Seeking Justice for Families of Fatal Accident Victims in Orland Park
It is always tragic to lose a family member, loved one, or close friend. When the death is caused by the actions or negligence of someone else, the loss can be even more devastating. If you have recently lost someone that you love in an accident of any kind, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. At Fotopoulos Law Office, our compassionate team can assist you in analyzing your situation to determine if a wrongful death action is a reasonable option for you and your family.
Wrongful Death Lawyers Serving Joliet and Mokena
No amount of money can erase the pain caused by losing a loved one. At our firm, however, we know that recovering financial compensation through a wrongful death claim can help ease some of the burden caused by the loss. Damages may be available to assist you and your family with:
- Expenses incurred by the victim before death
- The costs associated with the funeral and burial
- The victim’s lost future income
- The victim’s lost employment-related benefits
- Lost inheritances
- Lost support and other services that the victim offered to his or her family
Depending on the circumstances, you may also be able to collect punitive damages. These damages are awarded in certain cases as a penalty for egregiously unsafe behavior and a deterrent against similar wrongful acts in the future.
Helping Grieving Families in Cook County and Will County
A wrongful death can occur in just about any type of accident situation, including car accidents, truck accidents, nursing home neglect and abuse cases, medical malpractice, bus or subway accidents, construction site accidents, and countless others. Illinois law allows only the immediate family members of the victim to collect compensation in a wrongful death claim. This generally means that the victim’s surviving spouse, children, or parents are eligible to recover damages, but the path to recovery usually goes through the personal representative of the victim’s estate.
At Fotopoulos Law Office, we understand that pursuing a wrongful death claim can be a difficult, emotional process, and we are equipped to provide the guidance you need in these situations. We maintain a network of qualified experts, including scientists, engineers, and other professionals who can help us determine exactly what happened and which party or parties were at fault. Our team also works with medical and financial experts to assess your family’s needs and the potential value of your claims. With more than 20 years of legal experience, Attorney John S. Fotopoulos and his team have obtained many favorable verdicts and settlements for our clients, and we are prepared to put our approach to work for your family.
Wrongful Death Advocacy in Joliet and Mokena
When negligence leads to a loss of life, the legal focus shifts to a wrongful death claim. Families in Joliet and Mokena facing such a tragedy often find themselves navigating a complex statutory framework. A wrongful death claim is a civil action brought to seek recovery for the survivors’ losses, as well as the losses sustained by the deceased person’s estate.
At our firm, we recognize that the primary goal is not just a financial transaction, but the pursuit of a sense of justice. Recovering financial support through a legal claim can help ease the immense pressure placed on a family following a sudden passing.
Categories of Recoverable Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
Illinois law identifies several specific areas where a family may seek financial assistance:
- Victim’s Pre-Death Expenses: This includes medical costs and hospital bills incurred between the time of the accident and the time of death.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: These immediate expenses can be a significant burden on a grieving family. Recovery aims to cover the costs of a dignified service and final arrangements.
- Lost Future Income: This is a vital component for families who relied on the deceased as a breadwinner. Calculations are made based on the individual’s age, health, and earning potential at the time of the incident.
- Employment Benefits: Beyond a base salary, families often lose access to health insurance, retirement contributions, and other job-related perks.
- Lost Inheritances: This considers the amount the deceased would have likely saved and left to their heirs had they lived a full life.
- Loss of Consortium and Support: This addresses the loss of the relationship, including the guidance, care, and companionship the deceased provided to their spouse and children.
Punitive Damages
In specific instances where the defendant’s behavior was particularly egregious—such as extreme recklessness or intentional harm—the court may award punitive damages. Unlike other forms of recovery, these are not intended to compensate the family for a specific loss. Instead, they serve as a penalty for the wrongdoer and a warning to others in the community that such behavior will not be tolerated.
The Legal Framework in Cook and Will Counties
A wrongful death can stem from various negligent acts, including commercial truck collisions, nursing home neglect, medical errors, or construction site failures. In Cook and Will Counties, these claims are governed by the Illinois Wrongful Death Act.
Who Can File?
It is a common misconception that any relative can file a claim. Under Illinois law, the action must be brought by the “personal representative” of the deceased person’s estate. This individual is often a surviving spouse or adult child, but they act on behalf of all “next of kin” who suffered a loss. The recovery is then distributed based on the level of dependency and the nature of the relationship with the deceased.
The Investigative Process
Proving liability in these cases requires a thorough and methodical approach. Our team focuses on gathering the necessary evidence to build a strong foundation for the claim. This involves:
- On-Site Analysis: Reviewing the scene of the accident to understand the sequence of events.
- Consulting with Professionals: We maintain a network of qualified consultants, including accident reconstructionists, engineers, and scientists. These individuals provide the technical insights needed to determine fault.
- Financial and Medical Valuation: We work with economists and medical professionals to accurately assess the long-term needs of the family and the true value of the life lost.
A Dedicated Approach for Grieving Families
At Fotopoulos Law Office, we understand that pursuing a legal claim while grieving is an immense challenge. Our role is to provide the legal guidance and steady hand needed to navigate this process.
Attorney John S. Fotopoulos and his team have spent more than two decades in legal practice, dedicating their work to those who have been wronged by the negligence of others. We have secured many favorable verdicts and settlements for our clients in Cook and Will Counties by focusing on the unique details of every case and providing personalized attention to every family.
We are prepared to put our history of advocacy to work for you. By handling the complexities of the investigation and the negotiations with insurance companies, we allow you to focus on what matters most: honoring the memory of your loved one and supporting your family through a difficult time.
If you are seeking a path forward after an accident in Orland Park, Joliet, or Mokena, we are here to provide the clarity and representation you deserve.
Contact Our Orland Park Wrongful Death Attorney
If you and your family are recovering from the death of a loved one that occurred because of another party’s negligence, filing a wrongful death claim might be your best course of action. Contact our office at 708-942-8400 to discuss your case in a free, no-obligation consultation. Our firm assists families in Cook County and Will County, including the communities of Orland Park, Tinley Park, Joliet, Oak Forest, Mokena, Alsip, Homer Glen, and Palos Heights.
