Decatur, Illinois Wrongful Death Attorney
The risk of injury-causing accidents affects people of all ages and backgrounds, but these incidents can sometimes be so serious that they lead to tragic consequences. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that unintentional injuries are the fourth leading cause of death, resulting in almost 201,000 fatalities every year. For surviving family members, the grief is extreme and overwhelming. However, the financial implications and other losses will affect your life in ways you did not expect.
Fortunately, Illinois wrongful death laws provide you with options for recovering compensation from the at-fault party. Patel Law, PC is prepared to assist with pursuing your claim, as we have the experience and knowledge necessary to develop a solid strategy. Please contact us today to set up a free case evaluation with a Decatur, Illinois wrongful death attorney who can provide personalized advice. An overview of the relevant concepts will also help you understand the basics.
How Illinois Wrongful Death Claims Work
With any type of personal injury accident, including those that are fatal, liability is based upon the concept of negligence. To enforce your rights, you must prove that the incident occurred because the at-fault party did not exercise reasonable care when acting. The most common claims for wrongful death are linked to:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes;
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents;
- Slip and falls, trips, and other incidents that occur because of dangerous conditions on property;
- Defective, dangerous products; and,
- Medical malpractice.
In addition to proving the elements of negligence, you must also qualify to file a wrongful death claim through your relationship with the deceased victim. The personal representative of the decedent’s estate has the power to pursue such a case, i.e., the person named as executor in the will or appointed by a probate court. This individual does so on behalf of the surviving spouse and next of kin, who may be entitled to a range of monetary damages.
Compensation for Surviving Family Members
Illinois wrongful death laws view the decedent’s spouse, children, and other relatives as victims, so monetary damages focus on their losses. Examples of compensation in a wrongful death case include:
- Amounts to treat the deceased victim before death;
- Funeral and burial costs;
- Lost wages and future earning capacity;
- Losses related to love, guidance, support, and other contributions the decedent can no longer provide.
Our Decatur, Illinois wrongful death lawyers at Patel Law, PC will guide you through the legal process to ensure you receive fair monetary damages. We are ready to file a claim and discuss settlement with an insurer, but we will go to court to protect your rights.
Call Now to Speak to a Decatur, Illinois Wrongful Death Attorney
Taking legal action will not bring back your loved one, but monetary damages can ease some of the stress and financial uncertainty after his or her passing. To learn more about the legal process, please contact Patel Law, PC to schedule a no-cost case review. After assessing your circumstances, an Illinois wrongful death lawyer will explain how the laws apply to your case.
