Losing a loved one due to an accident is an unimaginable tragedy that brings immense grief and pain to families. In such situations, it is important to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. If you have lost a loved one in an accident in Oak Lawn, IL due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to help.
At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, our team of experienced wrongful death attorneys is dedicated to representing the families of victims who have been killed because of someone else’s careless or reckless actions. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and provide compassionate support to our clients while aggressively fighting for their rights.
We have successfully handled wrongful death cases involving car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, premises liability, and more. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of Illinois laws and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the justice and compensation your family deserves.
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Oak Lawn, we are here to support and guide you through the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation with an Oak Lawn wrongful death lawyer and let us help you seek justice for your loved one.
In this Article
What Is a Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death is a death that occurs due to the negligence or intentional and wrongful act of another person, company, or entity. This can include situations such as car accidents caused by drunk driving, medical malpractice, defective products, workplace accidents, nursing home abuse, and more.
In Illinois, a wrongful death claim can be filed by surviving family members such as spouse, children, parents, or siblings. The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to seek compensation for the damages and losses suffered by the surviving family members as a result of their loved one’s death.
What Is NOT a Valid Wrongful Death Case?
It is important to note that not all deaths can be considered as wrongful death. For a case to be considered a valid wrongful death, the following factors must be present:
The death was caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional act.
The surviving family members have suffered damages and losses as a result of the death.
If these factors are not present, then the case may not be considered as a valid wrongful death case.
Common Types of Accidents that Cause Wrongful Death in Oak Lawn
While wrongful death can occur in a variety of situations, some of the most common types of accidents that result in wrongful death in Oak Lawn include:
Car Accidents: Reckless driving, distracted driving, and drunk driving are all common causes of car accidents that can lead to wrongful death.
Medical Malpractice: Negligent medical care, surgical errors, medication errors, and misdiagnosis can all result in wrongful death.
Workplace Accidents: These can include construction accidents, industrial accidents, and accidents caused by unsafe working conditions.
Premises Liability: Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe premises for visitors. If they fail to do so and someone is fatally injured as a result, it may be considered a wrongful death.
Seeking Justice for Your Loved One
Losing a loved one unexpectedly is a devastating experience, and seeking justice may be the last thing on your mind. However, holding those responsible accountable is not only important for your family but also ensures that similar accidents do not occur in the future.
Who Can Be Held Accountable for a Wrongful Death?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, various parties may be held liable for a wrongful death. This can include individuals, companies, government agencies, or even product manufacturers.
At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, our experienced attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case to determine who should be held responsible for your loved one’s death. We will then work diligently to build a strong case and work tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.
Seeking Compensation for a Wrongful Death
In Illinois, surviving family members may be entitled to seek compensation for various damages and losses resulting from a wrongful death. These can include:
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses incurred by their fatal injuries before death
Loss of income and future earnings
Loss of companionship, care, guidance, and support
Pain and suffering endured by the victim before death
Our attorneys will work closely with you to understand the extent of your damages and losses, and work for the maximum compensation possible.
Illinois Wrongful Death Act
The initial cause of action in a wrongful death lawsuit is commonly referred to as “wrongful death” and is filed under the Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/0.01, et al.). The purpose of the Wrongful Death Act is to pursue compensation for damages resulting from:
Grief
Sorrow
Mental suffering
Illinois Survival Act
In a wrongful death case, the second aspect involves seeking compensation for survivorship through the application of the Survival Act (755 ILCS 5/27-6). The Survival Act provides an avenue to pursue damages for:
Pain and suffering
Loss of a normal life
Lost wages
Medical bills
Funeral expenses
Contact Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Oak Lawn or anywhere in Illinois, we are here to help you seek justice. Our team at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers has a strong track record of success in handling wrongful death cases and will fight tirelessly on your behalf.
Who Can File Wrongful Death Lawsuits?
Under the Wrongful Death Act, wrongful death claims for wrongful death can be filed by the “personal representative” of the deceased. In cases where the deceased had a valid will that designates an executor, the executor is recognized as the personal representative.
If the deceased individual does not have a valid will or if their will is deemed invalid, the court will appoint an administrator. This administrator is typically chosen by a party with vested interest in the matter such as:
A surviving spouse
Children
Parents
Siblings
Time Limit for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the victim’s death (740 ILCS 180/). However, there may be exceptions to this timeline, so it is important to consult with an experienced Oak Lawn wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your potential wrongful death lawsuit.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
Losing a loved one due to another party’s negligence is a devastating experience. Our compassionate attorneys are here to support you and advocate for the justice your family deserves. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your Oak Lawn wrongful death claim and learn about your legal options.
What Is My Case Worth?
The value of a wrongful death case depends on various factors, including the circumstances of the accident, the extent of damages and losses suffered by surviving family members, and the defendant’s ability to pay. Our attorneys will thoroughly evaluate all aspects of your case to determine its potential value and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
Contact an Oak Lawn Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If you have lost a loved one in an accident in Oak Lawn, we understand the pain and grief you are experiencing. Our compassionate attorneys at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers are here to help you seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case, answer your questions, and learn how we can assist you during this difficult time.
No Fees Unless We Win
At our law firm, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That is why we offer our services on a contingency fee basis for any personal injury claim. This means that we will not earn any fees unless we recover compensation for your personal injury case.
$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!