What is Wrongful Death in Illinois?

 Posted on November 02, 2023 in Wrongful Death

Illinois law defines wrongful death to be the death of a person due to the “wrongful act, neglect, or default” of another. Losing a loved one is always difficult, but knowing that another person is responsible for your family member’s death can make the loss unbearable. 

Besides the emotional impact of losing a family member, you may be experiencing financial hardship. If you have lost a loved one due to another’s wrongdoing, you may require the counsel of a Lake County wrongful death lawyer.

Examples of Wrongful Death Cases

A wrongful death suit exists when a party causes the death of another person through negligence, wrongdoing, or a failure to act. A family may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for their financial and emotional losses.

There are many situations that can turn into a wrongful death case, including:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

A motor vehicle collision that results in the death of another driver, passenger, or even a pedestrian can turn into a wrongful death claim. 

Automobile accident claims go through insurance. An insurance adjuster will complete an investigation to determine who was at fault for the crash. If the weight of evidence establishes another person’s liability, then you may want to consider pursuing a wrongful death claim.

Slip and Falls

Businesses have a duty to keep their patrons safe. When a place of business fails to put out a wet floor sign, whether the floor is newly washed or a drink was spilled, the retailer should be held responsible for any injuries caused.

Slip and falls are the sixth-leading cause of death among people 70 years old and over. An older person lacks the balance and coordination of a younger individual, increasing the elderly person’s chance of suffering a fatal injury from a fall.

Medical Malpractice

Physicians, nurses, and medical staff are infallible, making mistakes that can have fatal consequences. Common examples of medical malpractice may include surgical errors, misdiagnosing, diagnosing too late, dispensing the wrong medication, and anesthesia errors.

Defective Products

Products that we use on a daily basis can be unsafe or defective. Defective products could include household appliances, children’s toys, space heaters, medical devices, airbags, and cosmetics.

In 2019 and 2020, Takata recalled 67 million airbags that were at risk of exploding upon impact, causing serious injuries and deaths. 

Work Injuries

Depending on the industry you work in, you may be more susceptible to suffering a work-related injury. In 2020, the leading cause of work-related injuries and illnesses was exposure to harmful substances or environments. 

Construction workers, road crew workers, firefighters, ironworkers, welders, and mineworkers run the highest risk of work-related fatalities. These workers are exposed to carcinogens that may cause health problems.

Wrongful death can have a variety of causes. If you believe that your family member’s life was taken due to wrongful death, a Waukegan, IL, wrongful death lawyer will be able to help you recover just compensation.

Did You Lose a Loved One to Wrongful Death? Contact a Waukegan, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyer 

While any loss can be traumatic, a wrongful death claim strives to help the deceased’s immediate family gain closure. At Salvi & Maher, LLP, we know that no amount of money can bring your loved one back, but our Lake County, IL, wrongful death lawyers are here to help give you the support you need during this time. Contact us online or by calling 847-662-3303 to schedule your free consultation at your earliest convenience.