Anytime a loved one is harmed by the negligence of another person, whether a little or a lot, the emotional distress can be severe. Compounding this suffering can be the financial burden placed on a family by the sudden loss of monetary support, especially in those circumstances where the family wage earner is killed. In such event, Illinois law provides for the right of surviving family members to pursue civil wrongful death claims based upon evidence of negligent or intentional actions that resulted in death. One Illinois family recently utilized that right.
The family filed a wrongful death suit in Cook County following the loss of several loved ones. The accident occurred last year in Lee County, when a man employed by an excavating company was said to have ignored a stop sign. The man was driving a company vehicle when he collided with another car, killing the driver and two passengers. According to a report, the company was unable to be reached for a comment.
Receiving the news that a loved one has been killed is tragic under any circumstances. Not only must the person try to cope with the shock of a sudden and often senseless tragedy, but also he or she might have to incur unexpected expenses related to final medical care and a funeral. At a time when many are simply trying to grasp what has happened and what it means to them, the emotional trauma may be overwhelming. And yet, there are questions as well, and often the sense that a perceived wrongdoer should be held to account for the damage caused.
If the proper knowledge and understanding is utilized, along with the right advice, Illinois residents may improve their chances of settling cases of wrongful death swiftly and more proportionately to their suffering. Unfortunately, simply filing a claim may not result in a speedy recovery. For that reason, it is in your best interest to consult with an attorney. An attorney can advise you on the best strategy for holding allegedly negligent parties responsible for their conduct, while also helping your recover financial compensation for pain and suffering and/or damages arising from the wrongful death.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Family files wrongful death suit against Illinois company in fatal crash,” Naomi Nix, July 17, 2012
• Our firm handles situations similar to the one discussed in this post. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our Illinois Wrongful Death page.