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Chicago Wrongful
Death Lawyer
No amount of money could ever truly be “fair” compensation after losing a parent, spouse, child, or other loved one due to the negligent actions of someone else. But if your loss has left you with emotional trauma and grief, mounting medical bills, final expenses, or permanent loss of financial support or income, you may be able to recover damages stemming from a wrongful death lawsuit.
Every day, our Chicago wrongful death lawyers help people reeling from a wrongful death gain the accountability, closure, and financial support they need to take the next step forward in their lives. We may be able to help you too. Give us a call today.
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Wrongful death claims may be filed when a person, entity, or governmental agency is deemed at legal fault for the accidental death of another. The at-fault party may have acted negligently or, in cases such as nursing home abuse, intentionally. Wrongful death cases may be filed in all 50 U.S. states, including Illinois.
Common causes of wrongful death claims include:
This list is by no means exhaustive. If a loved one dies and another person or entity can be found legally at fault, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. Contact Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers to get in touch with a Chicago wrongful death attorney who can explain your rights and options.
In the state of Illinois, only representatives of a deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death claim against the party responsible for that person’s death. Representatives are sometimes already selected and other times need to be appointed by the court.
Typical appointees are spouses, the victim’s adult children, or parents if the victim was a minor.
It is important to note the difference between a wrongful death claim, which is a civil lawsuit which seeks only monetary compensation, and a criminal case, in which the defendant may be punished with a prison sentence, probation, etc. You can still file a wrongful death claim even if the state is pursuing a criminal case as well.
In the state of Illinois, wrongful death claims must be filed before the statute of limitations runs out. Depending on the underlying case type, the statute of limitations is between one and two years.
Damages may be issued to the deceased’s estate to cover funeral, burial, and other final expenses. Additional damages may be awarded to surviving spouses or next of kin (such as children) relating to:
It should go without saying anyone currently considering a wrongful death lawsuit is going through one of the hardest, most painful time in their life. Unfortunately, insurance companies won’t make it any easier. Their objective is saving money, not caring for a surviving spouse, children, or other family members.
In order to get the compensation you and other surviving family members deserve, you’ll need to prove that someone else was responsible for the wrongful act that took your loved one’s life.
You’ll also need to provide evidence supporting the damages that you claim. Even simply adding up the total value of a lifetime of financial support is no easy task. But beyond that, how do you put a price tag on loss of companionship or parental guidance? How do you “value” the grief and emotional suffering you live through every day? Most surviving family members have no idea where to begin.
You should be taking the time to grieve, not adding more anxiety and stress. Hiring a compassionate, dedicated attorney to handling your wrongful death case can remove this painful burden from your shoulders and give you the space you need to focus on what really matters. At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, our wrongful death attorneys understand what you’re going through and do everything in their power to make the process easier for everyone—not harder.
If you are unsure whether you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim, you should seek legal advice from a qualified Chicago wrongful death lawyer. Our dedicated team of lawyers will guide you through the process of filing a claim and see that the negligent party is held responsible for their actions.
Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers have recovered total verdict and trial settlements of over $250 million for their clients. But more importantly, you’ll receive compassionate help from an attorney who understands the details of your case and has the experience to secure the best settlement possible.
For results-driven help from a Chicago wrongful death attorney who truly cares, contact Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers today. You can reach us by phone at (312) 701-3333, chat with one of our representatives online, or submit a free case evaluation 24/7.
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