Bridgeview, IL Wrongful Death Law Firm Helps Families Who Lose Loved Ones

Skilled attorney seeks compensation and closure for survivors

One of the worst tragedies a person can face is the loss of a loved one due to the negligent or deliberate action of another. Wrongful death shatters families, leaving widows, orphans and other survivors with emotional and financial losses. Nothing can fully make up for such a tragedy, but at the Skinner Law Firm, P.C. in Bridgeview, we help ease the suffering by pursuing the compensation allowed by law. If you have lost a relative due to wrongful death, we will fight for you in claim negotiations and in court if necessary to obtain the damages you deserve.

Common causes of wrongful death claims

In Illinois, a wrongful death suit may be brought whenever a death occurs as a result of an act, neglect or default that would have entitled the victim to sue for personal injury if death had not occurred. Typically, the cause of the fatal accident is negligence, such as in public transportation, trucking and other motor vehicle accidents or as the result of medical malpractice. A wrongful death can also involve a fatal assault. In our investigation, we identify the cause of the death and the potentially responsible parties.

Who can file a wrongful death claim and when?

In Illinois, a wrongful death claim must be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate, who may be named in a will or appointed by a probate court. If the deceased does not already have a personal representative, we will make sure one is appointed.

A wrongful death claim may be brought within whichever of these time limits is later:

• One year from the date of death
• The limitations period for the underlying claim, which is two years from the date of the accident for a personal injury case but may be longer in other circumstances

This distinction is important, because accident victims often survive for a while before succumbing to their injuries. There may therefore be a shortened time limit for bringing a suit. In any case, we will see to it that the wrongful death claim is filed in a timely manner.

What types of compensation are recoverable?

Damages in a wrongful death case may include whatever the decedent would have been entitled to recover had he or she lived, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering

These damages become the property of the deceased’s estate and are distributed according to his or her will or by the state intestacy law. In addition, the suit may seek damages for the grief, sorrow and mental suffering of the surviving spouse and next of kin. These damages are distributed to those beneficiaries in accordance with their level of dependency on the decedent, as the court determines. We marshal the evidence to maximize the damages the decedents’ survivors will receive.

Contact a trustworthy wrongful death attorney for a free initial consultation

If your loved one has died as a result of the negligence or other wrongful act of another, turn to Skinner Law Firm, P.C. for sound advice and effective representation in a wrongful death action. We have been providing trusted legal services throughout the Cook County area for nearly 20 years. Please call 312-635-6459 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at our Bridgeview, Illinois office.