What Kind of Damages Can You Get in a Wrongful Death Case?

 Posted on September 19, 2024 in Personal Injury

You probably know that you may be entitled to compensation if you are injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence through a personal injury claim. Unfortunately, some accidents lead to fatalities. The deceased cannot file a claim, but her immediate family likely suffers not only because they lost a loved one but also because of their suddenly uncertain future.

Do survivors have avenues for compensation? What damages are available in a wrongful death case? A compassionate lawyer from Grauer & Kriegel, LLC can give you specific answers during your free consultation.

What Is Wrongful Death?

When someone dies as a result of another party’s wrongful or negligent behaviors, eligible survivors may qualify to receive a settlement through a wrongful death action. Almost any kind of accident can cause fatalities, such as:

• Car accidents

• Truck accidents

• Premises liability incidents

• Pedestrian accidents

• Motorcycle accidents

• Nursing home neglect

Some victims die immediately, but others may linger before eventually succumbing to their injuries. Survivors may face medical expenses for the unsuccessful treatments, along with other financial losses. The victim may have experienced significant pain and suffering before her death, and her family will also suffer ill effects. Your attorney from Grauer & Kriegel, LLC can file the appropriate claims and help you get the compensation you deserve.

What Damages Are Available in Illinois Wrongful Death Actions?

The Illinois Wrongful Death Act details who can file a wrongful death claim, the grounds for doing so, and the damages that may be available. If your relationship with the deceased qualifies you to file a claim, you may receive damages for the deceased’s losses and your own. Damages is a legal term that describes specific kinds of losses and the money that reimburses or compensates you for those losses.

If the victim had not died, she would likely have been able to obtain compensation for her losses, such as:

• Medical treatment and care expenses

• Lost wages

• Property damage

• Pain and suffering

• Diminished quality of life

As an eligible survivor, you may collect those damages on her behalf. In addition, you will experience multiple losses of your own as a result of your loved one’s death. Your settlement may also include damages for:

• Funeral and burial expenses

• The services and goods the deceased would have provided

• The deceased’s anticipated lifetime income and benefits

• Loss of inheritance

• Your pain and suffering

• Loss of consortium

• Loss of emotional support and companionship

• Loss of guidance and care

In rare cases, you may also be awarded punitive damages. When you work with Grauer & Kriegel, LLC, your legal team will assess your losses and calculate the value of your damages. Then, we will work diligently to protect your interests and help you obtain the maximum available amount of compensation. If the liable insurers refuse to offer an acceptable settlement, we will not hesitate to take them to court.

Call Our Knowledgeable DuPage County, IL Wrongful Death Lawyers Today

At Grauer & Kriegel, LLC, we know that money cannot replace your loved one. However, it can help you provide for your family after your loss. Call us at 847-240-9010 for your free consultation with our dedicated Des Plaines, IL personal injury attorneys.