If you have lost a loved one in an accident in Elk Grove Village, we can help. The personal injury attorneys at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers offer legal help to the families of people killed because of someone else’s negligence in Elk Grove Village and throughout Illinois. Contact an Elk Grove Village wrongful death lawyer today to get the justice you and your lost loved deserve.
In this Article
What Is a Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligence or intentional harm. This can involve various situations, including car accidents, medical malpractice, or workplace incidents. The surviving family members may be entitled to recover compensation for their loss, covering earnings the deceased would have provided, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.
What Is NOT Considered Wrongful Death?
Not all deaths resulting from accidents or incidents qualify as wrongful death. Natural causes, deaths where the deceased was solely at fault, or events without a clear negligent party often do not meet the criteria. Understanding these boundaries is crucial for pursuing a legal claim effectively.
Common Types of Accidents that Cause Wrongful Death in Elk Grove Village
In Elk Grove Village, wrongful death can arise from a myriad of accidents. Key contributors include:
Vehicle Collisions: Highways and roads are frequent scenes for fatal accidents.
Workplace Incidents: Industrial and construction sites pose risks leading to fatal outcomes.
Medical Malpractice: Errors in diagnosis or treatment in medical settings can result in loss of life.
Slip and Falls: Public or private spaces may harbor hazards that prove deadly.
Who Can Be Held Accountable for a Wrongful Death?
Identifying the liable party in a wrongful death case depends on the accident’s circumstances. It could be individuals, companies, or government entities. For instance, in vehicle collisions, the at-fault driver; in workplace incidents, the employer or a third party; in medical malpractice, healthcare providers; and property owners or managers in slip and fall cases.
Types of Compensation for Wrongful Death Cases
Families in wrongful death cases may seek various types of compensation, including medical costs prior to death, funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering endured by the deceased before their passing.
Wrongful Death Act
The initial charge in a wrongful death lawsuit is known as wrongful death and is enforced under the Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/0.01, et al.). The Wrongful Death Act seeks to recover damages for:
Grief
Sorrow
Mental suffering
Survival Act
In a wrongful death case, the second count seeks compensation for survivorship under the Survival Act (755 ILCS 5/27-6). The Survival Act can seek financial compensation for:
Pain and suffering
Loss of a normal life
Lost wages
Medical expenses and bills
Funeral and burial expenses
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Wrongful death claims can be initiated by the “personal representative” of the deceased individual according to the Wrongful Death Act. If the deceased individual has a valid will designating an executor, that executor is recognized as the personal representative.
When a deceased individual lacks a will or if their will is deemed invalid, the court designates an administrator, usually a concerned party.
What Is My Case Worth?
Determining the worth of a wrongful death case involves evaluating several factors, including lost wages, funeral costs, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. A consultation with an experienced wrongful death attorney is crucial to accurately assess potential financial recovery.
Contact an Elk Grove Village Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
During this overwhelming time, reaching out to a lawyer might seem daunting, but it’s a critical step towards justice and closure. Our Elk Grove Village wrongful death lawyers are committed to guiding you through every stage of the legal process of a wrongful death claim with compassion and dedication.
Free Consultation
Contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer today for a free consultation to explore your personal injury lawsuit and start the path to recovery.
$7.5 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when a support wall fell and struck him. (Highest award on record for a construction injury in DuPage County at the time).
$3.2 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when he fell in an uncovered foundation trench, ranking as the highest award on record for a construction injury in McHenry County at the time.
$3 Million
Recovery for the family of a man struck by a garbage truck that was making an illegal turn.
$2.2 Million
Recovery for a salesman injured in an automobile collision.
$2 Million
Recovery for a man struck by a speeding vehicle as he waited for the CTA bus.
$1.5 Million
Recovery for a truck driver that was struck by another car on the expressway while his vehicle was disabled.
$1.4 Million
Recovery for a computer programmer that slipped and fell in the washroom at work.
Recovery for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in a parking lot. At the time, this was the second-highest recovery on record in DuPage County for a similar injury.
$800,000
Recovered for a disputed wrongful death claim against a trucking company. The company denied they were involved in the collision.
$660,000
Recovery for a truck driver that was injured while unloading his trailer.
$550,000
Recovery for a person who slipped and fell in a grocery store.
$550,000
Recovery for a woman who injured her neck in a motor vehicle collision.
$500,000
Recovery for a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle while standing on the sidewalk.
$460,000
Recovery for a truck driver that tripped and fell in the parking lot while making a delivery.
$450,000
Recovery for a dental assistant who slipped and fell at work on an unnatural accumulation of ice.
$425,000
Recovery for a union worker struck by a speeding vehicle.
$425,000
Recovery for a passenger in a vehicle struck by an inexperienced driver.
$415,000
Recovered for a woman that required neck surgery after aggravating an existing neck injury in a truck accident.
$400,000
Recovery for a lab technician injured while transporting equipment.
$370,000
Recovery for a construction worker injured on faulty equipment at a construction site.
$315,000
Recovery for a motorist struck by a falling utility pole.
$310,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$300,000
Recovery for a bicyclist struck by a vehicle.
$250,000
Recovery for a young woman struck by another vehicle.
$250,000
Recovered for a woman who sustained a partial finger amputation and other injuries in a rollover car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$250,000
Recovered for a 60-year-old woman involved in a car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man hit by a semi-truck while operating a go-cart.
$240,000
Recovery for the injured party struck by another vehicle.
$235,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$235,000
Recovery for an inventory clerk injured when shelving toppled onto her.
$219,000
Recovery for a restaurant patron that slipped and fell in the bathroom.
$200,000
Recovered for an airline employee struck on the runway at O’Hare International Airport.
$190,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$175,000
Recovered for a child injured by fireworks at a fourth of July celebration.
$170,000
Recovered for a person injured when she slipped and fell exiting a major retail store.
$150,000
Recovered for a woman who fractured her leg when she was struck by a vehicle.
Britt C.
Andrew Kryder went above and beyond to help me out with a case that I brought to him. He was prompt, attentive, and extremely thorough. It was a pleasure to work with him!