Mealey's (October 7, 2016, 9:31 AM EDT) -- SEATTLE — Wrongful death actions accrue at the time of death, but require that a valid, timely, underlying claim exist, the Washington Supreme Court held Oct. 4 in a 5-4 decision, affirming summary judgment in a daughter’s asbestos case (Judy R. Deggs, et al. v. Asbestos Corp. Limited, et al., No. 91969-1, Wash. Sup.).

(Opinion available.  Document #01-161012-020Z.)

In 1999, Roy Sundberg sued numerous companies whose conduct allegedly exposed him to asbestos.  Sundberg allegedly contracted colon cancer, lymphoma, asbestosis and pleural disease from exposure between 1942...