Nestled in the Illinois Valley and situated along the Illinois River, LaSalle is a vibrant center of commerce and a unique blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and community-focused living. Unfortunately, like elsewhere, LaSalle is a city that’s not unfamiliar with accidents and personal loss.
Losing a loved one due to wrongful death is often devastating and can leave families mired in emotional turmoil and financial uncertainty. In Illinois, navigating the legal complexities of these cases can be much less stressful with the expertise of a compassionate and experienced LaSalle wrongful death lawyer.
Whatever the cause of wrongful death, when it happens to your family, understanding your rights and pursuing justice is of the utmost importance. At Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, we’re primed and ready to help you understand the legal options that Illinois law affords you when a loved one’s premature death occurs. Contact us to discuss your rights today during a free consultation.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims
“Wrongful death” happens when a person dies in a situation that was caused by the negligence or misconduct of another party.
In LaSalle, certain family members or the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional suffering caused by the loss.
Typically, spouses, children, and parents are eligible to seek compensation. A wrongful death lawsuit aims to hold the negligent party accountable and provide financial support to the surviving family members. Wrongful death can happen for many reasons, typically involving negligence or intentional harm.
How These Preventable Fatalities Occur
While there is a multitude of ways these deaths can occur, some of the most common ways they happen that each LaSalle wrongful death lawyer on our team has handled include ones that occur via:
- Car Accidents: Negligence while driving, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, often leads to wrongful death.
- Medical Malpractice: Errors by health care professionals, including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication mistakes, are another leading cause of wrongful death.
- Workplace Accidents: Unsafe working conditions can lead to fatal injuries, often from falls, machinery accidents, or exposure to hazardous substances. Construction accidents due to safety violations or negligence are particularly common.
The Role of a Wrongful Death Attorney in LaSalle, IL
The role of a personal injury lawyer, specifically one who specializes in wrongful death law, includes critical responsibilities that assist families who’ve lost loved ones due to the negligence or misconduct of another.
Here are some of the key aspects of their role:
- Legal Expertise and Guidance: A wrongful death lawyer is well-versed in the laws and regulations about wrongful death claims in their jurisdiction, such as Illinois’ Wrongful Death Act. These attorneys provide critical legal guidance to the surviving family members, explaining your rights and options under the law. This includes everything from advising on the eligibility of your wrongful death claim to the potential compensation recoverable and the legal process involved.
- Investigation: One of your lawyer’s key jobs is to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death. This includes the gathering of evidence like medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions. By collecting and carefully analyzing this evidence, your lawyer will work hard to establish liability and prove that the death was caused by the negligence or wrongful actions of another.
- Case Preparation: Based on the findings from their investigation, your wrongful death lawyer will form a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to the specific details of your case. Things like identifying potential defendants, assessing the strength of the evidence, and anticipating legal arguments that may be raised by the opposing party (and developing counterarguments.) Your lawyer will prepare your case for negotiation or litigation and ensure that all documents are filed correctly and deadlines are met according to Illinois statutes.
- Representation: Your attorney serves as an advocate for your family throughout the legal process. They represent your interests in negotiations with insurance companies, opposing counsel, and in court, if necessary, fighting to secure fair compensation that reflects the full extent of the damages you’ve suffered, including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering, including loss of companionship.
- Negotiation and Settlement: Many wrongful death cases are resolved through negotiation rather than going to trial. A skilled lawyer negotiates with the defendants or their insurance providers to reach a settlement that provides fair compensation. They’ll advocate for your rights and ensure that any settlement offer covers all of the relevant factors, like future financial needs and emotional losses.
- Litigation: Sometimes, a fair settlement can’t be reached through negotiation. That’s when your lawyer is prepared to take your case to court. They’ll present the evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf in front of a judge and jury to achieve a successful outcome that holds the negligent party accountable while providing justice for your family.
- Support and Compassion: Beyond their legal duties, a wrongful death lawyer is there to provide compassionate support to grieving families like yours. At Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, we understand the emotional toll of losing a loved one and offer empathy, guidance, and reassurance throughout your legal proceedings. By fostering a supportive attorney-client relationship, our lawyers help take away some of the stress and uncertainty during this difficult time.
No one would ever want to meet someone else under such unfortunate circumstances such as the wrongful death of a loved one; however, our legal team here at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP wouldn’t want anyone else to guide you through the process of picking up the pieces after a family member’s sudden, preventable passing.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, contact us today for a free consultation with a LaSalle wrongful death lawyer, and let us help you through this difficult time.
