Alton Wrongful Death Lawyer

Alton Wrongful Death Attorney

Although losing a loved one is always devastating, it becomes much more difficult when that tragedy results from someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoings. Our Alton wrongful death lawyer, Joshua R. Evans, is dedicated to guiding families through the legal system of seeking justice for their departed loved ones.

We work nonstop to hold those guilty as we know the emotional and financial toll wrongful death lawsuits can cause on a family. Whether the matter calls for a workplace event, medical malpractice, or a deadly vehicle accident, our legal team is here to offer sympathetic assistance and competent representation.

Why Choose Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, for Your Alton Wrongful Death Case?

If you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, it’s important to have a dedicated legal representative who cares about both the legal complexities and the personal impact of such a loss.

Joshua R. Evans has a reputation for providing compassionate but determined legal representation for those in the Alton area. He brings a wealth of experience to every wrongful death case in order to make sure that every family gets the personal attention they deserve.

Josh is committed to every client and fights for maximum compensation for grieving families. If you’re in need of a strong legal advocate for your wrongful death case, Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, is here to guide you through the process. He’ll be there to support you and give you strategic guidance to get you through the process.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Alton

A wrongful death lawsuit is filed when a person is killed due to the negligence, misconduct, or intention of another party. Under Illinois law, a person’s spouse, children, or parents may file a wrongful death lawsuit as a result of the person’s death and recover damages.

Common causes of wrongful death include:

• Motor vehicle accidents.
• Truck accidents.
• Medical malpractice.
• Defective products.
• Criminal acts.

In Alton, families can appeal to the court for justice through a wrongful death claim to hold perpetrators accountable. A wrongful death claim enables surviving family members to recover compensation for the medical expenses and funeral costs, lost income, and suffering related to the loss of their loved one.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Illinois

If you’ve lost a loved one due to the negligence of another person, company, or entity, you should know that an Illinois statute of limitations applies to wrongful death claims. Usually, family members have a period of two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit, but there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if a government entity is involved in a wrongful death claim, the time period could be much shorter.

Time is valuable if you want to ensure that your case is properly investigated and filed in a timely manner. Therefore, it’s important to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Alton to protect your rights and ensure all deadlines are met.

Compensation Available in Alton’s Wrongful Death Cases

When a loved one dies as the result of the wrongful conduct of another person, the surviving family members may have a right to recover significant compensation in a wrongful death case. Economic damages may include reimbursement for funeral and burial expenses, as well as reasonable and necessary medical expenses for treatment of injuries incurred prior to death.

Additional economic damages include the loss of future earnings, pensions, and retirement benefits the deceased person would have earned. Non-economic damages may be awarded for emotional pain and suffering, grief, and loss of companionship.

Every case is different, and the damages available depend upon the specific facts of the case. If you have lost a loved one due to the careless, reckless, or intentional conduct of another person, you need to speak with an experienced attorney who can explain your rights and help you understand the full extent of your potential recovery.

Proving Liability in an Alton Wrongful Death Case

To establish liability, an attorney such as Joshua R. Evans in Alton can prove that the death was the result of the defendant’s negligence or intentional actions. This can be done through evidence such as medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and professional testimony.

An experienced attorney will interview witnesses and examine all relevant circumstances to establish all aspects of the case. Whether it be proving that a doctor breached the duty of care or that a motorist was negligent and broke the law, an attorney will make sure the defendant is proven liable for the wrongful death.

Alton Wrongful Death Law FAQs

Q: Who Is the Next of Kin in Wrongful Death in Illinois?

A: In Illinois, the next of kin refers to the closest living relatives of the deceased. Typically, this includes the surviving spouse and children. If there is no spouse or children, the deceased’s parents or siblings may be considered next of kin. These family members have the legal right to pursue a wrongful death claim and may receive compensation for their losses resulting from the death.

Q: How Much Can You Sue for After a Wrongful Death in Alton, IL?

A: In Alton, Illinois, there is no limit on how much you can sue for in a wrongful death case. The amount of compensation granted is determined by the facts of the case and may include both economic losses like medical bills, lost income, and burial expenses, as well as non-economic damages like emotional distress and loss of companionship. Each case is unique; thus, the potential recovery will differ based on the impact of the loss on the family.

Q: What Is the Difference Between Wrongful Death and Negligence?

A:  A wrongful death claim is a legal action that arises when a person is killed as a result of the wrongful act, neglect, or misconduct of another party. Negligence is a legal term that describes the failure to exercise reasonable care. When negligence causes death, the negligence may be the underlying basis for the claim, but the claim pertains to the death and the harm caused to surviving family members.

Q: Can Siblings File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Illinois?

A: Siblings can pursue a wrongful death case in Illinois, but only if the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents do not survive. The Illinois Wrongful Death Act prioritizes specific family members, beginning with the spouse and children, then parents, and lastly, siblings. If there are no close relatives, siblings may file a claim to seek compensation for their loss and the impact the death has had on them.

Contact an Alton Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence in Alton, securing legal representation is crucial. Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, offers compassionate and skilled guidance to help your family navigate this challenging time. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your case and seek the justice and compensation your family deserves.