The sudden loss of someone dear to you is among the worst experiences you will ever face. Apart from your personal suffering, you may also face financial strain.
If someone’s negligence or recklessness caused an accidental death, you can seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. Our Lake County personal injury lawyer can advise you.
Our wrongful death lawyers in Lake County will handle all the complexities that come with a lawsuit. We understand that you are processing a shocking loss and will handle your case with sensitivity and compassion.
Therman Law has assisted people in our community since 2002, recovering well over $100 million in much-needed compensation on their behalf.
Our Pledge to Families Devastated by The Wrongful Death of a Loved One
Your Lake County wrongful death lawyer will always prioritize your needs. We will take the time to listen to your account and understand your loss, so that we can represent you as an individual. We will never pressure you or leave you feeling you are no longer in control of the situation. In addition:
- We will always be honest with you. There are no false promises at Therman Law. Instead, you can be sure of sound, professional opinions.
- Your lawyer has extensive experience and will always work to recover every dollar that may be due to you.
- We keep you updated and address your concerns. When you need our advice, we will be just a phone call away. No message or question goes unanswered.
- We will not bill you for our services unless we win. If we do, our charge will be reasonable and predictable. If we believe we can win your case, you can believe in us.
With Therman Law, you will have an entire team that’s in your corner, ready to fight for what’s right. Your lawyer will also leverage a network of experts, mobilizing them when their evidence supports your case.
In short, we will do everything in our power to help you. Our clients have firsthand experience with our law firm. Read their testimonials to gain their perspectives.
Compensation Your Wrongful Death Attorney in Lake County May Recover For You
When someone is hurt because of someone else’s actions, they can claim compensation based on the severity of their injuries. If they were to pass away, their family can claim the same damages plus additional amounts that, while never sufficient to fully make up for their loss, are intended to compensate them for it.
The types of compensation that make up a settlement include:
- Medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral costs
- Loss of income and future income
- Anguish, trauma, and emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
If the person who caused the accident was grossly negligent or acted maliciously, punitive damages may also be applicable. For example, a Lake County car accident lawyer may claim punitive damages on your behalf if a drunk driver caused a fatal accident.
People Who May Claim Compensation After a Wrongful Death in Illinois
According to 740 ILS 180/2, the personal representative (executor) of the deceased is the person who is entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the deceased had not appointed an executor, a surviving spouse or the closest relative (for example, a parent) is generally recognized as the personal representative.
Beneficiaries, in order of precedence, include:
- A surviving spouse
- Children of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased
When several people in a family believe they should be compensated, they may agree on how a settlement should be divided. If there is a dispute, a jury will settle the matter based on the degree to which each claimant was financially dependent on the deceased and their opinion on who would suffer the most as a result of the loss.
How Your Lawyer Supports You After Your Tragic Loss
At a time like this, the last thing you need is piles of paperwork, complex forms, and negotiations with insurance companies hoping to reduce your settlement.
There are also other challenging tasks to undertake. For example, determining who is liable and to what extent may involve more investigation than simply referring to police reports.
It’s a sad truth that many grieving families do not claim the compensation they deserve or know what its value should be. They may not realize that a strong Lake County wrongful death attorney need not be an out-of-pocket expense, and may not feel equal to the task. They may not know their rights. Or, they are so grief-stricken that they cannot think clearly.
We will handle all the evidence-gathering, documentation, red tape, and negotiations, seeking a fair settlement offer. If we do not receive one we believe you should accept, we are willing and able to represent you in court.
How Long You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In accordance with 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you would ordinarily have two years from the date your family member passed away to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, if the accident involved a government employee, you have one year to file a notice stating that you intend to claim.
Although this gives you a little time to process what occurred, we encourage you to begin the process as soon as possible. This allows time to thoroughly investigate the accident and strengthen the case with evidence that might otherwise have been lost.
Remember, once you have us working for you, there will be few demands on your time and capacity. You will have time to grieve, but you will also have the comfort of knowing that we are working on your case.
While your current focus is on processing your loss, a settlement may help to reduce your concerns for your family’s future well-being.
Consult Us For a Free Case Evaluation
Currently, you may not be certain whether you have a case, and you likely do not know whether it will be worth pursuing. Get a professional opinion from our wrongful death lawyer in Lake County. Your consultation is completely free of charge.
We know that financial matters may be furthest from your mind at the moment. Nevertheless, since your loss has been great, the value of any compensation you may gain is likely to be significant. Reserve your appointment with Therman Law today.
