Wrongful death laws, which exist in all 50 states and vary from state to state, generally provide the ability for a decedent's beneficiaries to file a lawsuit for a death that was caused by a wrongful act or negligence of another. For example, deaths caused by drunk driving, the manufacture of defective or dangerous products, the construction of an unsound structure or building, or failing to diagnose a fatal disease, may trigger wrongful death claims.

A simple act like someone pulling out in front of an automobile and causing your loved one to go off the road may trigger an action for wrongful death. 

In Illinois the Wrongful Death Act governs your rights.  Under that Act, it is very important to get an attorney involed early in the process, prefereably before the coronors inquest.

The types of damages recoverable in a wrongful death lawsuit are:

• Loss of anticipated future earnings the deceased would have provided;
• Lost benefits from the death, e.g. pension or retirement benefits;
• Expense associated with the death, e.g., medical bills and funeral costs;
• Loss of inheritance from an untimely death;
• Pain, suffering or mental anguish suffered by the survivor of the decedent;
• Loss of companionship, care or protection;

If you live in the state of Illinois and in particular the Peoria, Tazewell, Fulton or Woodford county areas, and a loved one has died as a result of a wrongful act or negligence of another, you may be eligible to receive compensation under the law. Call attorney Peter LaSorsa at 309-712-1145 or contact attorney Peter LaSorsa online for a FREE consultation.