Joliet Wrongful Death Attorney

Lawyer Handling Claims of Wrongful Death in Will County

Few experiences in life can compare to the pain of losing a close family member due to another party's negligence. Fatal accidents can happen without warning. You were likely taken by surprise when you heard the news that one of your close family members had been fatally injured in an accident. You may be struggling with the fact that your loved one would still be here if the party responsible for the accident had been more careful. In these cases, you may be able to recover compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Whether the responsible party was a drunk driver or a negligent medical professional, they can likely be held accountable for the loss of life resulting from their carelessness.

Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC is experienced in working with grieving family members who are ready to pursue compensation from the party responsible for their loss. We represent such clients with compassion, respect, and care for their best interests. Our attorneys handle wrongful death cases aggressively in order to hold the liable party accountable for all the harm a family has suffered, both economically and psychologically. If you are in this situation, we are prepared to fight for everything you are entitled to under the law.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In Illinois, you must be one of the decedent's closest relatives to be eligible for wrongful death compensation. Generally, the decedent's surviving spouse and children, if any, are given priority. If the decedent had neither a spouse nor children, their parent is likely eligible to recover compensation for the loss.

Illinois law allows more extended relatives to pursue compensation if there are no closer relatives. Siblings and even nieces or nephews may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit if they are the decedent's closest living relative.

Damages Recoverable in Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death lawsuits are intended to allow survivors to remain in the same financial position they would have been if their loved one had not been involved in an accident. They are also meant to compensate you for the emotional and psychological costs associated with losing a family member.

If you are eligible, you may be able to recover:

• Lost income - You may be able to receive compensation for the income your loved one would have earned throughout their lifetime. This is often the largest and most important category of compensation.
• Medical costs - If your loved one incurred medical expenses before passing away, you can likely recover these costs.
• Emotional and psychological harm - While it is difficult to quantify the amount of grief and mental suffering survivors endure, you can receive compensation for these harms.
• Loss of relationship - Spouses and children of the decedent can often seek compensation for the loss of the marital relationship or the loss of parental guidance and care.

We will strive to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for the loss of your family member.

Types of Fatal Accidents We Can Help With

Our lawyers are experienced in pursuing wrongful death compensation for those who have lost family members due to:

• Car accidents, including rideshare accidents, rear-end collisions, and distracted driver accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Pedestrian accidents in which a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle
• Bicycle accidents involving a motor vehicle
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents, including driver fatigue accidents and those caused by improperly secured cargo
• Medical malpractice
• Slip and falls and other accidents occurring on another party's premises

Contact a Will County Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you have lost a loved one due to another party's negligence, Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC may be able to help you recover substantial compensation for your loss. Our caring team of attorneys will strive to see that you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve. To begin with a free consultation, please contact us at 815-730-1977. We work on contingency fees, so you only pay if we win you compensation.