Joliet Wrongful Death Attorney
Trusted Attorney for Wrongful Death and Negligence Cases in Joliet, IL
The untimely loss of a loved one can be an incredibly difficult experience. No matter the circumstances, family members will mourn their loss, and they will likely have to deal with a variety of financial concerns. These situations can become even more challenging when a death was caused by someone else's negligence. As family members grapple with their loss, they may be able to alleviate some of their financial burdens and address other ways they have been affected through a wrongful death claim.
Taking steps to recover financial compensation for the wrongful death of a loved one can be a complex process. At Carlson Law Group, P.C., our attorney understands the difficulties of these situations, and our firm can provide the legal assistance needed to resolve these cases successfully. We will work closely with family members to address the issues that have affected them due to a wrongful death, and we will help ensure that the responsible parties will be held accountable for a family's losses.
Who Is Eligible to Receive Compensation for a Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death claim can be pursued when a person dies as a result of the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. Typically, if the deceased person would have been able to pursue a personal injury claim against the person or parties responsible for harming them, then their family can pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for the losses they have suffered.
In Illinois, certain surviving family members of a deceased person may be eligible to file wrongful death claims and receive compensation. These typically include a person's surviving spouse and children, although other dependents or next of kin may also be able to receive compensation for damages that they have suffered due to the wrongful death
Examples of Wrongful Death Cases
- Automobile accidents: Fatal car accidents may be caused by reckless or negligent driving, such as drunk driving, speeding, or distracted driving. Fatalities can also occur in truck accidents caused by negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, or other parties.
- Medical malpractice: Deaths may be caused by medical negligence such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication errors.
- Workplace accidents: Fatal injuries may occur due to unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, or lack of proper safety measures.
- Defective products: When products are designed defectively or become dangerous because of manufacturing errors or other issues, manufacturers, distributors, or retailers may be held liable for fatal injuries that occur.
- Premises liability: Fatal accidents may occur while a person is visiting someone else's property. Wrongful deaths may be caused by slip and fall accidents, drowning, lack of security or other forms of negligence by property owners.
- Criminal acts: Intentional acts of violence, including assault or murder, may allow family members to pursue wrongful death claims against perpetrators.
Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
Family members may be able to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. These damages may include:
- Medical expenses: These may include the costs of medical treatment prior to the person's death, including hospital bills, surgeries, and medications.
- Funeral and burial expenses: A family may receive compensation for the costs of holding memorial services and disposing of a person's remains.
- Loss of financial support: The income and financial benefits the deceased would have provided to the family, including their future earnings, benefits received through employment, and inheritances, may be addressed.
- Loss of consortium: A spouse may receive compensation for the loss of companionship, care, and emotional support the deceased would have provided throughout the rest of their life.
- Loss of parental guidance: A person's children may be compensated for the loss of nurturing, guidance, and education they would have received from a deceased parent.
- Pain and suffering: This may include compensation for the physical pain the deceased person experienced before their death, as well as the mental anguish and emotional trauma experienced by the surviving family members.
- Punitive damages: In situations where a person was killed after someone acted to intentionally cause harm or where a person was grossly negligent, a court may award additional damages to punish the person responsible.
Contact Our Joliet Wrongful Death Attorney
Carlson Law Group, P.C. can provide legal support for families who are dealing with the aftermath of a loved one's wrongful death. Our experienced attorney will conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence to build a strong case for compensation. We are ready to fight to make sure a family will have the financial resources needed to cope with their loss and avoid difficulties in the future. Set up a free consultation by contacting us at 815-710-3700.