Edwardsville Wrongful Death Lawyer

Edwardsville Wrongful Death Attorney

When a loved one’s life is brutally cut short as a result of another party’s wrongdoing, the grief process is exacerbated by the need for legal action. Our Edwardsville wrongful death lawyer, Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, is committed to obtaining justice for families devastated by tragic deaths.

These cases necessitate a thorough understanding of both the law and the emotional toll survivors experience. We provide legal assistance that seeks not only money but also closure for people affected by fatal accidents, medical malpractice, or other acts of negligence.

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

When a family loses a loved one due to the negligence of another, they often seek truth, justice, and a way to get on with their lives. That’s what Joshua R Evans, Attorney at Law, in Edwardsville, offers. Joshua R Evans has spent years handling difficult and highly complex wrongful death litigation. He provides a steady hand during these difficult times and the legal skills that are so important when seeking compensation for your losses.

Josh is known for his personalized approach and dedication to achieving meaningful results. He works tirelessly to hold those responsible accountable. His focus is not only on obtaining compensation but also on helping families find the closure they need during an incredibly difficult time. Trust Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, to stand by your side, delivering legal knowledge and compassionate support.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Edwardsville

Wrongful death is a situation where an individual’s life is taken by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of another party. In Illinois, certain family members, including a surviving spouse or next of kin, can be entitled to bring a wrongful death action.

Here in Edwardsville, these causes of action can arise from an automobile collision, medical malpractice, a defective product, or some other type of tragedy where death can be traced to another person or entity’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.

A wrongful death claim can help the family offset the financial impact associated with a loss, such as medical expenses, loss of income, and the emotional anguish suffered because of a loved one’s death. In addition, wrongful death claims help hold those responsible accountable.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Illinois

You only have a limited amount of time to file a wrongful death claim in Illinois. For most cases, the statute of limitations means you have two years from the date of the death to file, but for some cases, the time may be shorter. For claims that involve a government entity, for example, you may have much less time to act.

If your wrongful death claim isn’t filed in time, you may lose your legal rights. Speaking with an Edwardsville wrongful death lawyer can help you make sure your claim is filed in a timely manner but also that critical evidence is not lost.

Compensation Available in Edwardsville Wrongful Death Cases

In a wrongful death claim in Edwardsville, families can seek a wide range of damages to help soften the financial and emotional toll of their loss. Economic damages are intended to replace tangible losses, such as funeral expenses, medical bills, and wages or benefits that the decedent would have provided. Non-economic damages — such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress — are also commonly awarded.

Every wrongful death case is different, and how much an individual case is worth depends on the particular details of the incident, the injuries and illnesses resulting, and the extent of the family’s losses. However, an experienced Edwardsville personal injury lawyer will be able to help you understand the process and maximize your recovery.

Proving Liability in an Edwardsville Wrongful Death Case

In order to pursue a successful wrongful death cause of action in Edwardsville, liability hinges on your ability to prove that the death of your loved one was caused by the defendant’s actions. This proof can be achieved by developing the facts surrounding the incident with the use of evidence from medical records, professional opinions, and testimony from witnesses.

Whether it stems from a medical error, a car accident, or another act of negligence, establishing that the defendant breached his or her duty of care is an integral step in finding the defendant liable and the plaintiff (the surviving family member) compensated.

Edwardsville Wrongful Death Law FAQs

Q: What’s the Difference Between Homicide and Wrongful Death?

A: Homicide is a criminal charge brought by the state, where an individual is alleged to have illegally killed another and can result in jail for the offender, while wrongful death is a civil action brought by the family of the deceased seeking recompense for their loss. While both can involve death at the hands of another, homicide addresses criminal liability, while wrongful death addresses financial recovery for the family.

Q: Can You Sue for Wrongful Death After a Criminal Case in Edwardsville?

A: Yes, the Illinois Wrongful Death Act allows wrongful death lawsuits to be pursued even if the death was caused by actions that amount to a felony, such as homicide. This civil action focuses on compensating the family for their losses, while a homicide charge is a criminal case focused on punishing the wrongdoer.

Q: What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Wrongful Death in Edwardsville?

A: For a wrongful death claim in Edwardsville, there needs to be proof that the victim’s death was a result of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct (as evidenced by medical records, police reports, witness testimony, or professional testimony). The stronger the evidence tying the defendant to the liability as well as the family loss, the better chance the plaintiff has of maximizing recovery for their pain and suffering.

Q: Can You Recover Non-Economic Damages in an Edwardsville Wrongful Death Case?

A: Yes, in Edwardsville wrongful death cases, families can recover non-economic damages, such as compensation for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. These damages are meant to address the emotional impact of the loss, in addition to covering economic damages like medical expenses and lost income.

Contact an Edwardsville Wrongful Death Lawyer

Navigating a wrongful death claim can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, is dedicated to helping Edwardsville families pursue justice and obtain compensation for their losses. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist with your wrongful death case.