FREE CASE CONSULTATION
312-622-2900
Facebook-f Linkedin Google Instagram

Wrongful Death Attorney in Alton

Let Carlson Bier Fight For You

Over $50 Million in Recoveries

5-Star Advanced Local Service Ads For Carlson Bier
Find Out if You Have a Case in 10 Seconds
Jeff Bier – Personal Injury Lawyer At Carlson Bier Associates
Personal Injury Lawyer Orland Park Illinois | Carlson Bier Associates

About Carlson Bier Associates

When dealing with the complex and emotionally challenging circumstance of a wrongful death, Carlson Bier can provide reliable legal support. As Illinois-based personal injury attorneys, we specialize in this delicate field. Rest assured that our team will handle your case with utmost integrity and professionalism to ensure justice for you and your loved ones. We pride ourselves on having an impressive track record; countless families trust us when seeking rightful reparations for their loss. Our dedicated team fiercely advocates for each client, meticulously investigating all facets of every case to maximize recovery potential and deliver deserved compensation. With exhaustive understanding of Illinois’ wrongful death laws and unwavering commitment towards advocating victims’ rights, Carlson Bier strives to alleviate some burden during this difficult time by securing fair financial settlements commensurate to your tragedy.Automaticity synchronizing clients needs & Illinois regulations are overriding principles at Carlson Bier.Wrongful deaths deserve focused fight-backs ,Carlson Beir offers compassionate attention coupled with strategic approach making it a sensible choice as counsel in these unfortunate situations.Taking up services from experts like ours may be crucial in influencing the legal outcome favorably.Don’t navigate alone-Choose expertise!

Meet Our Attorneys
About Carlson Bier

Wrongful Death Lawyers in Alton Illinois

At Carlson Bier, we understand that losing a loved one is profoundly distressing and if this unfortunate event was due to someone else’s careless or deliberate actions, it can be even more devastating. As experienced personal injury lawyers based in Illinois, we specialize in handling wrongful death cases with sensitivity and expertise, aiming to bring you much-needed closure and justice.

Wrongful death claims fall within the scope of personal injury law. This concept arises from a circumstance where an individual passes away as result of another person’s negligence or intentionally harmful act. The immediate family members typically initiate wrongful death lawsuits for various reasons such as obtaining financial compensation for income loss, medical expenses, funeral costs or seeking judgment against negligent parties to prevent further harm coming to others.

Firstly, it is crucial to understand who can file a wrongful death claim in Illinois. Predominantly the direct relatives like spouses and children have the right but parents may also make a claim if their child was unmarried at the time of death. Siblings however usually are not entitled unless special circumstances apply.

• Proving negligence is essential in bringing a successful wrongful case

• Not just physical persons but companies & government entities can be sued.

• Deaths resulting from Car Accidents largely comprise Wrongful Death cases

• Medical Malpractice often leads to Wrongful Death suits

Understanding legal timelines when filing for wrongful death is imperative too. In most scenarios, these lawsuits must commence within two years after the date of demise although variations occur depending on involved specifics; whether product liability or governmental entities played part etcetera.

It should however be noted that winning a wrongful death lawsuit doesn’t automatically lead to million-dollar settlements; each situation being distinctively different impacts value accordingly.

Nevertheless: exchanging effective communication with your attorney during proceedings and presenting all possible evidence contributes towards maximizing payout potential;

As bleak as this process might seem amidst dealing with grief, our emphasis lies on providing comprehensive guidance while passionately fighting on your behalf. We aim to provide you certainty during trying times, holding those accountable for their actions while pushing towards financial security for your family’s future.

Albeit incomparable with the toll that wrongful death can take emotionally, successfully seeking verdicts against negligent persons or entities helps families regain some sense of justice and balance resulting from sudden income loss or unexpected expenses consequent upon untimely demise.

At Carlson Bier, we believe in standing by our clients every step of this challenging journey because behind each case lies a genuine story desperate for understanding, empathy and above all justice – elements we strive ardently to deliver.

Our long-standing presence in the industry grants us access to an extensive network of professionals designed to support each unique case; including medical practitioners who can testify on injuries leading up to untimely demises alongside accident reconstruction experts capable of substantiating evidence relating directly back towards culpable parties involved.

With us at helm handling tedious paperwork or legalese – negotiating aggressively yet compassionately with insurance companies if required; families can channel energy into dealing more effectively amongst themselves healing both physically & emotionally after such unimaginable loss without distractions infringing any further on personal lives than already happened due necessary aftermath following wrongful deaths incurred through negligence conducted otherwise avoidably by others held solely hinged hereupon responsible additionally.

Here at the Carlson Bier Law offices based in Illinois, concluding matters promptly but thoroughly will always be our priority as attorneys specializing within Personal Injury law boundaries concerning Wrongful Death cases especially particular.

Today, empower yourself by taking control over this situation which has left you unsettled. Check how much your case might be worth by clicking the button below. Taking one step forward today may bring about changes that could comfort you significantly tomorrow. Reflecting back someday knowing efforts were made fighting accusations surrounding unanticipated passings might make moving onwards slightly less monumental then compared otherwise!

