Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyer
There is nothing more devastating than losing a loved one, particularly when the death was sudden and unexpected. If you have lost a family member due to the negligent actions of another person, contacting a Chicago wrongful death lawyer is likely not at the top of your mind. Our skilled attorney understands that monetary damages can never replace the death of your loved one. However, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide the damages necessary to offset the financial burden the death has brought, and can make it a bit easier to move forward.
Defining Wrongful Death in Illinois
In Chicago, as throughout the rest of Illinois, wrongful death is defined as any death caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person. Any person that causes the death of another person can be held liable through a wrongful death lawsuit. The Wrongful Death Act of the state allows family members to file a lawsuit on behalf of the deceased and to claim damages for their losses that resulted from the death.
To be successful with a wrongful death lawsuit, you must establish that the person or entity you are suing acted negligently, and that it was this negligence that was the cause of the death. Unlike other personal injury claims in Illinois, which typically have a statute of limitations of two years from the date of injury, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within one year of the death. If you do not file your lawsuit on time, you will likely forfeit your right to claim damages.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Any act of negligence can result in an accident so severe, the victim does not survive it. However, there are some common causes of wrongful death in Chicago, and they are as follows:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Uber and Lyft accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Premises liability accidents, including slip and falls
- Scooter accidents
- Nursing home abuse
In all of the above scenarios, someone’s negligence is usually the cause of the accident that results in a wrongful death. A Chicago wrongful death lawyer can help determine the cause and will identify the liable party and hold them accountable for paying the damages you deserve.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In Chicago, as throughout the rest of Illinois, only relatives and heirs of a deceased individual are allowed to file a claim on behalf of their loved one. These relatives include the surviving spouse or children of the deceased, or a court-appointed personal representative. If the wrongful death lawsuit is successful, the damages awarded are then distributed to the beneficiaries of the deceased.
Call Our Experienced Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
No one should ever lose a loved one to negligence, but it happens all too often in Chicago. If you have lost someone, our Chicago wrongful death lawyer at Connolly Injury Law can help you claim the full damages you deserve. Call us today at 312-780-0816 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
