Carlinville Wrongful Death Attorneys
Compassionate representation after an accident takes the life of your loved one in Illinois
Wrongful death is a legal term used to describe the death of a person caused by the negligence or wrongful act of another person. When someone dies as a result of someone else's negligence, the surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their losses.
At Glisson Law, our Carlinville attorneys want to help after the loss of a loved one. Our team helps you secure compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and more. In our more than 25 years serving the community, we’ve secured several multi-million-dollar settlements for wrongful death cases. Let us help your family, too.
Who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim in Illinois?
Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, only the personal representative of the deceased person's estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The personal representative is appointed by the court to manage the deceased person's affairs and assets.
The personal representative can be a spouse, child, parent, or other close relative of the deceased person. If there is no personal representative, the court will appoint one. The personal representative can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the following people:
- The surviving spouse
- The surviving children
- The surviving parents
- The surviving siblings
If there are no surviving spouse, children, parents, or siblings, the personal representative can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased person's estate.
The personal representative must file the wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the date of death. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, which is why it’s important to file a claim as soon as possible. Our Carlinville attorneys can help.
What is the value of my Carlinville wrongful death claim?
The value of a wrongful death claim will depend on the specific facts of the case. However, some general damages are commonly awarded in wrongful death cases. These include:
- Medical expenses. The cost of medical care for the deceased person, including hospital bills, doctor's bills, and prescription drugs.
- Funeral expenses. The cost of the funeral and burial.
- Lost wages. The amount of money that the deceased person would have earned if they had not died.
- Pain and suffering. The emotional and physical pain and suffering that the deceased person experienced before they died.
- Loss of companionship. The loss of the deceased person's companionship, love, and support.
- Loss of consortium. The loss of the deceased person's ability to provide companionship and support to their spouse or partner.
In addition to these general damages, the court may also award punitive damages in a wrongful death case. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for their wrongful conduct and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct. The amount of punitive damages awarded will depend on the specific facts of the case, including the severity of the defendant's conduct and the amount of harm that was caused.
The value of a wrongful death claim can be significant. However, it is important to remember that every case is different. The best way to determine the value of your claim is to speak with a Carlinville experienced wrongful death attorney.
What are the most common causes of fatal injuries?
Wrongful death cases include a wide variety of situations and incidents, caused by the negligence of another person or party. Following are some of the most common causes of fatal injuries:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Construction accidents
- Criminal acts
- Boating accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
These are just a handful of instances among the numerous situations that may result in wrongful death. Every case has its distinct attributes, and the specific factors and conditions surrounding the fatality will define the legal aspects of a wrongful death lawsuit. If you suspect that you might have grounds for a wrongful death claim, it is crucial to seek counsel from the skilled Carlinville lawyers at Glisson Law. We can evaluate your case and steer you through the legal proceedings.
How can a Carlinville wrongful death lawyer help my case?
A wrongful death lawyer can help you in many ways, including:
- Helping you understand your legal rights and options. The law can be complex, and a wrongful death lawyer can help you understand your rights and options under the law.
- Investigating the accident. A wrongful death lawyer can investigate the accident to gather evidence of the negligence that caused your loved one's death.
- Negotiating with the insurance company. The insurance company for the person or entity responsible for your loved one's death may try to offer you a low settlement. A wrongful death lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to get you the full compensation you deserve.
- Filing a lawsuit. If the insurance company is not willing to negotiate in good faith, a wrongful death lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf.
- Representing you in court. If the case goes to trial, a wrongful death lawyer will represent you in court and fight for your rights.
The specific services that a wrongful death lawyer can provide will vary depending on the specific facts of your case. However, a wrongful death lawyer can be a valuable asset in helping you get the compensation you deserve for the wrongful death of your loved one.
Do you have a wrongful death attorney near me?
Glisson Law is located at 111 East Fourth Street, Suite 400, in Alton, IL. We’re only a block away from City Hall, and there is plenty of parking across the street. There’s also a bus stop right outside our office. Glisson Law conducts phone and video conferences when applicable, and makes home and hospital visits if you cannot travel to us.
Wrongful death attorneys serving families in Carlinville, Illinois
Have you lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence? You may be entitled to compensation. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve. The Carlinville attorneys at Glisson Law will review the facts of your case and help you understand your legal options. We will also fight for your right to recover compensation for your loved one's death. Call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced lawyer.