If you’ve lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident & Injury Lawyers, can help. Our legal team is ready to help the residents of Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood receive compensation through successful wrongful death claims.
We understand how devastating it is to lose a loved one. You may be facing overwhelming medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income from your loved one. We can help you get the compensation you need to cover these costs and to hold the negligent party responsible for their actions.
Call our Chicago wrongful death lawyers today for a free consultation with a Bronzeville wrongful death lawyer. A Chicago wrongful death attorney will review your case and help you understand your legal options with your wrongful death suit.
In this Article
What is a wrongful death claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed by the surviving family members of someone who died because of another party’s negligence or intentional actions. In Illinois, the law allows certain surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim if they can prove that the death was caused by someone else’s negligence.
To win a wrongful death claim, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant owed the victim a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach of duty caused the victim’s death. The plaintiff must also show that they have suffered damages as a result of the death.
What is the Illinois Wrongful Death Act?
The Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/0.01, et al.) is an Illinois law that allows certain family members of a deceased victim to file a wrongful death claim. Under the Act, the surviving spouse, child, or parent of the deceased can take the wrongful death action.
The wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the victim’s death. If the case goes to trial, the jury will determine how much money the plaintiff should receive. The damages that can be awarded in a wrongful death case include medical and funeral expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
Who can be held liable in a wrongful death case?
In a wrongful death case, the defendant can be an individual, company, or government agency. The defendant can be anyone who owed the victim a duty of care and breached that duty, resulting in the victim’s death.
Common Defendants
Some common defendants in wrongful death cases include drivers, property owners, medical professionals, and product manufacturers. If you’ve lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, The Kryder Law Group, LLC can help you get the fair compensation you deserve. Call our law firm today for a free consultation with a Bronzeville wrongful death lawyer.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Illinois?
Typically, the surviving spouse and “next of kin” are entitled to recover damages under the Wrongful Death Act. The deceased person’s children are generally considered next of kin.
What types of damages can I recover in a wrongful death claim?
The amount of damages you may be able to recover in a wrongful death claim depends on the specific facts of your case. Some of the damages that may be available in a successful claim include:
Funeral and burial expenses – You may be able to recover the cost of your loved one’s funeral and burial.
Medical expenses – If your loved one received medical treatment before their death, you may be able to recover the cost of those expenses.
Lost income – You may be able to recover the income your loved one would have earned if they had not died.
Pain and suffering – You may be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering your loved one experienced before their death.
Loss of companionship – You may be able to recover damages for the loss of companionship and love your loved one’s death has caused.
Loss of benefits, such as health insurance – You may be able to recover the loss of benefits, such as health insurance, that your loved one’s death has caused.
Get the Compensation You and Your Family Deserve
If you have lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, call The Kryder Law Group, LLC today for a free consultation with a Chicago Bronzeville wrongful death lawyer. We will review your case and help you understand your legal options and seek justice and financial compensation.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Illinois?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of the victim’s death (740 ILCS 180/2). This means that you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a lawsuit. If you do not file your claim within this time frame, you will likely be barred from doing so.
Other FAQs About Wrongful Death Claims
Can I file a wrongful death claim if my loved one died of natural causes?
Generally, no. A wrongful death claim can only be filed if the victim’s death was caused by another party’s negligence or intentional actions. If your loved one died of natural causes, you will likely not be able to file a wrongful death claim.
My loved one was killed in a car accident. Can I file a wrongful death claim?
Yes. If your loved one was killed in a car accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver. To win your claim, you will need to prove that the driver owed your loved one a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach of duty caused your loved one’s death. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the more legal options will be available to you.
My loved one was killed by a drunk driver. Can I file a wrongful death claim?
Yes. If your loved one was killed by a drunk driver, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the driver and any other parties who may be responsible for their intoxication. For example, if the driver was served alcohol at a bar prior to the accident, you may be able to file a claim against the bar under Illinois’ dram shop laws. Time is of the essence, so speak with an attorney about your legal options as soon as you can.
My loved one died in a nursing home. Can I file a wrongful death claim?
Maybe, maybe not. If your loved one died due to the negligence of a nursing home or its employees, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the nursing home. To win your claim, you will need to prove that the nursing home owed your loved one a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach of duty caused your loved one’s death. It’s important to speak with an attorney about your legal options as soon as possible.
What evidence will be needed to prove my case in Illinois?
To win your wrongful death claim, you will need to prove that the defendant owed your loved one a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach of duty caused your loved one’s death. Common types of evidence used in wrongful death claims include:
Eyewitness testimony;
Photographs and videos;
The police report;
Surveillance footage; and
Expert testimony.
Let’s Get Started On Your Case
If you have lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, call The Kryder Law Group, LLC today for a free consultation with a Bronzeville wrongful death lawyer. After analyzing your case, we will explore the legal options available to you with you.
How much does a Bronzeville wrongful death lawyer cost?
At The Kryder Law Group, LLC, we understand that the last thing you want to worry about after losing a loved one is how you will pay for a lawyer. That is why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we only get paid if we win your case. If we do not win, you owe us nothing.
No Win, No Fee
To learn more about our fees and how we can help you, call us today for a free legal consultation with a Bronzeville wrongful death lawyer.
What should I expect during the legal process?
The legal process for a wrongful death claim can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to have an experienced Bronzeville wrongful death lawyer by your side to help you through the process. Some of the steps that may be involved in your case include:
Investigating the accident;
Identifying and interviewing witnesses;
Obtaining and reviewing evidence;
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit;
Discovery, which is the formal process of exchanging information between the parties;
Engaging in settlement negotiations with the insurance company; and
Taking your case to trial, if necessary.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases The Kryder Law Group, LLC Handle
The Kryder Law Group, LLC handles a variety of personal injury claims and wrongful death cases involving:
Car accidents;
Truck accidents;
Motorcycle accidents;
Pedestrian accidents;
Bicycle accidents;
Workplace accidents; and
Nursing home negligence.
Get in Touch Today
To learn more about how our wrongful death attorneys can help you, call us today for a free legal consultation with a Bronzeville Chicago wrongful death attorney.
Call Our Office Today for a Free Consultation with a Bronzeville Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you have lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, call The Kryder Law Group, LLC today for a free consultation with a Bronzeville wrongful death lawyer. We will review your personal injury claim and help you understand all of the legal options available to you.
The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident & Injury Lawyers is ready to help the residents of Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood seek compensation for the loss of a loved one caused by someone else's negligence.
$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!
(312) 223-1700