Each year, countless individuals across Illinois unexpectedly lose their lives due to the preventable acts of someone else. These situations qualify as wrongful deaths under our state’s laws.
If your loved one has had their life ended prematurely by negligence or intentional actions carried out by another person or entity, you, as their surviving loved one, may be able to recover compensation for the loss of your family member. Consider reaching out to us here at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP to discuss your rights. Each Princeton, IL wrongful death lawyer in our office offers free consultations to discuss your case and the legal options you can pursue.
How These Preventable Fatalities Occur
When tasked with identifying different ways someone dies that could have been avoided, oftentimes, car crashes, truck collisions, and workplace accidents come to mind most. While these different incidents are certainly to blame for most wrongful deaths that occur, the following can also be responsible for fatalities happening:
- Defective Products: Cases like these fall into the product liability practice area. Dangerous or defective items can not only cause health complications but also claim a person’s life.
- Nursing Home Abuse: Neglect or abuse in nursing homes can cause a downturn in a person’s health, leading to their death.
- Dangerous Premises: Property owner negligence can result in slips and falls, attractive nuisance hazards, inadequate security situations, etc., all of which may lead to fatalities.
- Criminal Acts: This category may include a deadly assault and manslaughter or a homicide. The U.S. sees more than 26,000 crime-related deaths each year, according to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
No matter whether your close relative suffered harm due to one of the factors above or lost their life under a different set of circumstances, legal remedies may be available to you. Speaking with a Princeton, IL wrongful death lawyer can help you better understand what course of action to take and what to expect by doing so. To better understand your options, reach out to our law office, Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, for a free case consultation.
Choosing the Right Lawyer To Assist With Your Wrongful Death Case in Princeton, IL
The sudden loss of a family member is understandably challenging. However, having the support of legal counsel to help you understand your rights and navigate the legal system can take a lot of pressure off you so that you can continue to grieve your loss.
Who you select to represent you in a wrongful death case can be the single most important factor in determining a successful outcome and maximum compensation.
Here are some things to look for:
Experience and Track Record
When choosing a wrongful death lawyer, look for a firm with a proven track record of success in handling similar cases. Experience matters because it ensures that your lawyer understands the nuances of wrongful death laws specific to Illinois and has the litigation skills to achieve a successful outcome.
Compassion and Communication
Facing a wrongful death claim can be emotionally exhausting. A compassionate lawyer not only provides you with legal guidance but also supports your family with empathy and clear communication. They should keep you informed about the progress of your case, be available to answer your questions promptly and provide realistic expectations about the legal process.
Why Seek Legal Counsel Immediately After a Loved One Unexpectedly Dies?
You’ll often hear attorneys on commercials urge you to reach out to them right away to discuss your injury or death case. While you may think that they do that for a number of reasons, they do so primarily in the interest of:
- Preserving Evidence Prompt action is crucial in preserving evidence and ensuring witness accounts remain fresh. Delaying legal action can potentially weaken the case.
- Ensuring Compliance With the Statute of Limitations In Illinois, there are statutes of limitations that dictate how long a family has to file a wrongful death lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Consulting with a lawyer promptly ensures compliance with these legal deadlines.
- Peace of Mind: By entrusting your case to a skilled wrongful death lawyer, you can focus on grieving and supporting your family while knowing that your legal rights are being protected and pursued diligently.
Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Cases
Filing a claim allows you to recover any end-of-life expenses your loved one may have incurred prior to their death, including medical bills. It also allows you to recover funeral and burial costs.
Compensation may also be available in cases like these for:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship or counsel
- Lost future earnings and benefits
The above-mentioned are just a few examples of compensation you may be able to recover by taking legal action. The wrongful death attorney you meet with can give you a better idea of the types and amount of compensation you may be eligible to recover after more closely reviewing your case.
Our Attorneys Are Here To Help You Recover From the Loss of a Loved One
Losing a loved one to wrongful death is a traumatic experience that no family should have to face alone. You can count on us at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP to make sure you don’t have to.
Each Princeton, IL wrongful death lawyer on our team is committed to helping families like yours seek justice and closure. From investigating the circumstances of the death to negotiating fair compensation, we’re here to navigate these legal complexities on your behalf. Call or fill out our contact form to tell us more about the incident that claimed your loved one’s life and to meet with an attorney on our team.
