When a person’s death occurs unexpectedly due to an accident because of someone’s negligent action, it doesn’t just come as a shock to the family members, it can also provoke feelings of having experienced a grave injustice. Family members are left with unforeseen worries like how they will handle the funeral expenses, medical bills, living costs and other day-to-day financial matters resulting from their loved one’s passing.
If your family recently lost a loved one as the result of another person’s negligent actions or carelessness, no amount of money can bring them back or right the wrong you’ve experienced, but it can at least provide critical financial support and help you feel the party has been held accountable.
Pursuing compensation based on the Illinois Wrongful Death Act can be a complex process. The team at Levin, Riback & Adelman can help. We’ll explain your legal options, prepare your lawsuit, and fight to recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to get started with a free initial consultation.
According to the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, a wrongful death occurs when a person’s death results from another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional act. The law allows the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate to bring a civil lawsuit against the responsible party. The purpose of doing so is not to punish the wrongdoer, but to provide financial relief for the survivors who have suffered losses as a result of the death. Through a wrongful death action, families can seek compensation for both the economic and emotional impact of their loved one’s loss.
A wrongful death claim can arise from many types of incidents, including car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, or premises liability. The central issue is that the death could have been prevented if the defendant had acted with reasonable care.
Wrongful death claims can arise from almost any situation in which someone’s negligence or misconduct leads to a fatal injury. Common situations that may give rise to a wrongful death lawsuit include:
Whether the cause was a careless mistake, a defective product, or a medical mistake, Illinois law allows surviving family members to hold the responsible party accountable through a civil claim.
Succeeding in a wrongful death claim requires showing that another party’s actions directly caused the victim’s death. Most wrongful death cases are based on negligence, which requires proving four elements: the defendant must have owed the victim a duty of care, failed to meet that duty through negligent conduct, and caused the death, resulting in losses for the surviving family members.
Not all wrongful death claims involve negligence. The goal of our firm, acting on your behalf is to hold the responsible party accountable.
The financial damages in Illinois wrongful death lawsuits seek to compensate survivors for the financial and emotional losses their loved one’s death caused. The damages awarded depends on the evidence of loss and the family’s specific circumstances, but recoverable compensation may include:
In Illinois, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death lawsuit. This representative is often a close family member, such as a spouse, parent, or adult child.
Illinois law establishes a strict time limit for filing a wrongful death claim. In most cases, you must file within two years of the date of death. However, this period can vary depending on the circumstances. For example, if the death resulted from medical malpractice, the deadline may be extended if a mistake was made in the diagnosis.
It’s important to act as soon as possible after a loved one’s death if you wish to pursue a wrongful death claim, because missing the filing deadline can permanently bar your family from recovering compensation. Speak with an attorney right away, as they can determine the applicable filing period and take steps to preserve your family’s right to sue.
Trying to pursue a wrongful death claim independently can quickly become overwhelming. The process involves strict filing deadlines and high-stakes negotiations with insurance companies that employ tactics designed to minimize victims’ losses and preserve their own profits.
Working with an experienced Illinois wrongful death lawyer can make a meaningful difference in your experience and your outcome. A lawyer can handle the legal and procedural work while you and your family focus on healing. To this end, our attorney will:
Your choice of an attorney is one of the most significant decisions you face in the aftermath of a loved one’s wrongful death. If you hope to seek compensation, justice, and accountability for your family’s loss, you’ll need the support of an experienced wrongful death law firm with a strong track record.
Levin, Riback & Adelman has secured over $200 million for deserving clients in the last decade alone. We have been representing families in wrongful death claims since 1956. We have experience representing the families of people killed in construction and industrial accidents, motor vehicle collisions, medical malpractice incidents, and other accidents, who often feel they have nowhere to turn for support in their hour of great need. Our firm is committed to putting you and your family first. We want you to know you’re not alone – that means you can count on us to be available and responsive at every stage and always working in your best interest.
Contact Levin, Riback & Adelman today for a free consultation. You can discuss your case with a compassionate Chicago wrongful death lawyer and learn more about how we can support your family.
While nothing can compensate for the untimely loss of a loved one, Levin, Riback & Adelman, can help you to hold those responsible accountable and recover compensation to ease your financial worries during this difficult time.
Arrange a free consultation with an experienced and understanding attorney by contacting the firm online or calling 312-782-6717.
