The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that in 2021 there were 1,341 deaths involving a motor vehicle. A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This representative is typically appointed in the decedent’s will or by the court. The lawsuit is filed on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, or next of kin who are entitled to recover damages for the death.
There is a time limit within which a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed in Illinois. It’s crucial to file the lawsuit within this timeframe, as failing to do so may result in the case being barred by the court. The Illinois Wrongful Death Act, 740 ILCS 180/1 et seq., sets out the time limitations and the rights of the aggrieved parties.
Damages that may be recoverable in a wrongful death lawsuit in Illinois may include economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and loss of financial support to the surviving spouse, children, or next of kin who are entitled to recover damages for the death. Non-economic damages, such as loss of companionship, emotional distress, and pain and suffering for the surviving spouse, children, or next of kin who are entitled to recover damages for the death. Punitive damages, which may be awarded in cases involving extreme negligence or egregious misconduct.
If damages are awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit, they are typically distributed to the surviving family members or beneficiaries according to Illinois law. The court will consider factors such as the relationship of the claimants to the decedent and their financial dependency on the decedent.
Wrongful death cases can be complex and emotionally challenging. It’s crucial to seek legal representation from our experienced wrongful death attorneys who can navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and advocate on behalf of the surviving family members to seek accountability, justice and fair compensation for the loss of their loved one. As with any other personal injury case, the Law Offices of Jacobson & Tchernev is happy to provide you with a consultation regarding your claim free of charge.
Wrongful death claims arise when a person loses their life due to the negligence, recklessness, or misconduct of another party.
These tragic cases may result from car accidents, truck accidents, medical negligence, workplace accidents, or other preventable incidents. Our Chicago wrongful death attorneys help families pursue justice and financial compensation during incredibly difficult times.
Wrongful death cases can involve many different types of accidents and negligent conduct.
Common causes include motor vehicle accidents, drunk driving crashes, unsafe property conditions, defective products, medical malpractice, workplace incidents, and other situations where preventable negligence leads to a fatal injury.
Under Illinois law, certain surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one.
These claims are intended to help families recover compensation for emotional and financial losses caused by the death of a spouse, parent, child, or other family member.
Families pursuing wrongful death claims may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of financial support, emotional suffering, loss of companionship, and other damages related to the death of a loved one.
Our legal team aggressively pursues maximum compensation for grieving families.
Wrongful death claims are emotionally difficult and legally complex. At Jacobson & Tchernev Injury Lawyers, our Chicago attorneys understand the devastating impact these tragedies have on families and are committed to providing compassionate legal representation while aggressively pursuing justice on your behalf.
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence can be devastating, but you do not have to face the legal process alone. Our experienced Chicago wrongful death attorneys are ready to stand by your side, protect your family’s rights, and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Here’s how we can help:
Don’t wait another day to protect your family’s rights after a wrongful death tragedy. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation with an experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer. There is no obligation — and no fee unless we successfully recover compensation for your family.
