Washington DC Supreme Court

DC Wrongful Death Lawyer Seeking Justice for Families Left Behind by Wrongful Death Victims

Losing a loved one unexpectedly and accidentally is one of the greatest disasters imaginable.

Allyson lost her sister to a car crash and knows what it means to walk with clients through these dark days. Feelings of grief and rage can be overwhelming, especially when combined with the confusing legal process that ensues.

When a family member dies, having a DC wrongful death lawyer will help you focus on your family and your recovery instead of dealing with legal disputes.

We are committed to helping families cope with the burden of wrongful death and have a proven track record of success. While no amount of compensation can erase the pain of a life lost too early, we work tirelessly to protect your family’s interests and hold the at-fault party accountable.

What is the Rush? How Soon Do We Need a Washington DC Wrongful Death Lawyer?

Hiring a wrongful death lawyer in Washington DC sometimes should be a “rush” and other times can wait a few months so emotions have time to settle. If there are serious questions about what happened, it is important to move fast.

For example, if a loved one died under suspicious circumstances, it would be important to take action to make sure any surveillance footage is located and preserved. It would also be important to move quickly if the death arises from a car crash with a commercial vehicle – obtaining dash cam footage would be important. Data often disappears, and it's important to find it and preserve it while it's fresh.

On the other hand, sometimes we know what happened and the police are involved. If that is the case, don’t let “find a lawyer” be something that adds more stress to a terrible situation. The statute of limitations for wrongful death in DC is two years (DC Code § 16–2702).

Why Hiring a DC Wrongful Death Lawyer Matters

We know that after losing a loved one, the last thing you want to deal with is the legal mess that follows.

Unfortunately, the work has to be done—evidence needs to be gathered before it disappears, insurance companies have to be notified, and sometimes law enforcement or hospitals are involved. Trying to handle all of that on your own while grieving is just too much.

Without the right wrongful death lawyer in DC by your side, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Insurance companies might push low offers, and keeping up with paperwork and deadlines can feel impossible. Worse, you might look back and realize you didn’t get the help or compensation you truly needed to rebuild your life.

That’s where Washington DC wrongful death lawyers like us can help.

We’ll take on the legal burden, handle the tough stuff, and make sure you’re not left wondering what happened, or what more could’ve been done. You deserve to focus on your family and your healing, and we will be here to handle the rest.

We Understand Your Concerns

We get it—hiring a wrongful death lawyer in Washington DC can feel intimidating. You might be worried about the cost, or maybe you think you can handle things on your own. But the truth is, the legal process is often much more complicated than it seems.

Insurance companies are experts at protecting their own interests, and without someone in your corner, it’s hard to know if you’re being treated fairly. Trying to take it all on by yourself can leave you feeling drained, second-guessing your decisions, and unsure of what’s next.

We are here to make sure that doesn’t happen. You don’t have to go through this alone.

How Kitchel Law Can Help

From the moment you reach out, my team and I are here to take the burden off your shoulders.

We’ll handle the calls, the paperwork, and all the legal details, so you don’t have to. That gives you the space to focus on what matters most—being with your family in these trying times—while we work hard to get the best possible outcome for you.

We’ll make sure you always know what’s going on with your case. You’ll get regular updates and clear communication, so you never feel left in the dark.

When you choose Kitchel Law, you’re choosing a team that truly cares and has your back.

Let Kitchel Law take care of the legal issues, so you can focus on moving forward.


Types of Wrongful Death Cases in DC

Wrongful death unfortunately occurs every day, and each case is as unique as the person lost. If you’re seeking a DC wrongful death lawyer to guide you through this painful time, we’re here to help with extensive experience navigating these cases in Washington, DC.

In Washington, DC, we see loved ones lost due to distracted drivers, drivers who roll through crosswalks without stopping, reckless fire trucks, medical malpractice, bicycle accidents, or pedestrian accidents.

No matter the cause, these cases are emotionally overwhelming and legally complex.

At Kitchel Law, we bring deep expertise and strategic skills to every wrongful death case we handle.

With years of experience navigating complex legal matters against DC hospitals, drivers, and even the DC Government, we are committed to helping families secure both justice and financial recovery.

Our approach is thorough and relentless, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. While we understand the emotional toll of losing a loved one, we are equally focused on delivering the best possible results, so you can trust that your case is in capable hands.

Whether your loved one’s death was caused by a reckless driver, a negligent healthcare provider, or another preventable situation, we are here to navigate the legal process on your behalf as your Washington DC wrongful death lawyer.

Our goal is to give you the support you need while holding those responsible accountable.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle:

  • Car Accidents
  • Commercial and Government Truck Accidents
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Bicycle Accidents
  • Pedestrian Accidents

Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case

I know firsthand that no amount of money can ever replace the loss of someone you love.

But in a wrongful death case, the compensation you seek can help ease the financial burden and provide security for your family’s future. It also means holding the at-fault party accountable. After all, this is why we all have insurance, in case the worst happens. If you don’t make a wrongful death claim, insurance companies get to line their pockets with insurance coverage intended for these very situations.

