A wrongful death claim is a civil legal action taken by the representative of a deceased person. This representative is often a surviving spouse or close family member. If your loved one passed away in a fatal car crash in Illinois, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver or other liable parties.

Damages that may be available in a wrongful death claim for fatal car accidents in Illinois include economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can reimburse the deceased person’s family members for financial losses associated with the accident while non-economic damages address the non-financial suffering caused by the death.

Possible Damages in an Illinois Wrongful Death Claim

Losing a loved one is not only shocking and traumatic, but it can also bring significant financial loss. Economic damages recognize this financial suffering by providing compensation through monetary damages.

The last place a child should be seriously injured is at school. Schools should be safe environments, free of dangers that pose a risk of injury or death. However, this is not always the case. If your child was injured at school, you may have questions about your legal rights. Can you hold the school accountable by suing the school district? Can you force the school to pay for your child’s medical expenses?

Like most personal injury matters, the answer to these questions depends on the exact circumstances of the injury.  

Injuries Caused by Willful or Wanton Disregard for Safety

Suing a public school is not the same thing as suing a private organization or company. Public schools are government entities and there are special rules surrounding lawsuits against the government. To successfully sue a public school or school district, you must show that the school or staff acted with “willful or wanton” indifference toward safety. In other words, the school must have acted with extreme negligence.

Cities throughout Illinois have seen a sharp increase in the number of people using electric scooters to get around. Scooters are small, cost-effective, and ideal for navigating busy urban areas. The popularity of this mode of transportation is only growing – but so are the risks associated with riding an e-scooter.

When used properly, e-scooters can be a fun and convenient way to travel short distances quickly. However, some riders may be unaware of the dangers they face while riding. They can suffer serious injuries due to scooter malfunction, rider error, or a collision with another vehicle or person.

If you have been injured in an e-scooter accident, it is important to understand your legal rights and options. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and help you pursue a successful outcome.

Speed limits may seem inconvenient to some, but they exist for a reason. These limitations are put in place for the safety of all drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Unfortunately, not everyone follows the rules of the road, and irresponsible drivers put lives in danger. If you have been hit by a speeding driver and are looking for ways to seek justice, consider hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer for help filing an injury claim.

Insurance Settlements and Personal Injury Claims

The faster a driver is traveling, the greater the force of a collision. Consequently, speeding-related accidents can result in severe, painful injuries including broken bones, spine injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), organ damage, facial injuries, and more.

A personal injury lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and provide advice on how to proceed. Typically, the first avenue for seeking compensation is a claim with the speeding driver's insurance company. Auto insurers are responsible for providing compensation to victims of car accidents when their policyholders are at fault. However, insurance companies are not always willing to pay out the full amount of a car accident claim. They deny claims, try to get claimants to take lowball settlements, and intentionally draw out the process.

For most motorcyclists, riding a motorcycle is much more than a means of transportation - it is a lifestyle. Motorcyclists love to enjoy the winding Waukegan roads on their bikes. Sadly, some motorcycle trips end in tragedy.

In the event of a fatal motorcycle accident, mourning family members may be entitled to monetary damages based on their loved one's death. While money cannot replace the life lost, it can help cover expenses related to medical care and funeral costs that have been incurred due to the accident. Additionally, those eligible may also be able to receive financial compensation for the pain and suffering caused by the accident, lost wages, and loss of companionship.

Motorcyclists Are Especially Vulnerable to Crashes Caused by Negligent Drivers

Unlike a passenger vehicle, a motorcycle does not offer any protection to the rider in the event of a crash. Helmets and protective gear can help to a certain degree, but a motorcyclist is still much more likely to suffer serious injuries or even death compared to occupants in an automobile. When negligent drivers cause fatal crashes involving motorcycles, they should be held accountable and liable for the tragic losses suffered by victims' families.