Some of the injury cases our law firm handles result in death.  If a person has died in an accident, it is likely that the family of the deceased is entitled to compensation for their terrible lose.  The fatality could be caused by an auto accident, premises liability, work injury, medical malpractice, construction accident, nursing home neglect or abuse, or from other types of negligence.

If an accident results in a fatality, a wrongful death claim may be brought by the family of the deceased when the negligence of another party caused his or her death.  Family members may be entitled to recover for several types of damages and losses, including:

-  The pain, suffering and grief of the surviving family members.  There is not a more difficult time in life than when you lose a loved one.  The feelings and pain you may experience can be unbearable.  While we understand that no amount of money will make you feel whole again, family members have a right to a monetary recovery for the pain of having to go through this tragic experience.

-  Funeral expenses.  Almost immediately after a tragic loss, family members have to incur significant expense for a funeral.  Part of this law firm’s job will be to recover expenses related to the funeral.

-  Medical bills and expenses.  In many wrongful death cases, the medical bills incurred before a family member passes away can be extremely expensive, often exceeding several hundred thousand dollars.  Our law firm will work to recover those expenses from the negligent party.

-  Loss of consortium.  You have a right to recover for the loss of no longer getting to spend and enjoy time with your loved one.

-  Loss of the future earnings of the deceased.  Often the family member that passes away was earning income and family members were depending on that loved one to support the household.  Family members have a right to recover that loss of future income.  If needed, our law firm will retain an economist to determine what amount your family member would have earned during the rest of his or her life.

-  Punitive damages.  During a wrongful death case, lawyers will determine whether it is appropriate to ask for leave of Court to file a punitive damages count in the lawsuit.  Punitive damages are intended to punish the at fault party for intentional and/or outrageous conduct.

Please contact our office for help at 312-399-8988 or contact us online if you believe a negligent party may have caused the death of a family member.