A world where people are held accountable for carelessness is a safer world. And in our country, money is how we hold people accountable. Money can offer a way to begin rebuilding your life, even when it feels like everything has changed.

In Washington, DC, compensation may include:

  • Funeral and burial costs, so your family doesn’t have to shoulder the financial strain of the loss.

  • Medical bills, covering the hospital care your loved one received before their passing.

  • Loss of financial support, including the wages and benefits your loved one would have earned over their lifetime.

  • Loss of services, such as the guidance, companionship, and support your loved one provided to your family.

It’s important to understand that while DC law doesn’t allow for damages related to grief or emotional pain, there is no cap on the amount of compensation that can be awarded. At Kitchel Law, we are skilled at threading this complex legal needle. We did it for DeAngelo Green’s family.

The final amount is determined by a judge or jury, based on the true impact this loss has had on your family’s life.

How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer DC Cost?

Nothing. After losing my own family member in a car crash, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to even think about hiring a wrongful death lawyer Washington DC. Please don’t worry about cost.

You’re already facing funeral costs, medical bills, and trying to process the grief.

It is a lot to handle, and we understand that.

At Kitchel Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you won’t pay anything upfront.

Here’s what that looks like:

  • No Upfront Costs: You won’t pay out of pocket to hire us. Our fee comes from a percentage of the compensation we recover for you.

  • Percentage-Based Fee: Our typical fee is between 33-40% of the settlement, depending on how far your case goes.

  • No Financial Risk: If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you.

Sometimes, cases come with costs like court fees or expert witnesses.

But don’t worry—we cover those upfront. You’ll only pay us back if we win your case, and we’ll always walk you through these costs ahead of time, so there are no surprises.

Our goal is to take the financial stress off your shoulders, so you can focus on healing while our team takes care of everything else.


Why Choose Kitchel Law as Your DC Wrongful Death Lawyer 

Experience Rooted in Personal Loss 

WE know how devastating it is to lose a loved one unexpectedly—our family has faced the same heartache, and I’ve walked that painful road myself. That personal experience is what drives us every day to help families like yours find justice.  

With over two decades of legal experience in Washington, DC, Allyson bring both the deep knowledge and strategic insight needed to handle even the most complex wrongful death cases.  

Having practiced in DC since 2004 and spending most of her adult life living in Ward 6, Allyson understands the local courts inside and out, and we are deeply committed to this community. 

Insight from Both Sides of the Law 

Before advocating for families, we spent years defending drivers and doctors, which gave us a unique edge in anticipating the strategies insurance companies use.

We know how they think, and I use that insight to build stronger cases for my clients. Allyson also started my career as a clerk for a trial judge, learning exactly how cases are evaluated—insight that now helps her craft arguments that resonate in courtrooms. 

Personal Attention & Communication 

At Kitchel Law, your case is personal to us.  

We don’t just pass it off to associates or let it become another file on someone’s desk.  

From start to finish, our team will be there with you, ensuring you feel heard and cared for every step of the way. Together with my team, we make sure no detail is overlooked, and we’ll keep you informed about every process. You won’t have to wonder how your case is going or whether things are being handled—we’ll keep you in the loop and check in on how you’re doing, not just legally, but personally. 

Client-Centered Service 

WE know every case is different, and so are your needs. Whether it’s delivering your settlement check in person, recording our calls so you can listen to them again, helping you file life insurance claims, or quite frankly even delivering a meal, we are here to support you in ways that really matter. You’re not just another case to me—you’re a priority. Our goal is to help you focus on healing while we handle the legal fight, so you can have peace of mind every step of the way. 

Proven Results, Trusted Reputation 

Being recognized as a "Super Lawyer" in Washington, DC, and holding the prestigious AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell for excellence and ethics are honors I’m proud of. Allyson has also been named a top personal injury attorney by Northern Virginia Magazine. But these accolades only matter because they reflect the dedication and skill I bring to each case. 

When I represented the family of DeAngelo Green—a father killed by a DC fire truck—I fought tirelessly for six years to secure a $13.5 million verdict. It wasn’t just about the money; it was about ensuring his family received the justice and recognition they deserved. 

When you choose Kitchel Law, you’re choosing a team backed by decades of experience and a proven track record of standing up for families during their hardest moments. 

Schedule a Free Consultation 

DC Wrongful Death Lawyer Allyson Kitchel of Kitchel Law PLLC wearing black posing for a photo

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn, I’m here to help.  

When my family went through a similar experience, I learned just how important it is to have someone in your corner who is not just competent in her craft but also truly cares for her clients.  

At Kitchel Law, we’ll take the time to listen to your story, walk you through your options, and handle the tough parts, so you can focus on what really matters—your family and healing. 

Call 202-949-7109, email [email protected], or fill out our online form to get started. 

There are no upfront costs—you only pay if we win your case.  

Let Kitchel Law take the burden off your shoulders and help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.