Alton Wrongful Death Lawyers
Legal help for grieving families in Illinois
Wrongful death refers to an accident or incident where a person's death is caused by another’s negligence or misconduct. This can include deaths caused by car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, or criminal acts. When a loved one dies due to the actions of another, it can be a traumatic and difficult time for the family and loved ones left behind. One of the ways a family can find both justice and closure is through a wrongful death action.
At Glisson Law, we represent these families. A wrongful death claim may arise from an auto accident, railroad accident, barge accident, construction accident, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, and other accidents where one party is liable for the death of another. The purpose of wrongful death cases are to provide compensation to the surviving spouse, children and other next of kin for the losses sustained due to their loved one’s death. We take the legal matters off your hands so you can take the time you need to grieve the loss of your loved one. Talk to us today to find out how we can help.
What is a wrongful death action?
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil, rather than criminal action, against someone who can be held liable for someone’s death. A wrongful death action provides those left behind with two things:
- Benefits that they would have received from the continued life of the decedent
- Compensation for the non-economic damages such as loss of relationship, companionship, love, affection, guidance and care
Only the close relatives of the decedent (the person who died) can bring a wrongful death action, typically their spouse and next of kin.
What are some examples of Alton wrongful death cases?
A “wrongful death” happens whenever someone dies because of the negligence or intentional actions of another person or entity. Some examples of wrongful death include:
- Medical malpractice – when a doctor or hospital fails to treat a patient properly, resulting in their death.
- Car accidents – if a driver’s reckless actions cause a fatal crash.
- Products liability – when defective products or vehicles cause fatal injuries.
- Workplace accidents – when an employer’s failure to provide a safe working environment leads to an employee's death.
- Nursing home abuse – the failure of nursing homes and staff to provide proper care can lead to a patient’s wrongful death.
- Criminal actions – when a person’s death is caused by another’s intentional actions, like manslaughter or homicide.
- Railroad accidents – when rail workers are killed on the job due to unsafe conditions.
Of course, these are only a few examples. Our wrongful death lawyers are happy to speak to you about the unique circumstances of your personal case.
Who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit?
Under Illinois law, only certain people may bring a wrongful death case. In Illinois, the first class of people that can bring a claim are a spouse and children. If there are no survivors in this class, the next class of people that can recover may include parents, siblings and other relatives.
Our Alton attorneys understand there are many people who sustain damages when there is a wrongful death. However, the law does draw a line as to who may file a claim. During our consultation, we can determine whether you are eligible to bring a case.
What is the value of my wrongful death claim?
The primary elements of damage are a loss of support to the decedent’s spouse and children. We demonstrate the scope of these damages from past wages and the assistance of an expert economist and other experts.
The most significant element of damage in a wrongful death claim is the loss of society or relationship. Society is defined as the mutual benefits that each family member receives from the other’s continued existence, including love, affection, care, attention, companionship, comfort, guidance, and protection. This type of non-economic damage is difficult to predict. Ten different juries may give you 10 different verdicts for the same situation.
Our firm has resources and a network of resources to develop an idea of the value of these difficult cases. We use mock jurors and companies that provide upwards of 50 expert witnesses to render opinions on the value of your case, as well as offer opinions on complex liability issues.
Good To Know: Illinois has expanded wrongful death damages to include grief experienced by the next of kin.
How long do I have to bring a wrongful death claim?
Generally speaking, you only have two years to bring a wrongful death claim in Illinois. This statute may be tolled for minors, but it may also be much shorter if your claim is against a government entity. this is why you should never delay filing a wrongful death claim, It allows your attorneys to immediately begin building the strongest possible case on your behalf, so you are not time-barred from seeking justice.
Do you have a wrongful lawyer near me?
Glisson Law is located at 111 East Fourth Street, Suite 400, in Alton, IL. We’re a block away from City Hall, and you can find 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 helping families in Alton
At Glisson Law, we understand the overwhelming grief and anger that comes with a wrongful death case. As your lawyers, we want to take the legal burden off your shoulders so you and your family can take the time you need to grieve your loss. We will hold the right people and entities accountable for their actions and fight for the compensation to which you’re entitled. We want to help make things right. Call our offices or fill out our contact form today to schedule a free consultation. We serve families in Belleville, Edwardsville, St. Clair and Madison County, and all of Southwestern Illinois.