Keep all records stored in a safe place.

Obtain a Death Certificate

A certified copy of the death certificate will be required for any legal claim. Make sure to review it for accuracy, especially the section listing the cause of death. If it appears vague or unclear, that may be something your legal team will want to investigate further. You can usually obtain this through the funeral home or vital records office.

Keep a Record of Expenses

Funeral and burial costs can add up quickly. So can other related expenses like medical bills, travel, or counseling. Start keeping detailed receipts from day one. These records may be used later when calculating the total financial impact of the loss for a wrongful death claim.

Document Communication With Others Involved

If insurance companies, law enforcement, or other parties reach out, write down who you spoke with and what was discussed. Save copies of emails or letters. Avoid making any statements or signing documents before speaking with a legal professional. Early conversations can shape the direction of a case, so it’s important to proceed with care.

Identify Any Witnesses

If anyone saw what happened or had important information leading up to the incident, try to get their names and contact information. This can include coworkers, neighbors, medical staff, or bystanders. Witness statements are often key to building a strong case and understanding how the event unfolded.

Avoid Posting on Social Media

In the aftermath of a tragic loss, it’s natural to want to share thoughts or memories. But public posts—even those that seem harmless—can be misinterpreted or used later in ways that hurt your claim. It’s best to keep details off social media until you’ve spoken to our attorneys.

Contact Our Wrongful Death Lawyer Early

Wrongful death cases involve strict legal timelines and important filing requirements. Speaking with our Washington DC wrongful death lawyer early in the process gives your family the chance to understand your rights and what steps to take. Legal guidance at this stage can help preserve evidence and prevent costly mistakes.

If your family is facing the aftermath of a wrongful death, we’re here to support you with compassion and experience. Contact Cohen & Cohen today for a free consultation. Let us help you take the right steps during this difficult time and fight for the accountability your loved one deserves.

Wrongful Death Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common causes of wrongful death?

The causes that contribute to a fatality being defined as wrongful are vary widely. Generally speaking, plaintiffs must be able to demonstrate the presence of basic elements that imply that the death was wrongful. The most commonly encountered causes of wrongful death:

• Injuries sustained during birth
• Medical malpractice
• Motorcycle accidents
• Commercial trucking accidents
• Car accidents
• Hazardous work conditions
• Exposure to hazards at work
• Defective products
• Premises liability accidents
• Daycare accidents
• Field Trip accidents
• Nursing home neglect
• Criminal violence

What are the essential components of a successful wrongful death lawsuit?

Generally with most wrongful death claims, there are these four components that need to be proved or otherwise demonstrated in order for the lawsuit to be successful. Negligence, breach of duty, causation, and damages are the four key components of a successful wrongful death lawsuit.

What is negligence in a wrongful death lawsuit?

The plaintiff and their legal representation must prove that the fatality was either partially or completely as a result of negligence on behalf of the defendant. Negligence is simply defined as actions that demonstrate carelessness, or failure to use reasonable care, resulting in damage or injury to another.

How does the defendant failing to carry out their duties influence my claim?

In law this is referred to as breach of duty. For the fatality to be deemed as wrongful, the plaintiff must prove that they were owed a duty by the defendant. For example, an owner of a brick and mortar retail store must ensure that the premises is safe for customers and visitors at all times. Similarly, healthcare providers accept the duty of protecting the health of their patient, and make them sufficiently aware of potential risks associated with their treatment.

Furthermore, a plaintiff must be able to demonstrate that there was a duty in existence at the time of death, and that duty was in fact breached as a direct result of negligent actions on behalf of the defendant

What is causation in a wrongful death claim?

In addition to proving a breach of duty, the plaintiff must demonstrate how the negligent action of the defendant caused the fatality in question. Proving how the negligent actions, and subsequent breach of duties is an essential component of proving the viability of wrongful death claim.

What damages are quantifiable in wrongful death claims?

The damages that were sustained that led to and/or as a result of the wrongful death must be quantifiable. Such damages that you and your lawyer may highlight in your case may include:

• Hospitalizations
• Medical bills and related expenses
• Costs of the funeral
• Loss of earning potential
• Inability to work or generate income
• Pain and suffering

Wrongful death lawsuits require the care and attention to detail that only an experienced lawyer that specializes in wrongful death can provide. With the assistance of a compassionate and knowledgeable lawyer, you are one step closer to justice.

Cohen & Cohen – Washington DC Wrongful Death Law Firm

1730 Rhode Island Ave NW # 410
Washington, DC 20036

Washington Wrongful Death Lawyer Google Review

“Great service, prompt and personable staff. Jill was very helpful. She was redemptive and available to answer any questions. I was able to express my needs and concerns receiving knowledgeable feedback from the staff.” – Mark A.

Cohen & Cohen: The Right Lawyer on Your Side

Lawyers at Cohen & Cohen, are ready and waiting to hear your story and answer any questions you might have. Through a willful determination to fight for your pain and suffering, we work hard to get maximum compensation for our clients. To schedule your free consultation with a Washington wrongful death lawyer, please call (202) 955-4529.

Bringing a legal claim after a loved one passes as the result of an accident may seem as though it will offer little consolation. There is no real way to recover what you have lost and no remedy that comes close to compensating you fairly. Nevertheless, pursuing damages may give you and your family much needed support during this difficult time. Consulting with a Washington DC Wrongful Death Lawyer is a good idea.