Wrongful Death Damages for Fatal Car Accidents in Illinois

 Posted on March 24, 2023 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

A wrongful death claim is a civil legal action taken by the representative of a deceased person. This representative is often a surviving spouse or close family member. If your loved one passed away in a fatal car crash in Illinois, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver or other liable parties.

Damages that may be available in a wrongful death claim for fatal car accidents in Illinois include economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can reimburse the deceased person’s family members for financial losses associated with the accident while non-economic damages address the non-financial suffering caused by the death.

Possible Damages in an Illinois Wrongful Death Claim

Losing a loved one is not only shocking and traumatic, but it can also bring significant financial loss. Economic damages recognize this financial suffering by providing compensation through monetary damages.

Illinois law states that financial compensation may be available for:

• Lost financial support - The value of the wages and employment benefits the deceased would have provided to their family had they not died may be recoverable.

• Loss of consortium - Loss of consortium is a type of economic damage that compensates the surviving spouse for the loss of companionship and support provided by the deceased.

• Loss of parental guidance - The surviving children of the deceased may be awarded damages for the loss of parental guidance, instruction, and nurturing.

• Medical expenses - Any medical bills related to the car accident and a premature death may be recoverable.

• Funeral expenses - The costs associated with a funeral or burial are also recoverable in a successful wrongful death claim.

Wrongful Death Damages for Fatal Car Accidents in Illinois 

A wrongful death claim may allow for financial restitution. However, this is far from the only reason to pursue a claim in the unfortunate event of a fatal car accident. A wrongful death claim is also a means of seeking justice for the deceased and their family. Bringing a claim can help to provide a sense of closure after a fatal accident by recognizing the pain and suffering caused by a wrongful death.

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, it is important to contact an experienced wrongful death attorney. An attorney can review the circumstances of your case, explain your legal rights and options, and help you seek maximum compensation for the losses you have suffered.

Contact our Lake County Wrongful Death Lawyer

Our team of seasoned Waukegan car accident attorneys has successfully handled many wrongful death cases for families in Illinois and our years of experience give us the knowledge to effectively pursue justice on your behalf. Contact Salvi & Maher, LLP today at 847-662-3303 for a free consultation and case review.