In the weeks and months following the wrongful death of a family member, it is likely that legal action will be the last thing on your mind. However, as time passes, it may become clear that the negligent acts of another person are responsible for the death of a family member.

In cases like these, our Evanston wrongful death lawyer is available to offer counsel, with compassion and understanding, about your possible next steps. Call The Rooth Law Firm today to find out how our personal injury lawyer in Evanston can handle your case by combining legal knowledge with sensitivity. We are available 24/7.

What Is Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death action can arise when a family member dies as the result of the negligence of another. The Rooth Law Firm has helped clients with cases involving many kinds of negligent acts, including:

Reckless driving, such as speeding, ignoring traffic signs and signals, and driving while drunk or distracted
Nursing home neglect or abuse, such as failing to provide adequate medical care, nutrition, or protection from abuse
Medical malpractice, such as failing to diagnose, misdiagnosis, medication errors, improper communication, or mistakes during treatment
Manufacturing errors, such as failing to properly test, design, or build a product or failure to recall a faulty product in a timely fashion

One of the first things we do for new clients is thoroughly investigate the cause of their loved one’s death. Our attorney can collect evidence to show that your loved one would still be alive if the negligent party—whether they are a driver, a doctor, a nursing home, a healthcare institution, a manufacturer, or someone else—had behaved with reasonable care and concern.

What Should You Do After Your Loved One Suffers a Wrongful Death?

If you were also injured in the same accident that caused your loved one’s fatal injuries, make sure you get appropriate medical care. It may be tempting to push your own needs aside, but this would only jeopardize your health and your ability to take legal action.

Other actions to consider include:

Preserving all materials related to the wrongful death, such as accident scene photos or funeral bills
Waiting to speak to the insurance company until you have had a chance to get legal advice
Speaking to our personal injury attorney for guidance about where to go from here

Rooth Gets Results for our wrongful death clients. Call now to learn more about how we can help.

Do You Need a Lawyer to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Getting legal advice early on in your case is a good way to avoid preventable mistakes, like signing a settlement agreement too soon or misidentifying the liable party. It can be reassuring to put your case in the hands of a trusted attorney while you stay focused on figuring out how to rebuild your life after a fatal car accident, nursing home abuse, or another event.

Our law firm charges nothing up front, so getting the guidance you deserve does not have to add to your financial burden during an already difficult time.

How Much Can You Sue for Wrongful Death in Illinois?

Your final settlement or verdict depends on many different factors, including whether your loved one died immediately and the financial costs associated with the wrongful death. Robert J. Rooth knows how to fight for the money our clients depend on, whether that means negotiating for a fair settlement or taking the at-fault party to Cook County Law Division or another court.

Your payout might include money for:

Your loved one’s final medical bills
End-of-life costs, including burial and funeral expenses
Your loved one’s lost wages and financial support
The survivors’ grief and mental suffering

Ultimately, the type and amount of compensation you ask for should reflect all of your past, present, and future losses associated with the accident. Our lawyer can help you figure out what that will look like in your case.

Wrongful Death FAQs

You might be overwhelmed with uncertainty and confusion right now. Please know that our legal team is here to provide reassurance and confident legal guidance whenever you want it. We can address critical questions like:

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Evanston?

The deceased’s “personal representatives” have the right to take legal action on behalf of the victim’s surviving relatives. This representative might be a friend, family member, or other person designated by the deceased prior to their death. We can help you identify that person by reviewing your loved one’s will or other legal documents. If the deceased did not name a personal representative, the court may appoint one.

What Are the Odds of Winning a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Every case is different. Your odds of winning a lawsuit may increase if you get started early and if there is ample evidence to prove your case. Factors that could make it more difficult—though not necessarily impossible—to win a suit include:

Lack of high-quality evidence
The insurer or the liable party’s refusal to accept responsibility
Missing the statute of limitations

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death Cases?

Illinois law gives you two years to start a lawsuit in most cases. However, your particular circumstances could shorten or lengthen the deadline, so it is a good idea to consult with The Rooth Law Firm as soon as possible to learn more about your rights.

When Should You Call an Evanston Lawyer About Your Case?

The sooner you get in touch with us, the more options may be available for holding the liable party accountable and securing compensation. We have successfully represented the families of individuals who have suffered the tragic loss of a loved one since 1984. Call The Rooth Law Firm today for a free consultation.

Wrongful Death Lawyer in Evanston

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