Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Illinois

Car Accident,Defective Products,Medical Malpractice,Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect,Personal Injury,Truck Accident,Work Injury,Workers' Compensation,Wrongful Death - April 4, 2016 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates

Losing a loved one is a tragedy that no one should have to endure. When that loss is caused by the negligence of another, the aftermath can be even more traumatic. Although no amount of compensation can undo the emotional hardship, a Chicago wrongful death attorney may be able to help.

According to Academia.edu, car accidents are responsible for most wrongful deaths, but negligent behavior can take lives in a variety of circumstances. If your loved one died in Illinois due to the reckless actions of another person, then Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates may be able to help.
A Chicago accident attorney from our firm will evaluate your case to determine if you may have grounds for a lawsuit. If the death was the result of another person’s negligence, then you may be entitled to compensation for funeral costs, loss of future wages, medical expenses and other damages. Call (800)-985-1819 to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Car Crashes

More than 40,000 Americans die in car accidents every year. Surviving family members may be able to sue the at-fault party for damages. However, identifying the liable party is not always straightforward; it may be the driver, a roadway government agency, an auto manufacturer or a commercial trucking company, depending on the circumstances of the crash.

Medical Malpractice

A health-care worker’s negligence can cause fatal illness or injury. Medication mistakes, anesthesia errors and mistakes during surgery can all cause death. If the doctor acted in a way that another doctor with the same specialization would not have acted, and this led to the death of a patient, then surviving family members may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Accidents in the Workplace

Thousands of people die every year in job-related accidents, especially those who work in dangerous industries, such as extraction or construction. Toxic chemicals, heavy machinery, explosions, electrocution, high falls and other hazards can easily cause deaths. If the contractor, manager or business owner did not follow industry safety standards as required by law, then surviving family members may have grounds for a claim.

Defective Products

If someone dies because of a product defect, then surviving family members may be able to sue the designer, manufacturer or vender, depending on the cause of the defect. However, the victim must have been using the product as a reasonable person would have used it, and the death must have been the direct result of a specific defect.

Truck Collisions

Due to their size and weight, truck crashes often end in fatalities. Several parties may be responsible for these collisions, including the driver, fleet manager, owner of the truck or even the mechanic. These crashes often happen because truckers do not follow the law by transporting too much weight or driving for an extended number of hours.

Crime

If someone killed your loved one while committing a crime, then you can file a civil lawsuit against the liable party – even if that person is already involved in a criminal case.
If your loved one died due to another person’s negligent behavior, then you may be entitled to compensation. If you would like to discuss your potential case with a Chicago injury lawyer from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, then call us at 1-800-985-1819 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.