Wrongful Death Attorneys in Illinois

Wrongful death cases are a type of personal injury lawsuit in which the family of the deceased pursues the cause of action. If you have lost someone you love in a personal injury accident, you are likely struggling with a wide range of emotions and uncertainty about what the future holds. You may also be struggling to pay for medical bills incurred before the victim’s death and any funeral expenses.

If someone was responsible for your loved one’s untimely death, you may wonder whether the party at fault can be held liable for your loss. The compassionate Chicago wrongful death attorneys at Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca can advise you regarding your legal rights and remedies and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another party, do not hesitate to contact a skilled wrongful death attorney at our Chicago firm at 312-724-5846 to schedule a free consultation to discuss a possible wrongful death cause of action.

What Is A Wrongful Death Cause Of Action?

A wrongful death cause of action entitles a victim’s family members to monetary compensation for the economic and emotional losses they suffered as a result of the death of their loved one. A wrongful death lawsuit can apply to a number of accidents, including car accidents, trucking accidents, construction accidents, aviation accidents and medical malpractice.

In order to bring a successful wrongful death cause of action, a plaintiff must prove the following:

1. That a person died as a result of another’s negligence or intent to harm, and
2. The victim’s surviving family members have suffered monetary damages as a result of the death.

A wrongful death lawsuit will also require the appointment of a personal representative for the deceased victim’s estate.

Types Of Compensation For A Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The type and amount of compensation to which a plaintiff is entitled varies depending on the plaintiff’s relationship with the victim. A surviving spouse may be entitled to recover for the following:

• Loss of support
• Services
• Love and affection
• Pain and suffering as a result of the death
• Medical bills
• Funeral expenses

Surviving children may each have a cause of action for the following:

• Loss of financial support
• Love, companionship, and guidance that he or she received from the deceased parent
• Medical bills
• Funeral expenses

Answers To Common Questions About Illinois Wrongful Death Claims

You may have questions about your legal rights after losing a loved one. The following answers explain key parts of an Illinois wrongful death claim and what you may expect during the legal process:

What is the statute of limitations for a wrongful death case?

In Illinois, the personal representative usually has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, some cases may have a different deadline based on the facts involved. For example, the time limit may change when the claim involves a government agency, a criminal act or a person who was under 18 when the death occurred. Because these rules can affect your right to file, it is important to review the case early. A prompt review can also help preserve records, witness statements and other evidence that may support your claim.

How much is a wrongful death claim worth?

The value of a wrongful death claim depends on how the death affected your family. These losses may include medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income and the value of household services your loved one provided. Your family may also seek compensation for grief, sorrow and the loss of love, guidance and companionship.

However, no set formula applies to every claim. The value will depend on the available evidence, the deceased person’s age and income and each family member’s relationship with that person. Reviewing these details can help show the full financial and personal effect of the loss.

How do you prove a wrongful death case?

To prove a wrongful death case, the personal representative must show that another party caused the death through negligence or wrongful conduct. The claim must then connect that conduct to the death and the losses suffered by the surviving family members. Evidence may include medical records, police or accident reports, photographs, witness statements and financial documents.

In some cases, testimony from medical, financial or accident professionals may also be needed. When these forms of evidence support one another, they can establish fault and show how the death affected your family.

Let Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Guide You, Start With A Complimentary Consultation

The legal and factual issues involved in a wrongful death lawsuit are complex. Accordingly, a Chicago wrongful death lawyer is crucial to the successful pursuit of a wrongful death claim. The experienced attorneys at Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca will listen to your concerns, assess the facts and legal issues involved, evaluate the merits of a possible cause of action, and pursue your wrongful death lawsuit in a court of law.

Contact the compassionate Illinois wrongful death lawyers at Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca at 312-724-5846 to schedule your free consultation to discuss representation in your wrongful death case.