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Wrongful Death Attorney in Crete

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Jeff Bier – Personal Injury Lawyer At Carlson Bier Associates
Personal Injury Lawyer Orland Park Illinois | Carlson Bier Associates

About Carlson Bier Associates

When facing the tragic aftermath of a wrongful death, trusted legal support is crucial. At Carlson Bier, we specialize in Wrongful Death cases, tirelessly advocating for families in their time of need. With our experienced team by your side, you’ll have aggressive representation that tirelessly seeks deserved compensation and justice. Through meticulous investigation and proven litigation strategies, we identify responsible parties and strive to hold them accountable for their actions.

Rooted firmly in Illinois law practices with an understanding of local judicial systems like Crete’s – though not based within its bounds – state-wide coverage ensures flexibility to serve clients from every corner of the state. Our accessibility demonstrates our commitment to being there when you need us most.

Wrongful deaths take an unimaginable toll on everyone involved; Carlson Bier recognizes this deeply human element at the heart of every case—complete dedication underpins all that we do because any loss ignored is a voice unheard—a cause un-fought-for.

Stature notwithstanding, Carlson Bier rises above other options as your best consideration for a wrongful death lawyer firm committed to delivering nothing less than rightful resolution and healing reassurance through zealous advocacy.

Meet Our Attorneys
About Carlson Bier

Wrongful Death Lawyers in Crete Illinois

At Carlson Bier, we specialize in personal injury law with particular emphasis on wrongful death cases. Wrongful death law encompasses claims that arise when the negligence or misconduct of an individual results in the fatal injury of another person. This realm of law enables the representatives of a deceased party to file a lawsuit against those whose carelessness caused their untimely demise. These types of claims are often associated with car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and similar incidents where someone’s reckless or negligent actions lead to tragic consequences.

One key point to understand is that wrongful death cases greatly differ from criminal proceedings for homicide or manslaughter. They are purely civil actions which seek financial compensation for losses incurred due to a loved one’s premature passing as opposed to seeking punishment through imprisonment or other criminal penalties. Potential damages awarded in successful wrongful death suits can include funeral costs, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering endured prior to death and more.

Importantly, only certain individuals may pursue a wrongful death claim under Illinois law: primarily close family members such as spouses, children (including adopted ones), parental guardians (in case minors lose their parents) and in some cases siblings or grandparents if they can prove significant emotional suffering resulting from their kin’s abrupt departure.

The statute of limitations for filing wrongful death lawsuits in Illinois is typically within two years following the date of your loved one’s passing— although there can be exceptions based on specific circumstances related to each case. Therefore it’s essential that you consult dedicated legal professionals promptly after losing someone dear due to another party’s potential negligence.

Carlson Bier effectively navigates these intricate complexities thus safeguarding clients’ rights every step along this challenging path towards justice. Our seasoned attorneys work diligently collating evidence supporting your claim thereby maximizing chances for adequate compensation commensurate with your tragic loss.

Aside from our extensive experience representing victims’ families across Illinois by pursuing rightful justice on their behalf post traumatically disruptive events crucially reshaping their lives, our firm is also committed to providing compassionate support easing your journey through an undoubtedly difficult period filled with grief and sorrow.

Our team understands the profound distress attached to these events and so we adopt every possible measure ensuring seamless, prompt legal action minimizing additional emotional stress. Our goal aligns directly with helping you eventually find closure after such a catastrophic loss by reinforcing your financial stability as much as possible given the circumstances weighted against life’s unpredictable backdrop.

Indeed wrongful death claims are intrinsically punishing due to their very nature involving the ultimate loss of life primarily fueled by neglecting primary personal safety standards both legally and ethically inherent within each citizen’s social responsibility. Hence Carlson Bier’s fundamental mission focuses around relentlessly advocating for each individual client — harnessing comprehensive strategic skills complemented by our determined pursuit driving justice in favor of those thrust into battle overcoming life’s most heart-wrenching adversities resulting from needless tragedy completely avoidable had greater care been taken.

Remember, taking immediate action often makes substantial differences in outcomes concerning wrongful death cases. In light of this pressing fact, why not take that decisive step on this challenging yet essential journey today? Learn precisely how Carlson Bier’s professional expertise could transform your particular case thereby contributing towards securing adequate restitution illuminating a clearer path forward marked by potentially restored peace plus profound relief steadily facilitating your healing process. So, click below right away discovering what real worth lies buried beneath otherwise overwhelmingly painful circumstances courtesy of Carlson Bier—your dedicated advocates throughout navigating wrongful death claims across Illinois.

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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.
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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 Crete

Areas of Practice in Crete

Two-Wheeler Incidents

Specializing in legal services for people injured in bicycle accidents due to negligent parties' indifference or hazardous conditions.

Thermal Traumas

Giving skilled legal assistance for sufferers of serious burn injuries caused by events or recklessness.

Physician Carelessness

Offering specialist legal assistance for persons affected by medical malpractice, including negligent care.

Goods Obligation

Managing cases involving problematic products, supplying expert legal assistance to customers affected by defective items.

Nursing Home Mistreatment

Advocating for the rights of elders who have been subjected to misconduct in aged care environments, ensuring protection.

Tumble and Tumble Occurrences

Professional in handling tumble accident cases, providing legal support to sufferers seeking compensation for their suffering.

Infant Traumas

Delivering legal support for households affected by medical misconduct resulting in infant injuries.

Car Crashes

Mishaps: Concentrated on assisting sufferers of car accidents receive appropriate remuneration for hurts and losses.

Scooter Crashes

Expert in providing legal advice for individuals involved in two-wheeler accidents, ensuring fair compensation for harm.

Big Rig Collision

Providing adept legal support for individuals involved in truck accidents, focusing on securing just compensation for losses.

Building Accidents

Concentrated on assisting workmen or bystanders injured in construction site accidents due to oversights or irresponsibility.

Cerebral Traumas

Committed to offering specialized legal representation for persons suffering from neurological injuries due to negligence.

Dog Bite Wounds

Specialized in dealing with cases for clients who have suffered harms from K9 assaults or animal attacks.

Pedestrian Accidents

Specializing in legal support for cross-walkers involved in accidents, providing expert advice for recovering damages.

Unfair Passing

Striving for families affected by a wrongful death, offering sensitive and expert legal support to ensure redress.

Spinal Cord Harm

Specializing in representing victims with paralysis, offering specialized legal representation to secure redress.

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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.

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