Executor Responsibilities & Illinois Wrongful Death Claims

After a fatal accident, families are left to deal with settling their loved one's estate. If your loved one left a will, the will should indicate who the executor of the estate is. An executor can be a person, more than one person or an organization like a bank.

When a person passes away without a will, an administrator will be appointed according to Illinois law. The person or people who are the executor or administrator have responsibilities to the estate regarding an Illinois wrongful death claim.

Administrator/Executor Wrongful Death Claims

The executor of an estate not only decides if the estate should file a wrongful death suit, he or she decides what party to file the lawsuit against and decides when to settle the case. In addition, the executor will protect the interests of the estate's beneficiaries impartially, will help with negotiating the settlement and will attend court proceedings. 

After settlement is reached, the executor of the estate will make sure that the estate is then distributed correctly. After this is accomplished, the executor will file proof with the court that the estate was disbursed according to the agreement.

The executor cannot work for his or her own benefit nor for the benefit of one specific beneficiary. The administrator must work for all of the beneficiaries equally. In addition, the executor or administrator usually will not be paid for time spent on settling the estate, with a few exceptions can be explained on a case by case basis by your attorney. 

Hiring a Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one to a tragic and preventable accident carries with it an emotional toll that can quickly become overwhelming when funeral costs and medical bills come pouring in, especially if your family relied on the income of the deceased as your main source of financial support. If you have lost a spouse, parent, or other family member due to neglect, you may be entitled to receive compensation from those responsible to help your family get back its feet after your loss.

With so much going on during this emotional time, it's best to have the help of an experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have been helping the families of accident victims get the compensation they need and deserve to move on with their lives. Contact us today for a free case evaluation - (312) 263-1080