As of December 3, 2015, Illinois motor vehicle accidents had claimed the lives of 908 people during 2015. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, that is 47 more lives lost—and countless more people left grieving—than during the same time period in 2014.
The causes of these accidents varied. Some people lost their lives due to another driver’s distraction, another driver’s decision to drink and drive, or another driver’s negligence. The effect, however, is the same. Your loved one suffered the most serious type of injury possible: his or her life was cut short and you and your family are left mourning.
Know Your Rights If Your Loved One Has Died in a Fatal Crash
There is nothing that can take away the emotional pain of an accidental death. However, it is still important to consider an Illinois wrongful death case for the following reasons:
- An Illinois wrongful death case can help you recover for any medical bills and funeral costs. Someone else’s negligence has caused you to lose your loved one, and you shouldn’t have to pay the medical bills and funeral costs associated with the accident and your loved one’s death. All of this may be recoverable in a wrongful death lawsuit.
- An Illinois wrongful death case can help you recover for any lost income. Your family shouldn’t have to bear the loss of your loved one’s income after a fatal accident. Instead, you may be able to recover for your loved one’s lost income from the date of the accident until the date of his likely retirement. Additionally, you may be able to recover for loss of household personal services, such as the chores your loved one did around the home.
- An Illinois wrongful death case can compensate you for your suffering. While a lawsuit can’t take away your suffering, you may be financially compensated for your suffering. This in no way means that you are profiting from your loved one’s death. Instead, it may give you the financial freedom to get professional help for your loss, to take time off with your family, or to otherwise grieve in a way that is right for you.
You also may be compensated for loss of consortium or the loss of your family relationship.
Nothing will ever take away your loss or replace your loved one, but a wrongful death lawsuit may still be important to your family’s future. To find out more, please call us today at 1-800-800-5678 schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced and empathetic Illinois wrongful death attorney today.
