Filing a
Wrongful Death Claim in Chicago
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), numerous deaths occur each year in the United States including: 120,000
due to injury; 26,000 due to falls; 33,600 due to motor vehicle accidents; and
33,400 due to poisoning. A number of these deaths occur as a result of the negligence of another. A wrongful
death claim occurs when the negligence of one party causes the death of another
by “wrongful act, neglect or default,” according to state law. If your loved
one has passed as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact a Chicago
attorney today for a consultation on your rights.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim
According to Illinois state law, the personal representative of
the deceased must file a claim on behalf of the estate. A personal
representative is one who handles the affairs of a person after they have
passed away. A personal representative may be the spouse, parent, minor child
or adult child of the deceased. A court may appoint a personal representative
if the deceased died without appointing one prior to death. Damages
awarded in a successful claim are paid directly to the estate and the personal
representative is responsible for distributing the funds to the appropriate
parties.
Statutory Limitations & Damages in Wrongful Death Claims
Statutes of limitation are time limits imposed by states
during which a claim must be filed; waiting until after this period has expired
could result in the claim being barred forever. In most states, wrongful death
cases must be filed within two years of the death in order to be heard in
court. A skilled, knowledgeable and experienced attorney can handle the
intricacies of a wrongful death suit.
Damages in a wrongful death case that are often awarded
include medical bills and emergency care costs, lost wages including future
wages, funeral and burial costs, loss of consortium (including companionship
for family members), as well as pain and suffering. A Chicago wrongful death attorney
can fight for your legal rights and obtain the monetary compensation you
deserve.
Contact an Experienced Chicago Attorney
Wrongful death law is
complicated. An experienced and skilled attorney is needed to handle the case,
particularly during settlement negotiations. Contact a Chicago area wrongful
death attorney today for a
consultation. If your loved one has passed due to the negligence or wrongdoing
of another, a personal injury attorney at Bizzieri Law Offices can guide you through the entire process and
obtain monetary damages to which you may be entitled.