Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences you’ll ever have to deal with. If their passing could have been prevented if it weren’t for the negligent or irresponsible decisions of another, you could hold that person accountable by working with a wrongful death lawyer in Des Plaines.
It’s one thing if someone you love dies due to an illness or because of old age, but knowing that someone else’s actions are responsible for causing their death can be especially devastating. The person or persons who are liable for your relative’s death should be responsible for compensating you for your loss.
Your Des Plaines wrongful death lawyer at Lane Brown, LLC is dedicated to helping your family get the funds they need to pick up the pieces of their life so that you can grieve without the burden of mountains of expenses that should be covered by the at-fault party.
Before you can file your fatal accident claim in Des Plaines, Illinois, you should be sure that you are legally able to do so. In Illinois, wrongful death lawsuits need to be filed by the representative of the decedent’s estate.
This could be someone the decedent named, such as their spouse or their adult child, or the parent of a minor child who passed away. If the decedent did not authorize anyone as their representative, as often happens with unexpected deaths, then the courts will appoint a representative.
Once you know whether or not you have the ability to pursue a wrongful death claim, you’ll need to make sure your claim is filed before the statute of limitations has run out in Des Plaines. This will typically be within two years of the date of the accident the decedent was involved in.
If your claim isn’t filed in time, the courts will refuse to hear your claim, and you won’t be able to obtain the compensation your family is entitled to.
When you’re pursuing your Des Plaines wrongful death claim, you should know that when damages are awarded, they are awarded to the surviving spouse and children of the decedent, regardless of who brings the claim forward. Some of the different types of damages that you can seek include:
These losses will be disbursed to the surviving family members as necessary. For instance, funeral and burial expense will be paid to the representative of the estate to ensure these costs are covered, while the loss of guidance and support can be distributed among the surviving spouse and children of the deceased.
When you’re ready to get justice for your deceased loved one but aren’t sure where to turn, get in touch with a highly trained Des Plaines wrongful death lawyer at Lane Brown, LLC as soon as possible.
We offer families suffering from the tragic loss of a family member a complimentary consultation to discuss the details of your case in greater depth. You can take advantage of your free consult by calling our office directly at 312-332-1400 or by completing the convenient contact form we’ve provided at the bottom of this page.