Wrongful deaths are those that happen because of other parties’ negligent or intentional conduct. There are many potential causes of wrongful deaths. For instance, such deaths may stem from car accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, or negligent medical care.
After a wrongful death, the victim’s family may recover financial compensation by filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party. There are several conditions that must be satisfied when filing such a claim. Our lawyers can help plaintiffs take the appropriate steps toward payment.
If your loved one was killed because of another person’s negligence in Rockford, get help pursuing the monetary damages available to you. Get in touch with our experienced Rockford wrongful death attorneys by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502. Our lawyers can review your case for free.
Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Rockford, IL
According to 740 I.L.C.S. 180/1, a wrongful death is one that occurs because of another party’s “wrongful act, neglect, or default.” Simply put, wrongful deaths are deaths that occur because of other people’s negligent or intentional behavior. There are many types of accidents that can lead to wrongful deaths. The following are common causes of wrongful deaths in Rockford, IL:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are a particularly common source of wrongful deaths. Crashes involving large vehicles and those that occur at high speeds are especially likely to have deadly consequences. Fortunately, negligent drivers can be held accountable for fatal collisions they cause. After such accidents, victims’ families can contact our Rockford wrongful death attorneys for guidance and support.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are another common source of wrongful deaths. Senior citizens and those with pre-existing injuries are especially likely to suffer serious injuries because of such accidents. Furthermore, slip and falls that occur at tall heights may also cause fatal harm.
Property owners should provide maintenance and upkeep for their premises. When owners neglect this duty, severe slip and fall accidents can occur. For example, a tenant at an apartment building may suffer a devastating fall because of a broken handrail along their building’s public staircase. Further, a construction worker may be killed because of a slip and fall caused by defective safety gear. In any case, our lawyers can help victims’ families pursue compensation after deadly slip and fall accidents.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are also a common cause of wrongful deaths. Such accidents are especially prone to causing serious injuries because of the size of vehicles involved. Truck accidents may happen because of negligent actions committed by trucking companies and their drivers. For instance, a truck accident may occur because a trucking company engaged in improper cargo securement practices. Further, a collision involving a large truck may occur because the driver ran a red light. After deadly truck accidents, our Rockford wrongful death attorneys can help potential plaintiffs build their cases against at-fault parties.
Medical Malpractice
Furthermore, many wrongful deaths happen because of medical malpractice. In order for a wrongful death case based on medical malpractice to prevail, the patient must have sustained more than an unfavorable result from their treatment. Plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases have to prove that their doctors deviated from appropriate standards of care. For example, a surgeon that leaves surgical supplies inside of their patient will be liable for medical malpractice.
After a death caused by medical malpractice, the victim’s family may seek monetary damages in a wrongful death claim. If you suspect your loved one was killed because they received negligent medical care, our experienced lawyers can evaluate the strength of your potential case.
Motorcycle Accidents
Lastly, motorcycle accidents are another common cause of wrongful deaths. Those on motorcycles are not afforded the same protection as those driving standard cars. Accordingly, when riders are struck by negligent drivers, catastrophic injuries can occur. The following are common causes of motorcycle crashes in Rockford:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Improper left turns
- Illegal lane changes
- Running red lights
Determining the source of a fatal motorcycle accident is a crucial step toward recovering payment in a wrongful death lawsuit. If your loved was killed because of a motorcycle crash, our Rockford wrongful death attorneys can help investigate the accident’s cause.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Rockford, IL?
While there are multiple parties who can recover compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit, the case must be filed by the right party. In Rockford, IL, wrongful death cases must be brought to court by the victim’s personal representative. The personal representative, sometimes referred to as the “executor,” is the person who was chosen to administer the deceased person’s estate. If the victim passed away before appointing a personal representative, then one may be appointed by the court.
If your loved one suffered a wrongful death, you should contact our lawyers as soon as possible. Our Rockford wrongful death attorneys can help find the right person to file your case.
Time Limit to File a Wrongful Death Case in Rockford, IL
Generally, you will have two years from the date of a fatal accident to file a wrongful death lawsuit Rockford, IL. Noncompliance with this deadline could cause you to forfeit your claim. Therefore, you should get in touch with our lawyers quickly after a wrongful death. Our Rockford wrongful death attorneys can help file your case on time.
There are some exceptions to the standard, two-year statute of limitations. For example, if the wrongful death at issue was caused by violent and intentional conduct, then the lawsuit may be filed within five years of the victim’s death. During your free case review, our lawyers can explain how the statute of limitations may be applied in your case.
If Your Loved One Suffered a Wrongful Death in Rockford, IL, Our Lawyers Can Help
If your loved one was killed because of another person’s negligent conduct, seek assistance from our experienced Rockford wrongful death attorneys by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 for a free review of your case.
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