If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, a Beverly wrongful death lawyer from our personal injury law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers can help you seek justice.
What Is Wrongful Death in Illinois?
According to the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) a wrongful death occurs when a death is the result of another’s negligence or intentional actions.
Types of Accidents that Cause Wrongful Death in Beverly Chicago
Situations where an individual’s death was caused by the negligence or deliberate actions of another person or entity are:
- Car accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Product liability
- Criminal acts
What Does Not Qualify as a Wrongful Death in Beverly?
Not all deaths caused by the actions of another person qualify as a wrongful death including:
- Death caused by a natural disaster
- Death resulting from a criminal act
- Death due to an individual’s own negligence or recklessness
Who Can File Wrongful Death Claims in Beverly?
Only certain individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death claim in Illinois. Wrongful death lawsuits must be brought by the “personal representatives” of the deceased person. The persons who may recover financial compensation from wrongful death claim may be different from the personal representative.
Typically, the surviving spouse and “next of kin” are entitled to take legal action to recover damages, including fair and just compensation for pecuniary injuries such as grief, sorrow, and mental suffering.
Who Is Next of Kin?
In a wrongful death lawsuit in Illinois, next of kin is the deceased person’s close family members and is defined by the Illinois Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/). Typically, the surviving spouse and the deceased person’s children are considered next of kin.
Types of Damages Available in Beverly Wrongful Death Cases
In Illinois, damages available in a wrongful death case can include compensation for:
- Medical expenses incurred before the deceased’s passing
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of future income and benefits provided by the deceased
- Loss of consortium (the loss of companionship, love, and affection)
- Grief and sorrow of surviving family members
- Punitive damages in certain cases where the actions were intentional or reckless
Who Can Be Held Accountable for a Beverly Wrongful Death?
In a wrongful death civil lawsuit, any individual or entity whose negligence or intentional actions caused the deceased person’s death can be held liable:
- Individuals (such as a negligent driver or a doctor who committed medical malpractice)
- Companies or organizations (such as an employer in a workplace accident or a manufacturer of a defective product)
- Government entities (such as city or state agencies responsible for maintaining safe roads)
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Suit?
By Illinois law, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the deceased person’s passing.
What Is My Beverly Wrongful Death Case Worth?
Beverly Chicago wrongful death lawyers consider several factors in valuing a case, including:
- The age and earning potential of the deceased person
- The medical bills incurred due to the death
- The emotional impact on surviving family members
- Any punitive damages that may be awarded
A skilled Beverly wrongful death attorney can help you determine the potential value of your case.
Contact a Beverly Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
After your loved one’s death, a Beverly wrongful death lawyer can help navigate the legal process and secure the fair compensation you deserve.
Contact our law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers for a free consultation; our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we are not paid unless we win our personal injury cases.
(312) 223-1700