Losing a loved one is a profound and often traumatic experience, especially when it’s due to someone else’s negligence. In these wrongful death situations, survivors might have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. If you find yourself in this difficult position, reach out to a dedicated Bronzeville wrongful death lawyer at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers. Let us provide the legal representation you need to obtain the justice your loved one deserves.
What Is a Wrongful Death in Illinois?
Under Illinois’ Wrongful Death Act, (740 ILCS 180/), a wrongful death happens when a person dies because of someone else’s wrongful act or negligence.
How Must Chicago-Bronzeville Wrongful Death Attorneys Prove Wrongful Death Cases?
To successfully prove a wrongful death case, a Bronzeville personal injury lawyer must establish the following elements:
- Duty of care: The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased person.
- Breach of duty: The defendant failed to uphold their duty of care through negligence or intentional actions.
- Causation: The breach of duty caused the death of the victim.
- Damages: As a result of the death, survivors have suffered financial and emotional damages.
Common Types of Accidents That Cause Wrongful Deaths in Bronzeville, IL
Common types of accidents that could result in wrongful deaths include:
- Car Accidents: Careless behavior like reckless driving, drunk driving, and speeding caused a car accident.
- Truck Accidents: Large commercial trucks can cause devastating accidents.
- Medical Malpractice: Negligence or errors made by healthcare professionals, providing medical treatment that caused serious injuries ending in death.
- Workplace Accidents: Unsafe working conditions and inadequate safety measures.
- Premises Liability: Property owners must ensure safe conditions for visitors.
- Product Liability: Defective products, like faulty car parts or hazardous household items.
Who Can Be Held Accountable in Bronzeville Wrongful Death Lawsuits?
In Illinois, liable parties named in a wrongful death lawsuit could include:
- Individuals: The person who caused the accident or incident that led to the victim’s death.
- Companies or Organizations: Employers, hospitals, manufacturers, and other entities can be held responsible for their employees’ actions.
- Government negligence can lead to wrongful death.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Certain surviving family members may pursue compensation for the following damages in a wrongful death case:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses related to the deceased person’s final injury or illness
- Lost future income and benefits from the deceased person
- Loss of consortium, companionship, and guidance provided by the deceased person
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Bronzeville, IL?
In Illinois, the law specifies who has the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Generally, the responsibility of managing a deceased victim’s estate is entrusted to a personal representative. This representative may be designated in the will or, if absent, appointed by the court.
Typically, immediate family members—such as a deceased loved surviving spouse, children, or parents—are eligible to receive financial compensation.
Contact a Bronzeville Wrongful Death Attorney Today
Have you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Cook County or across Illinois? At our law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident and Injury Lawyers, our wrongful death lawyers stand by your side, ready to support you every step of the way.
With decades of successful experience managing personal injury cases, we are here to navigate the legal process with you and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Call for a Free Consultation
Our legal team invites you to a free consultation with a seasoned wrongful death attorney. Let us evaluate your situation, explore your legal options, and answer all your questions.
Time is important. The Illinois statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim for compensation is typically two years from the date of the loved one’s death.