If a person in Illinois dies as a result of the carelessness and negligence of somebody else, an action can be brought pursuant to the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, found at 740 ILCS 180/1, et seq. Any such action must be brought by the decedent’s personal representative. That individual is usually a spouse or a close family member who is appointed by the court.
The Statute of Limitations
The general rule in Illinois is that a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of a decedent’s death. Timing is critical, as failure to file a wrongful death action within the time prescribed will likely result in the case being dismissed. This is why you want to consult with and retain a wrongful death lawyer in Mt. Vernon, IL as soon as possible.
Damages
The administrator of the decedent’s estate is allowed to seek monetary damages as compensation for a wrongful death. As per the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, here are some of the damages that can be sought:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Past and future economic loss.
- Loss of society, companionship, and support.
- Emotional suffering of the decedent’s family members.
If you lost a family member as a result of the carelessness and negligence of somebody else, contact Olson & Reeves, Attorneys at Law to arrange for a free consultation and case review as soon as possible. You can tell a wrongful death lawyer in Mt. Vernon, IL what happened and how it happened. The lawyer can answer your questions and advise you on all of your legal rights and options.