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Chicago Fatal Accident Lawyers
Compassionately representing Illinois families after a wrongful death of a loved one
Serious auto accidents and injuries bring challenges and obstacles. Each case is unique and should be treated as such. However, cases involving a wrongful death are especially sensitive. The pain and suffering brought on by a fatal accident is immeasurable for the family members of the deceased.
After losing a family member, you deserve to be represented by an attorney you trust after such an unimaginable, and preventable, loss. When negligence causes the death of someone you love, Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers is here to help you through the tragedy. We provide client-centered representation for fatal accident victims in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Get help from an experienced Chicago fatal accident lawyer to secure the compensation your family deserves.
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What are the causes of fatal accidents?
The Illinois Department of Transportation (DOT) reported in Cook County in 2020, up from 295 in 2019. In these accidents, 198 fatalities were bicycle and pedestrian accidents, 148 deaths were motorcyclists, and 118 involved semi-trucks.
The National Law Review noted that the rise in fatal accidents was likely due to an increase in factors like speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving incidents, and accidents like car incursions.
Fatal injuries can also occur from hit and run accidents and multi-car pileups. In the event your loved one’s accident was caused by a defective auto part, our product liability attorneys can also file a claim to hold the manufacturer, dealership, or other party responsible.
Should I hire a lawyer if my loved one died in a fatal car accident?
Our attorneys understand that after the loss of a loved one, money is the last thing on your mind. Many of us have insurance in place for situations like this, to cover medical and funeral expenses in the event of unexpected accidents and tragedies. However, when another’s negligence or intentional actions caused your loved one’s death, you should not bear the financial burden alone.
Our Chicago law firm represents families after a loved one has suffered a fatal injury. These types of cases are particularly complex, and a successful claim requires the assistance of a reliable lawyer. We are equipped and ready to handle even the most challenging cases of fatal accident tragedies.
A knowledgeable Chicago car accident attorney from Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers works with you, listening to your concerns and helping you plan for the future. We strive to hold the liable party responsible for your loss, and we take these damages into account when working to secure the compensation to which you and your family are entitled.
Most importantly, we take action while you take the time you need to grieve and move on from your tragedy. Our team of experienced lawyers handle the paperwork, investigation, filing and deadlines, shouldering the legal burden so you don’t have to.
Who is eligible for compensation after a fatal Chicago car accident?
Only close relatives or a representative of the estate can bring a claim after a fatal accident. The Illinois Wrongful Death Act allows relatives of the deceased, or a representative, to file a lawsuit against the responsible party for compensation:
Whenever the death of a person shall be caused by wrongful act, neglect or default, and the act, neglect or default is such as would, if death had not ensued, have entitled the party injured to maintain an action and recover damages in respect thereof, then and in every such case the person who or company or corporation which would have been liable if death had not ensued, shall be liable to an action for damages, notwithstanding the death of the person injured.
In other words, if the person had survived the accident and was entitled to recover damages in a personal injury claim, the liable party continues to hold liability even after that person’s death.
A successful wrongful death claim allows the financial award to be distributed among the victim’s next of kin. Under the Act, next of kin includes the surviving spouse, children, siblings, or parents (including adopted children and adoptive parents).
The fatal accident attorneys at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers can help prove liability and build a strong case on behalf of your loved one and your family.
What damages can you seek after a fatal car accident?
When a loved one is killed by the actions of another, surviving family members face a multitude of emotional and financial challenges. If the other party is found liable, you may be entitled to certain kinds of compensatory damages. The most common include:
- Medical expenses. If the victim required medical assistance after the accident, those expenses remain, even if the victim ultimately does not survive. The family is left with these expenses, and the liable party may be held responsible for them.
- Loss of income. In situations where the deceased party financially contributed to a household, their death also represents a loss of ongoing income for the surviving family. This amount may be factored into a compensatory award.
- Funeral expenses. Surviving family members must pay for funeral and burial expenses for their deceased loved one. These costs can be significant, especially in situations where the deceased had no life insurance.
- Emotional pain and suffering. The loss of a loved one is extremely painful, particularly when the death occurs tragically and unexpectedly. While it is virtually impossible to quantify such pain, the responsible party may have to provide some level of financial compensation.
Reliable representation from a Chicago fatal accident law firm
After losing a loved one in a fatal auto accident, trust the experienced and dependable attorneys at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers. While we understand that nothing can replace your loved one, we advocate for you to get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 312-600-9585 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We serve clients throughout Chicago and Cook County.
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