According to the American Bar Association, each year in the United States, more than 30,000 people die from substance abuse. That’s about one person every two minutes. Of those deaths, nearly 5,300 are caused by drug overdoses, and another 4,000 are due to alcohol poisoning.
Another 2,400 get caused by auto crashes resulting from drinking or drugged driving. In all of these cases, someone made a poor decision that led to a tragic result. It doesn’t matter if they were your friend or family member; the fact is their actions negatively affected you.
You may not have known them personally, but that person is still connected to you somehow. The people who cause harm due to such actions should be held accountable for their actions and how they affect others. Suppose you’re reading this article because you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.
you may be wondering what your options are going forward to hold those responsible for their actions accountable. As a Chicago Wrongful Death Attorney who regularly works on cases like this one can help answer your questions and ensure your family’s interests are under protection throughout the process.
What is wrongful death?
Wrongful death is a serious legal claim that can provide financial and emotional compensation for the harm caused to the individual’s family members. It is an area of law that deals with death due to negligence or wrongdoing caused by another person.
The type of damages awarded in wrongful death cases vary, but they typically include economic and non-economic damages, depending on the kind of negligence or misconduct involved.
Types of wrongful death
It is important to understand the different forms of wrongful death cases and what they entail. First, let’s talk about negligence. It is the most common type of criminal death case because it involves someone who failed to exercise ordinary care in their duties or purposely ignored a task they had towards you.
Negligence can be anything from driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol to not taking necessary steps to protect your loved one during a dangerous situation like an accident. If you believe someone violated their duties, you may be eligible for compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of earning potential, and pain and suffering.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?
To submit a wrongful death case in Chicago, you must be the deceased individual’s representative or have a legal right to make decisions on behalf of the victim. If you believe that someone has caused the death of your loved one and hasn’t been held accountable. Chicago Wrongful Death Attorney will help you navigate the process and ensure that your family is fairly compensated by those responsible for their harm.
What damages can get recovered in a wrongful death case?
When someone dies due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, they leave behind loved ones who are left to pick up the pieces. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available for you and your loved ones.
Victims of wrongful death can recover damages such as funeral expenses, loss of support, medical costs related to the end, and an increased need for income due to loss of work. You can also file a lawsuit against others responsible for the victim’s death.
How long does it take following a wrongful death to sue?
The statute of limitations for submitting a wrongful death lawsuit can vary depending on the situation. Still, in most cases, the period is one year from the date of the accident.
If that time has passed and you have not filed a wrongful death lawsuit, your options are limited, and you may get forced to accept whatever course of action is taken by those responsible for your loss.
Wrapping Up
A wrongful death attorney is someone who helps the family of a person who has died as a result of the negligence or intentional act of another party. If you have lost a loved one and believe their death was due to the actions or inaction of another person or entity, contact a wrongful death attorney.
First, the person who wrongfully killed your loved one must get convicted of a crime. Then, they can be sentenced to jail or an extended sentence that includes community service and restitution.
If they get sentenced to jail time, they will likely serve less than six months (maybe as little as three). If you find yourself in this situation, please don’t hesitate to contact law firms for help. They are here to help you through every step of the process so you can have peace of mind going forward. Chicago Wrongful Death Attorney would be happy to speak with you about your case and answer any questions you may have.