Losing a loved one is especially difficult when their death was the result of another party’s negligence or wrongdoing. In these situations, a Joliet wrongful death lawyer from our personal injury law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers can help you seek justice for your loved one and hold the responsible parties accountable.
In this Article
What Is a Wrongful Death in Joliet?
According to the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) wrongful death is defined as a death caused by the negligent or intentional actions of another person or entity. The key factor in determining it is that the death was preventable if not for the actions or inactions of another party.
What Does Not Qualify as a Wrongful Death?
Not all deaths are classified as wrongful. For example, deaths from natural causes or unavoidable accidents don’t qualify. Also, if the deceased’s death was caused by their own actions, it may not be considered wrongful.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit in Illinois?
In Illinois, wrongful death lawsuits can only be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. This is typically a close family member or friend who is named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the court.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Wrongful Death in Joliet?
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Damages in a loved one’s death can include both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages may cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and other tangible losses. Non-economic damages can include emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and other intangibles.
How Can a Joliet Wrongful Death Lawyer Help?
A Joliet wrongful death attorney provides legal guidance and support, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can manage all aspects of the case, including gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if needed.
Common Types of Accidents that Cause Wrongful Death in Joliet
While any type of accident can potentially result in a wrongful death, some are more common than others such as:
Car accidents
Medical malpractice
Workplace accidents
Product defects
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-114) for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is usually two years from the date of death. Exceptions include cases involving a government entity or medical malpractice.
Types of Compensation for Wrongful Death Cases
The types of financial compensation can vary based on the circumstances involved. Common types include:
Funeral and burial costs
Medical expenses from the deceased’s final injury or illness
Loss of future income or support
Pain and suffering before death
Loss of companionship or guidance
Emotional distress of surviving family members
How Can You Prove Wrongful Death in Illinois?
To prove a wrongful death claim in Illinois, an experienced wrongful death attorney must establish three elements:
The death of a person occurred.
The death was caused by the negligence or misconduct of another party.
Surviving family members have suffered damages as a result of the death.
Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, seek legal representation immediately from our Joliet wrongful death lawyers.
The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, a Joliet wrongful death law firm with decades of experience, handles wrongful death claims to help you navigate the legal process and recover compensation for your family.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
In these meetings, our Joliet wrongful death attorneys review the wrongful death case with you to lay out your legal options.
$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!