Yes — assisted suicide is legal in Washington state. The Washington Death with Dignity Act, codified under RCW 70.245, allows mentally competent, terminally ill adults with six months or less to live to request a prescription for life-ending medication, which they must self-administer. The law took effect on March 5, 2009, and was amended in…
Physician-assisted suicide occurs when a doctor prescribes lethal medication to a terminally ill patient who then self-administers it to end their life. It differs from euthanasia, where a physician directly administers the drug. As of 2026, it is legal in 14 U.S. jurisdictions and several countries worldwide under strict eligibility criteria. What is physician-assisted suicide?…
Assisted suicide — legally called medical aid in dying — allows a terminally ill adult to request a prescription for life-ending medication from a licensed physician. As of 2026, it is legal in 14 U.S. jurisdictions. Patients must have a terminal diagnosis with six months or less to live and mental capacity to decide. What…
When someone dies because of another person’s negligence or intentional actions, the law gives surviving family members a way to seek compensation. That legal tool is called a wrongful death lawsuit. This article explains what wrongful death means, who can file, what you need to prove, and what damages may be available — so you…
When a medical error causes harm, the question of who is legally responsible is not always straightforward. The answer depends on who made the mistake, what role they played, and how they were connected to the facility where care was provided. This article explains the key legal differences between suing an individual doctor and suing…
When a birth injury occurs, many families wonder whether the hospital itself — not just the individual doctor — can be held legally responsible. In some circumstances, the answer is yes. Hospitals can face legal liability for birth injuries under several legal theories, including the actions of their employees and failures in their own institutional…
If you or your child has experienced a birth injury, knowing where to look for help can make a real difference. Resources exist across legal, medical, and community channels — from licensed attorneys and state bar referral services to nonprofit support organizations and government agencies. This article explains the main types of help available, how…
A birth injury can raise serious questions about what happened, who is responsible, and whether legal options exist. In some cases, families may have grounds to file a medical malpractice claim against a doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider. Whether that applies depends on specific facts and applicable state law. This article explains the general…
A birth injury is any physical harm that happens to a baby during labor or delivery. Clavicle fractures — breaks to the collarbone — are the most commonly reported birth injury in the United States. Other injuries, including nerve damage and brain-related conditions, also occur and can have longer-lasting effects. This article explains the most…