Losing a loved one due to the carelessness or recklessness of another person is a devastating experience for which there is no real solution. No amount of money could ever replace your family member. Yet, the loss of a main provider can make financial compensation through a wrongful death case a necessary part of protecting your family’s future.
When a fatal accident is caused by another’s negligence, Illinois courts calculate wrongful death compensation by looking at several different factors. A fair settlement often includes:
At The Horwitz Law Group, we treat every client like a member of our own family. We understand how incredibly difficult these cases are for surviving family members, and we are here to shoulder the legal burden for you and help your family find ways to move forward.
The financial strain of losing a primary earner can overwhelm a grieving family. Courts look at the wages the deceased person would have earned if they had lived to a normal life expectancy. This calculation usually involves evaluating their age, health, education and career trajectory.
A dedicated personal injury lawyer can assist you in gathering past tax returns, pay stubs and expert economic testimony to help prove these future financial losses. We will help the court understand the full earning potential of your loved one, ensuring your family does not suffer severe financial hardship because of an untimely death.
Financial compensation can go far beyond a standard base salary. A comprehensive wrongful death claim should account for the total value of lost employment benefits. These critical financial assets may include health insurance coverage, retirement pensions and 401(k) matching contributions. If the deceased person provided health insurance for the entire family, the out-of-pocket cost of replacing that medical coverage can become a significant part of the total settlement. A lawyer can properly calculate these hidden financial losses and present them accordingly to the insurance company or the jury.
When a loved one passes away due to someone else’s negligence, their final medical bills can be a significant financial burden. A wrongful death claim also allows you to pursue full compensation for all medical expenses incurred as a result of the fatal injury. This can include every cost from the moment of the incident until their passing, such as:
Compensation in wrongful death cases can cover funeral-related expenses as well.
Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, juries may give damages they “deem a fair and just compensation,” including noneconomic damages. What exactly does this mean for your family? It means the law recognizes the profound emotional impact of your loss.
Courts often consider the following among lifetime contributions and noneconomic damages:
We understand the immense pain of losing a loved one and having to sort through these legalities. Our legal team is here to help you navigate the logistics of this highly emotional process.
Obtaining fair compensation for damages in a wrongful death case is not an easy process legally or emotionally. You need a dedicated legal team to fight for your rights, and the lawyers of The Horwitz Law Group will stand up and fight for you. We know that you did not choose the circumstances that brought you to us. However, choosing the right lawyer can make a massive difference for your family’s future.
We are dedicated to being a steadfast support for our clients and pursuing positive results for every case. Do not hesitate to call us today at 312-641-9200 or schedule a free consultation online so we can help you find the justice your family deserves.
To arrange a free initial consultation with an experienced Illinois injury lawyer complete the e-mail form below.