Practice

Blog

Library

Types of Illinois Wrongful Death Claim Compensation (Part A)

If you have lost a family member as the result of an accident due to someone else's carelessness or neglect, you may be eligible to file an Illinois wrongful death claim. The compensation from this wrongful death claim would be in addition to compensation for any costs incurred before your loved one died (such as medical bills and lost wages).

While it may be hard to think about it right now, it's important that your family is taken care of, especially if the deceased was the main income earner in your household. Learning what avenues of compensation may be available during a wrongful death claim can help you and your attorney decide what your options are during this difficult time.

Illinois Wrongful Death Claim & Illinois Car Insurance Requirements

If your loved one was killed in a car accident, you may be able to receive some compensation from the insurance company of the driver responsible for the crash. The state of Illinois requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of automobile insurance, $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.

However, this amount of insurance may not cover the costs of a "normal" car accident, let alone a fatal car accident. A knowledgeable, experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer will look for ways beyond the driver's car insurance to try to get you the compensation that you deserve.

Illinois Wrongful Death Claim, Car Manufacturing & Repair

Sometimes a vehicle itself can carry fault for a fatal car accident apart from any driver error. For example, if the car's design was faulty or the car was produced improperly, you may be entitled to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

Another possibility that might apply to your case is if the vehicle that caused the fatal car accident was improperly repaired. If, for example, a repair shop added any kind of liquid or oil other than brake fluid to the brake fluid reservoir, that liquid combined with the brake fluid already in the lines could damage or destroy the rubber seals in the system, leading to brake failure. Under these circumstances they would be liable for your loved one's fatal car accident and therefore subject to a wrongful death claim.

Continue to Next Page >>

The Law Offices of
Barry G. Doyle, P.C.
5215 Old Orchard Road
Suite 710
Skokie, IL 60077
Phone: 312.263.1080
Fax: 312.263.0153

Proudly Serving Many Illinois Cities and Counties, Including:
Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Naperville, Joliet, Waukegan, Geneva, Sycamore, Woodstock, Kankakee, Morris, Ottawa; Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Winnebago, DeKalb, McHenry, Kankakee, Grundy, LaSalle, Peoria, McLean, Champaign, Tazewell Counties

Offices

FAQ