As you grieve and mourn the loss of a loved one who died in an accident, it can be difficult to concentrate on all of the details of a wrongful death case. While your wrongful death lawyer will handle the day to day details of your claim and make sure that all of your rights are protected, it is important for you to understand how a wrongful death case works.
We encourage you to read this article for information about how wrongful death lawsuits work in Illinois and to reach out to us directly—via this website or by phone—to have any individual questions answered.
An Overview of Illinois Wrongful Death Claims
Before you file a wrongful death lawsuit, it is important to know:
- Why you should file a wrongful death case. While a lawsuit cannot bring back your loved one, it can prevent you from suffering the financial consequences of your loved one’s death and it can provide monetary compensation for your loss.
- How long you have to file a wrongful death case. Your time to file a case is limited by the Illinois Statute of Limitations.
- Whether you have the legal right to bring a lawsuit. The personal representative of someone’s estate has legal standing to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Whether you need expert witnesses to help you with your claim. Expert witnesses may provide critical information about how your loved one died or the damages that have been caused by the defendant’s actions.
- How settlements work. Settlements are not automatic even when the facts are clear. Instead, persuasive arguments must be made and negotiations must be conducted for a fair settlement to be reached.
- How to begin your case. A lawsuit formally begins when a complaint is filed in court.
- Whether you need an attorney. An attorney can help you make sure your rights are protected and your recovery is fair after the wrongful death of a loved one.
Additionally, if you pursuing a claim for the death of an unborn child, then you need to know whether you have a legal right to file such a claim with the court.
Wrongful death laws are complicated, but getting the right answers can help you make the right decisions for your family. If we can assist you during this time, then please do not hesitate to contact us directly via this website or by phone at any time.