Aurora Wrongful Death Attorney Handles Cases Involving Fatal Negligence
Illinois attorney advises estate representatives and surviving loved ones
The loss of a loved one due to a car crash, medical malpractice or any other negligent or willful conduct is one of the most difficult experiences a person or family ever goes through. At Amoni Law Offices, P.C., Larry Amoni is an Aurora wrongful death attorney with more than 40 years of experience helping Illinois families pursue legal relief in cases stemming from all types of fatal incidents. You can rely on our firm for compassionate counsel and strong advocacy as we work to collect damages to ease some of the burden faced by bereaved loved ones.
What is a wrongful death lawsuit and what damages are available?
After an untimely fatality, bereaved loved ones aren’t necessarily thinking about the financial aspect of their loss. However, obtaining a favorable legal resolution is important for spouses, children and others who relied on income and benefits provided by the victim. Illinois law allows wrongful death plaintiffs to collect reimbursement for pecuniary losses as well as compensation for other types of harm associated with the fatality. Damages that can be awarded in a verdict include:
- Loss of income and benefits the decedent would have earned
- Loss of household services provided by the decedent, such as child care and chores
- Grief and sorrow experienced by loved ones
- Funeral and burial expenses
Separate recovery may be had under the survival statute for the time the medical expenses incurred by the decedent and other damages they suffered leading up to their time of death. A wrongful death case may be brought for an unborn child if the fetus was viable at the time the wrongful conduct occurred.
What are the common causes of wrongful death claims in Illinois?
Throughout the Chicago metro area, our firm provides comprehensive legal support to plaintiffs in wrongful death proceedings arising from:
- Auto accidents — We handle a full range of vehicle collision claims, including wrongful death actions stemming from truck accidents and crashes caused by drunk drivers.
- Medical malpractice — Birth injuries, diagnosis failures and surgical errors all can have fatal consequences for patients.
- Defective products — If someone close to you died due to a dangerous defect in a household, medical or industrial product, our firm will take action against the liable manufacturer.
- Nursing home negligence — Vulnerable elderly people in nursing homes and other care facilities might not survive neglect or abusive behavior. Should you suspect that negligence or mistreatment played a role in your family member’s death, we will investigate what happened.
- Unsafe premises — Various types of fatalities can occur while a victim is on someone else’s property. Our firm takes on wrongful death cases related to hazardous walking surfaces, poor security, toxic exposure and other examples of lethal negligence.
Attorney Larry Amoni is a highly skilled and experienced Illinois attorney who can outline the relevant legal standards while working toward a result that offers grieving loved ones a measure of justice.
How can you prove a wrongful death claim in Illinois?
Like personal injury cases, wrongful death litigation is based on whether the defendant owed a duty of care to the victim and whether a violation of that duty contributed the fatality. These cases can be tougher to prove because the key witness is unable to testify as to what occurred. That is why it is essential to retain an attorney who knows how to litigate these matters successfully.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Illinois?
A wrongful death claim related to a personal injury must be filed within two years of when the victim passed away. The personal representative of the decedent’s estate is the plaintiff in these cases. This person might be the victim’s surviving spouse or adult child. The Illinois Wrongful Death Act creates a presumption that spouses, children and parents of minors will suffer financial harm as a result of the fatality. If the closest surviving member is a sibling or some other family member, they must demonstrate that they relied on the victim for financial support in some way.
Contact an Illinois attorney for a free consultation regarding wrongful death litigation
Amoni Law Offices, P.C. in Aurora advises estate representatives and surviving family members on Illinois wrongful death and survival actions. To make an appointment for a free initial consultation, please call 630-473-4008 or contact us online.