Losing a loved one is a devastating experience, especially when their death was caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. No amount of compensation can bring back a loved one, but seeking justice through a wrongful death claim can help provide financial stability for the surviving family members. This is where a Chicago wrongful death lawyer from our personal injury law firm can help.
Do I Need a Lawyer in Chicago to Prove a Wrongful Death?
What Is a Wrongful Death in Illinois?
A wrongful death happens when someone dies due to another person’s negligence or intentional harm. This can include motor vehicle accidents, unsafe workplaces, trucking accidents, or medical errors. Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) the deceased person’s family can file a claim for wrongful death damages.
Who Can File an Illinois Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
By Illinois law, only certain people can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This right is given to the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, usually a close family member like a spouse, parent, or adult child. They file on behalf of all eligible family members affected by the loss. If you’re unsure about your rights, our wrongful death attorneys can help.
How Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Prove Wrongful Death?
For a wrongful death claim to succeed, a Chicago wrongful death attorney must prove four key facts:
- Duty of care: the responsible party had a duty to act safely.
- Breach of duty: they failed to meet that duty through negligence or harmful action.
- Causation: their actions directly caused your loved one’s death.
- Damages: the death resulted in measurable losses for the family.
Common Types of Accidents That Cause Wrongful Death in Chicago
Wrongful death victims suffer fatal injuries from:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle collisions
- Workplace accidents or unsafe working conditions
- Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors or misdiagnoses
- Slip and fall incidents caused by unsafe property conditions
- Defective or dangerous products
Who Can Be Held Accountable for a Wrongful Death?
When wrongful death occurs, anyone whose negligence or wrongful act caused the death could be held responsible in personal injury claims. This might include employers, drivers, property owners, doctors, or manufacturers of faulty products.
Who Cannot Be Held Liable for a Wrongful Death in Illinois?
Not all deaths warrant a wrongful death action. For example, illnesses caused by natural factors or unavoidable accidents where no one is at fault usually don’t qualify. However, if negligence contributed in any way, the victim’s beneficiary may be eligible to file a wrongful death suit.
What Is My Wrongful Death Case Worth?
Under Illinois wrongful death statutes, the value of a wrongful death case depends on factors like the amount of medical expenses incurred, lost income, funeral costs, and the emotional suffering of loved ones. While no compensation can replace your loved one, it can help ease financial burdens; our law firm can help assess the worth of the legal claim and fight to recover compensation you deserve.
Types of Compensation for Wrongful Death Cases in Chicago
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Wrongful Death Case?
Wrongful death cases can take months or years, depending on the complexity of the case, available evidence, willingness of at-fault parties to settle, and whether the civil lawsuit goes to court. While we aim to resolve cases quickly, our priority is getting you the compensation you deserve.
Call Us
You don’t have to face this tragedy alone.
The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers is here to advocate for you and your family. Call us now for a free consultation.
(312) 223-1700