The loss of a loved one can be a difficult situation to deal with, whether the person lived a full life and passed away at an advanced age or died unexpectedly. However, when a person is killed because of someone else's negligence or wrongful conduct, family members may struggle to address their loss and move forward with their lives. These situations can be especially difficult if the untimely loss of a loved one led to financial problems due to the loss of income the person would have earned, large medical bills for treatment they received prior to their death, or other factors.
Fortunately, Illinois law allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the party or parties who were responsible for a person's death. This type of lawsuit can help bring some sense of justice and provide compensation for the losses a family has suffered. In these situations, it is essential to understand the types of damages that family members may be able to recover. By working with an experienced attorney, survivors can take steps to ensure that they receive adequate compensation for their losses. The damages that family members may be able to receive include:
Economic Damages
Survivors may receive compensation for the financial losses they have suffered due to their loved one's wrongful death. These damages may help offset some of the costs resulting from the loss. They may include the loss of income and financial support that the deceased person would have provided for their family, the loss of benefits or inheritances, and expenses related to a person's burial or funeral. A jury may consider the deceased person's income, age, occupation, and life expectancy when awarding economic damages.
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