Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyer
Lloyd Law Group Is Committed to Getting Justice for Your Loved One
Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyer Kurt D. Lloyd has recovered millions in settlements and verdicts on behalf of family members who have lost their loved ones. Our law firm knows that this is a difficult time for you and your family. You need compassion, support, and aggressive legal representation in the wake of a fatal accident. You need honest answers to your questions and sound legal advice. Most of all, you need justice. At Lloyd Law Group, we are dedicated to helping you recover maximum compensation. Let our wrongful death attorneys make sure the person responsible for your loss is held accountable.
Kurt Lloyd is dedicated to helping those who lost loved ones in fatal accidents recover. For a wrongful death lawyer, call (312) 519-2777. Free consultations.
Table of Contents
What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil case brought by surviving loved ones or a decedent’s estate against a negligent party that is liable for a fatal accident. When the liable party, or his or her insurance company, fails to provide a reasonable settlement offer during initial negotiations, a claim may move on to the courts and become a wrongful death lawsuit.
Chicago Wrongful Death Laws
When one party’s intentional or neglectful act causes the death of another person, the Illinois Wrongful Death Act applies. Under the Act, surviving family members of wrongful death victims can file a wrongful death suit against the liable party to recover the costs associated with the decedent’s passing. A variety of fatal accidents and incidents can qualify for wrongful death action under this law. These include, but are not limited to, deadly medical mistakes, missed fatal blood clots, fatal car accidents, and workplace accidents that result in death.
How Much Is My Wrongful Death Claim Worth?
The amount of compensation available in your wrongful death claim depends on the damages that arose out of the accident. Damages in a wrongful death case fall into two categories: compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are intended to make the decedent’s dependents financially whole after a fatal accident. Punitive damages are intended to punish the liable party for egregious acts of negligence or intentional torts. The wrongful death attorneys at Lloyd Law Group can help you determine what damages are available in your case.
To recover damages, a victim’s family must prove:
- The defendant had a duty to prevent causing harm to the decedent.
- The defendant failed to uphold his or her duty of care and subsequently caused an accident.
- The deceased victim’s death was caused by the defendant’s actions.
- The victim’s family suffered damages as a result of wrongful conduct that caused the decedent’s death.
There are two types of compensatory damages available when a wrongful death occurs.
Economic Damages
Economic damages in Illinois wrongful death cases compensate claimants for the direct financial consequences of a loved one’s fatal accident. These include:
- Medical expenses from the injury that preceded the victim’s death
- Lost financial support that the decedent would have provided to his or her dependents
- Funeral and burial expenses
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate victims for the emotional costs of losing a loved one. These include:
- The decedent’s pain and suffering or anguish, experienced between the accident and his or her death
- Loss of emotional support and companionship experienced by surviving loved ones
- Lost guidance or mentorship experienced by the decedent’s surviving children
Was your loved one’s death caused by the wrongful act of another person? Contact the Chicago wrongful death lawyers at (312) 519-2777 to find out how much your lawsuit is worth.
Testimonials
We retained Mr. Lloyd to handle a very heart-wrenching family case and I couldn’t have been more impressed with his compassion, professionalism and the way he handled himself in and out of the courtroom. He took a lot of time preparing us for what to expect in our depositions and helped keep us focused as it was very emotional to relive the horrible experiences. We were told from day one that our case could last as long as 5 years and our case was settled in 4 years without going to trial. I highly recommend Kurt Lloyd if you should find that you are in need of legal services.
~ Jeannie Speno
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by a Chicago Wrongful Death Attorney
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Chicago?
Similar to personal injury claims, surviving dependents have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Illinois. There are exceptions to this rule, however, such as in wrongful death cases involving minors or prolonged deaths. The clock doesn’t start ticking on the day the accident occurred. Instead, the statute of limitations begins on the day of the decedent’s death. A Chicago wrongful death attorney can help you understand more about how long you have to file a legal claim.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Illinois?
Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, a personal representative who is appointed by the courts or the decedent’s will can file a wrongful death claim. When no person is named by the decedent prior to death, the courts will appoint a family member, such as a surviving spouse, adult child or siblings, to act as the personal representative.
What is the difference between wrongful death Lawsuits and survival actions?
A survival action is brought by the decedent’s estate after a fatal accident, while a wrongful death claim is filed by the decedent’s surviving dependents. In a survival action, the settlement is awarded to the victim’s estate. In a wrongful death lawsuit or claim, the settlement is awarded to the surviving dependents.