When a person loses their life in an accident of negligence, there is still the possibility that their surviving family members could recover compensation to address this devastating loss. The Damages in Cicero wrongful death claims are often slightly different than in other accident cases. A dedicated wrongful death attorney could guide you through the process and handle the legal aspects while you grieve.
Wrongful death damages are those which the law allows recovery following the death of a loved one. There may also be a simultaneous survival action which includes damages for medical bills and suffering incurred before the death. In this way, a typical personal injury case with damages can turn into a wrongful death if the injuries contribute to the passing of the individual.
The most common type of damages in a Cicero wrongful death action includes compensation for sorrow and grief, which is a natural reaction to the loss of a loved one. Another common element of damages is loss of companionship. This refers to the fact that the deceased individual will no longer be able to participate in family events or share in all activities that they were previously a part of.
There are specific laws in place as to who can recover damages in a wrongful death case. Typically, the spouse and/or children are the beneficiaries, but if there are none, then parents and siblings of the deceased may be entitled to the recovery. There are specific laws which dictate who is entitled to compensation, which is why it is best to speak with a lawyer first.
Since the person who was killed can no longer provide economically for their family, that loss of income can be factored in. For example, if a mother or father is killed as a result of negligence, they will no longer be able to earn money to support their children. A skilled lawyer could hire the proper experts in order to calculate the amount of economic loss that the death creates.
The true measure of skill for a lawyer in Cicero is their ability to maximize the non-economic damages in a wrongful death case. Non-economic damages include grief and sorrow, as well as loss of companionship. They could learn enough about the relationship between the decedent and the heirs in order to create a compelling story for the jury. There is no formula to calculate non-economic damages so they must use the evidence available to present the most compelling case.
Every wrongful death case is different and quantifying the loss of a parent is different than quantifying the loss of a child. The age, experience, and background of the individual who was killed will all factor into determining the damages. The most important consideration is the relationship between the person who was killed and the remaining family members; and the closer the relationship, the greater the loss. If the decedent was estranged from their family, that case will not be as valuable as one where the family bond is strong.
When someone acts negligently and it results in the death of a loved one, you have the right to demand financial justice. You could receive monetary damages in a Cicero wrongful death claim with the aid of a skilled attorney. Schedule a consultation today.