Have you had a loved one die due to someone else’s negligence? This is called a wrongful death and if it was caused because a person or company was careless, you could be entitled to compensation. While that won’t bring your loved one back, it can help ease the financial burden that results from them being gone. Here are some common questions that people have about wrongful death cases answered by an injury attorney Chicago professional.
What’s the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit?
There is no simple answer to this question because it differs from state to state. In general, most states require that you file a wrongful death lawsuit between one and three years following the death. If you don’t file the proper paperwork within the allotted time, you won’t be able to sue for monetary damages. There are some exceptions to the statute of limitations regulations, however. For instance, if there is evidence that medical malpractice lead to the death, the clock starts over. If the deceased used products that were later deemed to be dangerous, the clock on the statute of limitations starts over. Your injury attorney Chicago expert can help determine how long you have to file the case so consult with one as soon as possible following the death.
How is compensation determined in a wrongful death case?
There are many factors that are involved in determining how much of an award someone will get in a wrongful death case and your injury attorney Chicago professional can usually give you a good idea of what to expect. For one thing, you may be able to recover medical bills and burial expenses for your deceased loved one. In addition to that, you may be able to receive compensation for the financial loss that you will endure as a result of your loved one’s death. You may sue for future wages that the person would have received along with compensation for pain and suffering.
What’s the difference between medical malpractice and wrongful death?
A wrongful death case is usually referred to when it comes to damages while medical malpractice is a type action that is negligent. Not all wrongful deaths are the result of medical malpractice and medical malpractice does not always lead to a wrongful death. Also, wrongful death refers to the people who depended on the deceased as their support – financially and emotionally. It can be the result of someone else’s careless driving, a reckless act or even a deliberate murder.
Has a loved one of yours died because of someone else’s recklessness, carelessness or willful action? If so, visit the Law Offices of Friend, Levinson & Turner. Our experienced injury attorney in Chicago will walk you through the process of filing your case so you can get the compensation you deserve.
