Losing a loved one is difficult, especially if someone else’s actions or negligence caused the loss. If this has happened to your family in Chicago’s neighborhoods, contact a South Shore wrongful death lawyer in our personal injury law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers for help. Call for a free consultation.
What Is a Wrongful Death in Illinois?
Under Illinois’ Wrongful Death Act, (740 ILCS 180/), wrongful death occurs when someone’s negligence leads to another person’s death.
How Must South Shore Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers Prove Wrongful Death Cases?
To prove a wrongful death case, a South Shore personal injury lawyer must establish these elements:
- Duty of care: The defendant owed a duty to the deceased.
- Breach of duty: The defendant neglected or purposely failed this duty.
- Causation: This breach caused the victim’s death.
- Damages: Survivors have suffered financial and emotional harm from the death.
Common Types of Accidents That Cause Wrongful Deaths in South Shore Chicago
Common types of accidents that cause wrongful death include:
- Car Accidents: Reckless driving, drunk driving, and speeding
- Truck Accidents: Large trucks can cause fatal accidents
- Medical Malpractice: Healthcare negligence or errors resulting in death
- Workplace Accidents: Unsafe conditions and lack of safety measures
- Premises Liability Cases: Public or private property owners must ensure visitor safety
- Product Liability: Defective products like faulty car parts or hazardous items
Who Can Be Held Liable in South Shore Wrongful Death Lawsuits?
In Illinois, those who may be held responsible in a wrongful death lawsuit include:
- Individuals: The person responsible for causing the accident or incident leading to the victim’s death.
- Companies or Organizations: Employers, hospitals, manufacturers, and other entities may be accountable for their employees’ actions.
- Government: Negligence by government entities can also result in wrongful death claims.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In a wrongful death case, surviving family members of victims may seek compensation for various damages, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses related to the death
- Medical expenses associated with the deceased’s injury or last illness
- Loss of future income and benefits the deceased would have provided
- Loss of consortium, companionship, and guidance from the deceased
- Mental anguish or emotional trauma suffered by the deceased or the surviving family members
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in South Shore, Chicago?
In Illinois, the law outlines who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The responsibility for managing the estate of a deceased person usually falls to a personal representative. This representative may be named in the will or, if none is specified, appointed by the court. Generally, immediate family members—such as a surviving spouse, children, or parents—are eligible to receive financial compensation.
Contact a South Shore Wrongful Death Attorney Today
Have you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Cook County or anywhere in Illinois? At our law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident and Injury Lawyers, our wrongful death attorneys are committed to standing by your side, providing support and legal help every step of the way. With decades of successful experience in handling personal injury cases, we are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Call for a Free Consultation
Our legal team invites you to a complimentary consultation with an experienced wrongful death attorney. Allow us to assess your case, discuss your legal options, and address all your questions.
Time is important. The Illinois statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim for compensation is typically two years from the date of the loved one’s death.
(312) 223-1700