Find Out How Much Your Case is Worth
Testimonials from Clients

Your Success Is Our Success

[trustindex no-registration=google]

Notable Illinois Appellate Wins

Moruzzi v. CCC Servs., Inc., 2020 IL App (2d) 190411, 171 N.E.3d 61
Background: Insured motorist filed action against insurer for declaratory judgment seeking construction of automobile insurance policy issued to insured and that was in effect when insured was injured by an underinsured driver. The Circuit Court, DuPage County, Bonnie M. Wheaton, J., granted the insurer's motions for summary judgment. Insured appealed.Holdings: The Appellate Court, Zenoff, J., held that:1 medical payments reduction clause in automobile insurance policy conflicted with underinsured motorist provisions so as to render reduction clause ambiguous, and thus medical payment benefits were deductible from insured's damages;2 law firm representing insured did not create common fund or common funds when it reached settlement with underinsured motorist, and thus law firm was not entitled to recover fees under common-fund doctrine; and3 collateral estoppel did not bar automobile insurers from litigating whether common-fund doctrine applied in insured motorist's declaratory judgment action.Affirmed in part and reversed in part.
Maier v. CC Servs., Inc., 2019 IL App (3d) 170640, 132 N.E.3d 795
Background: After insured, who was injured in automobile collision with another driver, recovered full liability limits of driver's policy, she filed amended complaint for declaratory judgment against her own automobile insurer, alleging that insurer breached contractual duty to pay for insured's damages in accordance with uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage in insured's policy and that insurer acted in bad faith in denying insured such coverage. The Circuit Court, La Salle County, Troy D. Holland, J., granted the insurer's motion to dismiss claims as time-barred. Insured appealed.The Appellate Court ruled that neither the insurer nor the insured could add amended policy provisions to the court record. It was decided that the policy's requirement for a written arbitration demand applied to both uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. The court found that a letter from the insured's attorney to the insurer wasn't a valid arbitration demand nor a proof of loss to toll the statute of limitations. Finally, the insurer was permitted to use the defense based on the two-year statute of limitations period. The court's decision was affirmed.
Econ. Premier Assurance Co. v. Country Mut. Ins. Co., 2021 IL App (1st) 192364-U
Holding: The circuit court's order that granted defendant's motion for summary judgment and denied plaintiff's motion for partial summary judgment was proper where defendant had no duty to indemnify its insured with respect to the underlying complaint and therefore plaintiff was not entitled to recover against defendant on its subrogation or unjust enrichment claims; affirmed.
Country Preferred Ins. Co. v. Westerheide, 2023 IL App (5th) 220343-U
Holding: The court affirmed judgment of the circuit court granting summary judgment in favor of the plaintiff where the defendant failed to make a written demand for arbitration within two years from the date of the accident as required by the underinsured provisions of the defendant's automotive insurance policy.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Olsak, 2022 IL App (1st) 200695, 216 N.E.3d 291
In a complex legal case, an insurer sought to avoid defending or indemnifying a hockey player under a policy issued to the player's stepfather after the player was sued for assaulting his coach. The initial Circuit Court ruling favored the insurer, but the Appellate Court reversed this decision, leading to a protracted legal battle. Ultimately, the Appellate Court determined the insurer was liable only up to the $3 million policy limit and found the insurer's four-year delay in seeking a declaratory judgment to be reasonable. This case highlights important aspects of insurance litigation and policy limit liabilities.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Durkin Elec. Co., Inc., 2022 IL App (1st) 210293-U, appeal denied, 199 N.E.3d 1187 (Ill. 2022)
Holding: The circuit court's order that denied plaintiff's motion for partial summary judgment and found that defendant was an additional insured under the policy was proper. The circuit court's order that denied defendant's motion for summary judgment and found that plaintiff did not have a duty to defend or indemnify defendant under the policy was proper; affirmed.
Country Preferred Ins. Co. v. Groen, 2017 IL App (4th) 160028, 69 N.E.3d 911
Background: Uninsured motorist (UM) carrier brought action against insured for declaratory judgment that it owed no benefits since workers' compensation received by insured exceeded policy limits. The Circuit Court, Sangamon County, Chris Perrin, J., entered summary judgment in favor of the carrier. Insured appealed.Holdings: The Appellate Court, Harris, J., held that:1 employer's medical payments entitled carrier to setoff, and2 setoff clauses were enforceable.Affirmed.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Frobish, 2021 IL App (3d) 190473-U
Holding: Allegations in the underlying complaint that a township employee caused property damage by excavating and digging out a ditch failed to impose a duty to defend under township employee's individual farm insurance policy.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Jones, 2018 IL App (1st) 173154-U
Holding: The judgment of the circuit court of Cook County is affirmed; plaintiff is entitled to summary judgment on its claim for a declaratory judgment that it has no duty to defend or indemnify its insured against the underlying complaint because the loss claimed in the underlying complaint is subject to an exclusion. The court held that it would also enter judgment for plaintiff because the underlying complaint does not allege an “occurrence” causing bodily injury within the meaning of the policy.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Schmitt, 2021 IL App (5th) 190173-U
Holding: The appellate court reversed and remanded the judgment of the circuit court where plaintiff had no duty to defend its insured and thus was not stopped from raising policy defenses to coverage for the underlying tort action contained in the amended declaratory action.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Livorsi Marine, Inc., 222 Ill. 2d 303, 856 N.E.2d 338 (2006) (the late Keith Carlson)
Liability insurer brought action against insureds for a declaratory judgment based on failure to provide timely notice of lawsuits against them. The Circuit Court, Cook County, Stephen A. Schiller, J., entered judgment for the insurer. Insureds appealed. The Appellate Court, Wolfson, J., 358 Ill.App.3d 880, 295 Ill.Dec. 665, 833 N.E.2d 871, affirmed. Leave to appeal was granted.Holdings: The Supreme Court, Garman, J., held that:1 if the insurer did not receive reasonable notice of an occurrence or a lawsuit, the policyholder may not recover under the policy, regardless of whether the lack of reasonable notice prejudiced the insurer, overruling Rice v. AAA Aerostar, Inc., 294 Ill.App.3d 801, 229 Ill.Dec. 20, 690 N.E.2d 1067, and Cincinnati Insurance Co. v. Baur's Opera House, Inc., 296 Ill.App.3d 1011, 230 Ill.Dec. 624, 694 N.E.2d 593, and2 insured did not need to prove that it was prejudiced by delayed notice of lawsuits.Affirmed.
Education & Information

