What Types of Compensation Are Available Through an Illinois Wrongful Death Claim?

 Posted on May 20, 2020 in Wrongful Death

The death of a close family member is heartbreaking regardless of the circumstances surrounding the death. However, when a loved one is killed due to the negligent, careless, or intentional acts of another party, the loss can be even more tragic. Not only do surviving loved ones have to deal with their personal loss, they must also manage the financial loss caused by the death. Fortunately, surviving family members of the deceased may be entitled to compensation for their losses through a wrongful death claim.

When is a Person’s Death Considered a Wrongful Death?

Not every unexpected death is considered a wrongful death. The Illinois Wrongful Death Act states that a wrongful death is a death caused by “wrongful act, neglect, or default.” If the deceased person, should he or she have survived his or her injuries, would have been able to pursue damages through a personal injury lawsuit, then the representative of the deceased person is permitted to pursue damages through a wrongful death lawsuit. There are almost countless situations that may lead to a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful deaths may be caused by:

• Drunk driving accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Car accidents caused by reckless driving or distracted driving
• Truck accidents
• Bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents
• Dangerously defective products

Damages in an Illinois Wrongful Death Claim

Money could never compensate someone for the loss of a parent, spouse, child, or other loved one. However, compensation through a personal injury lawsuit may provide the financial relief a struggling family member needs. Damages in a wrongful death claim often include the medical expenses incurred by the deceased person before he or she passed away. This may include emergency room expenses, hospital bills, prescription medication costs, and more. Compensation for funeral and burial costs may also be available. In some cases, the surviving family is also be entitled to compensation for the loss of their loved one’s income and work benefits. In Illinois, surviving spouses may also be entitled to compensation for the “loss of consortium,” meaning the loss of companionship and love that the deceased person provided.

Contact a Waukegan, Illinois Wrongful Death Lawyer

The loss of a loved one can leave an overwhelming financial burden on a grieving family. If you have lost a loved one in an incident caused by another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, contact Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. Discuss your options for compensation with a skilled Lake County personal injury attorney by scheduling a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation. Call our office today at 847-662-3303.

Source:

https://courts.illinois.gov/CircuitCourt/CivilJuryInstructions/32.00.pdf