Losing a loved one in a fatal accident can leave you struggling to answer a lot of difficult questions you never expected to face. One of these questions may be whether you have an Illinois wrongful death claim, and what is involved in taking legal action.
If you believe you have a wrongful death case, the next question is usually: “Do I need a lawyer?” At Coplan + Crane, our wrongful death attorneys can help you protect your rights and fight for the compensation you and your family deserve.
For assistance with an Illinois wrongful death claim, call 312-982-0588 today. Coplan + Crane provides FREE consultations at our offices in Chicago and Oak Park, enabling you to discuss your case without upfront cost or obligation.
When you are facing the unexpected loss of a loved one in Illinois, there are several important reasons to retain legal counsel. Here are seven examples of how an experienced wrongful death lawyer can help:
No matter what happened, seeking justice for a loved one’s wrongful death starts with conducting a comprehensive investigation. A qualified wrongful death attorney will work quickly to determine what led to your loved one’s death and who is to blame. Your lawyer can also identify the personal representative, which is the only person who can sue for wrongful death in Illinois.
Multiple parties may be held liable for fatal accidents and medical malpractice in Illinois. After conducting an investigation, your lawyer will be able to identify any and all defendants that deserve to be held accountable.
Illinois follows a joint and several liability rule that sets certain thresholds for when a defendant may be liable for the full amount of a plaintiff’s damages. Accurately assessing fault and identifying all of the at-fault parties is essential for recovering maximum compensation in an Illinois wrongful death claim.
From the negligence of one or more parties to product defects, numerous issues can cause or contribute to the wrongful death of your family member. If there are multiple grounds for financial compensation, having a skilled attorney is essential for pursuing all available claims and maximizing your family’s financial recovery.
Fatal accidents can leave families facing significant financial and non-financial losses. When pursuing an Illinois wrongful death claim, it is critical to ensure that you have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the damages that may be available.
This includes not only the losses your family may have incurred to date (such as funeral and burial expenses, end-of-life medical bills, etc.), but losses your family is likely to incur in the future. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death, your family may have a claim for punitive damages as well.
Multiple forms of evidence may be needed to support an Illinois wrongful death claim. This may include:
You may not have been present on the scene when your loved one was killed. In other cases, key evidence may be held by one or more defendants. A knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer in Illinois will be able to discern what evidence is needed to prove your case, as well as take steps to preserve it.
In many cases, resolving an Illinois wrongful death claim will involve negotiating an out-of-court settlement. Having an attorney is crucial for negotiating a favorable settlement on your family’s behalf.
If a settlement offer is on the table, you can rely on your lawyer to help you make an informed decision about whether to accept. Making this decision will require a clear understanding of your family’s financial and non-financial damages, among other factors.
Finally, if it is not in your family’s best interests to accept a settlement, a skilled wrongful death lawyer can take your case to trial. While most wrongful death cases do not go to court, it is important to be prepared to fight for your family’s legal rights if necessary.
Showing that you are prepared to go to court may help convince the insurance companies to make a fair settlement offer instead of taking their chances at trial. The only way to show this is by hiring an attorney with a strong track record of success.
If you have lost a loved one unexpectedly, we offer our sincere condolences. Coplan + Crane is committed to providing you with sound legal representation and compassionate support in your time of grief.
The thought of taking legal action might seem like too much to handle when you’re dealing with a tragic loss. One of the benefits of entrusting the matter to a capable wrongful death attorney is being able to focus on healing while we take on the challenges of your case.
Contact Coplan + Crane today if you need assistance with an Illinois wrongful death claim. Your initial consultation is FREE and 100% confidential. We represent clients in Chicago, Oak Park, Rockford, and throughout Illinois.
