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Wrongful Death Attorney in Elwood

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Over $50 Million in Recoveries

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 devastating blow of a loved one’s wrongful death in Elwood, it is essential to choose an attorney who will fight tirelessly for your justice and fair compensation. The highly-skilled professionals at Carlson Bier have an exceptional track record handling such fragile cases due to their passion for service, combined with decades of successful litigation experience rooted in personal injury law across Illinois. Wrongful deaths often require that detailed investigations are carried out while showing empathy towards grieving clients; a delicate balance which this award-winning team navigates flawlessly, bringing comfort amidst distress. You can trust that struggling after losing a dear one does not become battling against uncaring legal systems when you secure services from Carlson Bier. Let us handle all case complexities while you focus on healing without any financial burdens furthering the pain. Choosing Carlson Bier ensures partnering with committed experts who prioritize seeking maximum compensation because we believe your peace should never pay the price due to another’s negligence leading to irreversible loss.A compassionate approach coupled with aggressive representation defines our commitment- Choose confidently.Choose unwavering support.Choose Carlson Bier-your true advocate amidst adversity.

About Carlson Bier

Wrongful Death Lawyers in Elwood Illinois

Wrongful death claims are complex legal cases that require the skill and expertise of an experienced personal injury attorney. Every year, countless families in Illinois suffer the painful loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or reckless act. At Carlson Bier law firm, we are dedicated to guiding family members through this difficult time by bringing understanding, empathy, and highest levels of professional service.

Wrongful death can occur under various circumstances including car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace incidents among others. Illinois wrongful death laws state that if your family member passes away due to the wrongful conduct of another party, you have the right to seek compensation for damages such as loss of companionship or support, emotional distress and other related costs.

To successfully claim these losses:

• The actions of the defendant must be proven negligent or intentional

• It must be verified the action caused your loved ones’ demise

• Funeral expenses and other financial hardships suffered should be clearly documented

Wrongful death claims can also include punitive damages which aim not just to compensate but also punish defendants whose conduct was particularly egregious. These claims require thorough investigation and elaborate argumentation making it crucial to hire a seasoned attorney like those at our firm who understands both subtle practicalities and extensive necessities surrounding these complex cases.

Navigating through injury law can often seem intimidating at first sight with its confusing terms and conditions. As Carlson Bier attorneys, we take pride in our ability to break down information into digestible segments ensuring every client is well informed throughout their journey with us. Our team believes knowledge empowers individuals enabling them more control over their situation fostering stronger relationships based on trust rather than uncertainty.

Moreover, we prioritize open communication lines where any question is valued regardless how trivial it might appear because we understand every concern matters when dealing with something as serious as the wrongful death of a loved one. Your peace-of-mind during this process is paramount as we work on providing guidance professionally plus around the clock emotional support when you need it most.

Illinois has its statute of limitations that states wrongful death claims must typically be filed within one or two years after the person’s death but some exceptions may apply. Time is therefore of essence in these matters and it is crucial to contact a skilled attorney immediately following such events to help promptly initiate the proceedings while evidence and memories are still fresh.

At Carlson Bier, we strive to give our clients the best service within this timeframe ensuring no unnecessary delays could compromise their rightful claim. Our distinguished team possesses a deep understanding of wrongful death cases honing a record of numerous successful resolutions leaving an impressive track record that speaks for itself.

By choosing Carlson Bier, you choose absolute commitment to your cause; an unwavering pursuit of justice made possible through meticulous planning, comprehensive strategies and relentless execution. We commit ourselves fully to every client standing firmly by their side until all avenues are exhausted as we seek fair compensation for their immense loss.

To find out more about how our firm can support you during this hard time, click on the button below and see how much your case could potentially be worth. Remember, justice delayed equals justice denied – reach out today for solid legal consultation from Carlson Bier; driving strength into your claim against adversity.

Testimonials from Clients

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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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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 Elwood

Areas of Practice in Elwood

Cycling Incidents

Dedicated to legal assistance for victims injured in bicycle accidents due to negligent parties' lack of care or unsafe conditions.

Thermal Burns

Providing expert legal support for sufferers of severe burn injuries caused by events or carelessness.

Clinical Misconduct

Ensuring expert legal representation for clients affected by clinical malpractice, including negligent care.

Commodities Liability

Handling cases involving faulty products, supplying skilled legal assistance to consumers affected by harmful products.

Aged Mistreatment

Supporting the rights of aged individuals who have been subjected to misconduct in elderly care environments, ensuring protection.

Stumble & Tumble Incidents

Expert in tackling slip and fall accident cases, providing legal advice to persons seeking justice for their damages.

Birth Wounds

Supplying legal assistance for loved ones affected by medical negligence resulting in neonatal injuries.

Car Collisions

Mishaps: Devoted to aiding victims of car accidents secure equitable settlement for hurts and losses.

Motorcycle Collisions

Focused on providing representation for bikers involved in two-wheeler accidents, ensuring adequate recompense for damages.

18-Wheeler Collision

Extending expert legal services for individuals involved in trucking accidents, focusing on securing fair recovery for damages.

Building Incidents

Dedicated to supporting workmen or bystanders injured in construction site accidents due to oversights or recklessness.

Cerebral Impairments

Expert in delivering dedicated legal representation for individuals suffering from neurological injuries due to misconduct.

Dog Attack Harms

Adept at dealing with cases for clients who have suffered wounds from dog attacks or animal assaults.

Foot-traveler Mishaps

Specializing in legal services for foot-travelers involved in accidents, providing professional services for recovering restitution.

Unfair Fatality

Working for grieving parties affected by a wrongful death, providing understanding and expert legal support to ensure compensation.

Neural Damage

Expert in representing patients with backbone trauma, offering dedicated legal services to secure justice.

Contact Us Today if you need a Person Injury Lawyer