The loss of a family member changes everything, but when that happens due to the negligence of another person or business, it is simply wrong. At Therman Law, our Arlington Heights wrongful death lawyers fight for justice on behalf of victims and their families.
Set up a free consultation with our Arlington Heights personal injury lawyer team, which comes with 75 years of combined experience. We can discuss what happened to your loved one and how we can begin fighting for you.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Proving another person or company is responsible for the death of your family member is challenging because you must prove they were negligent, their negligence caused the accident, and that led to the death. Some of the most common wrongful death cases our lawyers handle include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Elevator accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bus accidents
- Product liability claims
- Medical malpractice
We gather all available evidence to determine who is at fault and then seek legal action against all parties involved. In doing so, we work to protect your right to fair compensation.
There is nothing that makes this easier, but fighting for justice with the help of an aggressive Arlington Heights car accident lawyer enables you to get some peace of mind.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Illinois
If your close family member died as a result of the negligence of another party, it may be possible to pursue damages for the losses incurred. Under the state’s laws, a personal representative of the estate must file a wrongful death claim. Some examples of who this may be include:
- Surviving family member, such as a spouse or the child of the victim, if there is no spouse
- A named party to manage the person’s estate, such as in a will
- A legally appointed representative by the court
In these situations, we strongly advise against taking action without legal representation. Insurance companies for the at-fault party will work quickly and aggressively to pursue a settlement.
Once you sign those documents, you cannot recover more damages, even if we can demonstrate they are owed to you. Speak to our Arlington Heights wrongful death attorney first.
Do Not Wait to Take Action in a Wrongful Death Claim
Wrongful death is not simple to prove. It requires an experienced legal professional, a comprehensive investigation into all parties at fault, and the development of a claim that accurately reflects the loss value. While this is a complicated case that can take time, there is a statute of limitations that you must monitor.
The Illinois Wrongful Death Act creates a strict rule that a lawsuit claiming wrongful death against an at-fault party must be filed within two years of the death of the victim.
If no action is taken within that two-year timeframe, the court is not likely to hear your claim. That could mean that you cannot file a claim or recover any damages.
There are some exceptions to these rules, including in situations where the legal party to take such action was a minor child at the time of the incident. And when it is impossible to have known someone else was negligent at the time of the death, you may have a case. Our wrongful death lawyers in Arlington Heights will advise you on when you can use an exception.
Damages Recoverable in a Wrongful Death Claim
It is impossible to place a fair value on the loss of a family member’s life. Many factors contribute to what you can legally pursue under the law as well. Some of the compensatory damages you may be able to recover include the following:
- All damages the person would have recovered if they had lived. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and losses related to pain and suffering.
- End–of–life costs, including funeral and burial costs, or any other expenses considered reasonable
- Final medical costs, including any life-saving measures taken, hospitalizations leading up to the death, and costs related to end-of-life care
- Loss of wages, including for lost time a person had between the accident and their death from work, as well as ongoing financial losses the person would have likely earned throughout their lifetime
- Loss of household services, such as providing childcare within the home
- Loss of companionship for those left behind after the death
- Loss of guidance and instruction, which is specifically impactful for children of a deceased party
- Grief and sorrow related to the loss of life
Our wrongful death attorneys in Arlington Heights will discuss the value of your case after pursuing full insight into how this person’s loss of life will impact you.
This includes seeking the highest level of compensation we can prove under the law. Punitive damages may also be recoverable in limited cases. Be sure to read our client testimonials to learn more about our firm.
Why Trust Our Legal Team with Your Case?
For more than 35 years, The Therman Law has fought for victims and their rights to compensation after serious losses like this. We understand the intricacy of these cases. When you decide to hire our team, you benefit from our:
- Aggressive advocacy throughout your legal case
- Comprehensive strategy development that ensures we can file the most aggressive damage claim possible
- Compassionate understanding at this incredibly difficult time
With a dedication to our clients, we strongly encourage families of victims to talk to a wrongful death lawyer in Arlington Heights before they agree to a settlement. The insurance company will work hard against you. We work to level the playing field to fight aggressively for you.
Contact an Arlington Heights Wrongful Death Attorney Now
When you believe you have a case, putting an Arlington Heights wrongful death lawyer on the investigation and claim process minimizes frustrations and encourages better outcomes. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and will fight hard for your right to compensation as well.
Get answers to your questions during a free, no-obligation consultation with Therman Law.