Resources For Alton Residents

Links

Legal Associations and Lawyer Services

Online Legal Resources and Directories

Specialized Services and Educational Resources

Legal Blogs
SEE MORE

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrongful Death FAQ​

Wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by the negligence or recklessness of another person.

The following people may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit:

  • The spouse or children of the deceased
  • The parents of the deceased
  • The siblings of the deceased
  • The personal representative of the deceased’s estate

To prove a wrongful death claim in Illinois, the plaintiff must prove the following elements:

  • The defendant owed the deceased a duty of care.
  • The defendant breached that duty of care.
  • The breach of duty caused the death of the deceased.
  • The plaintiff suffered damages as a result of the death of the deceased.

In a wrongful death lawsuit in Illinois, you may be able to recover the following types of damages:

  • Pecuniary damages: These damages are designed to compensate the plaintiff for the financial losses they have suffered as a result of the death of the deceased. This could include lost wages, medical expenses, and funeral expenses.
  • Non-pecuniary damages: These damages are designed to compensate the plaintiff for the non-financial losses they have suffered as a result of the death of the deceased. This could include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of parental guidance.

The statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits in Illinois is two years. This means that you have two years from the date of the death to file a lawsuit.

If you have any questions about your legal rights or options after a wrongful death, you should contact an experienced wrongful death attorney.

All Attorney Services in Alton

Areas of Practice in Alton

Two-Wheeler Crashes

Specializing in legal advocacy for people injured in bicycle accidents due to others' negligence or perilous conditions.

Flame Damages

Giving adept legal help for patients of intense burn injuries caused by accidents or carelessness.

Medical Carelessness

Offering expert legal representation for victims affected by medical malpractice, including misdiagnosis.

Commodities Liability

Addressing cases involving dangerous products, extending professional legal guidance to consumers affected by product-related injuries.

Senior Misconduct

Supporting the rights of the elderly who have been subjected to abuse in nursing homes environments, ensuring restitution.

Tumble & Tumble Injuries

Skilled in dealing with fall and trip accident cases, providing legal services to sufferers seeking justice for their harm.

Childbirth Injuries

Extending legal support for relatives affected by medical malpractice resulting in newborn injuries.

Car Incidents

Accidents: Committed to aiding sufferers of car accidents receive fair compensation for injuries and destruction.

Motorcycle Accidents

Expert in providing representation for motorcyclists involved in bike accidents, ensuring rightful claims for losses.

18-Wheeler Crash

Providing adept legal services for drivers involved in truck accidents, focusing on securing rightful compensation for injuries.

Worksite Collisions

Focused on defending workmen or bystanders injured in construction site accidents due to safety violations or negligence.

Neurological Traumas

Specializing in delivering professional legal advice for persons suffering from cerebral injuries due to incidents.

Dog Attack Harms

Proficient in tackling cases for clients who have suffered injuries from dog bites or beast attacks.

Cross-walker Collisions

Specializing in legal advocacy for pedestrians involved in accidents, providing professional services for recovering compensation.

Unjust Demise

Working for grieving parties affected by a wrongful death, offering understanding and skilled legal services to ensure justice.

Vertebral Impairment

Committed to advocating for clients with vertebral damage, offering specialized legal services to secure redress.

Instant Case Evaluation

Contact Us Today if you need a Person Injury Lawyer

312-313-2440

Carlson Bier logo – Your Justice Can't Wait
FREE CASE CONSULTATION

312.622.2900

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

© 2025 All Rights Reserved | Carlson Bier

Web Design By Bosseo​