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Wrongful Death Attorney in Frankfort

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About Carlson Bier Associates

When confronting the aftermath of a tragic loss caused by negligence or misconduct, having a proficient and compassionate legal ally is vital. At Carlson Bier, our specialization lies in wrongful death cases, offering diligent and insightful legal expertise to bring justice for your loved ones who have wrongfully lost their lives. Carlson Bier stands as an unsurpassed choice for residents of Frankfort seeking representation in wrongful death disputes. Our team’s profound understanding of Illinois law coupled with considerable courtroom experience ensures looking after your interests vigorously while delivering the highest professional standards each step of the way. We help you navigate this challenging time by making sure that responsible parties are held accountable for their actions thus facilitating financial security for families left behind. Choosing Carlson Bier means you get unparalleled commitment, extensive knowledge pool, empathetic consultation yet assertive execution—all geared towards securing fair compensation so that financial stress doesn’t compound your grief during such trying times. Trust us at Carlson Bier—your vigilant champions in wrongful death representation.

About Carlson Bier

Wrongful Death Lawyers in Frankfort Illinois

At Carlson Bier, we specialize in representing individuals in Illinois who have experienced the gut-wrenching impact of Wrongful Death. We understand that pursuing a wrongful death claim can be an emotionally draining and complex process; our role is to shoulder that burden so you can focus on healing. If your loved one’s life was tragically cut short due to the negligence or intentional wrongdoing of another party, you could be entitled to compensation for not just medical costs and funeral expenses, but also for lost future earnings, pain and suffering, and more.

We define ‘Wrongful Death’ as a legal term referring to situations when a person dies as a result of another’s negligence or direct harmful action. An essential aspect to consider is the time limitation which varies depending on the specifics of each case. Typically, under Illinois law, wrongful death claims must be brought within two years from the date of death.

Navigating through a wrongful death lawsuit requires extensive understanding and expertise in personal injury law. Our well-versed attorneys at Carlson Bier are well-prepared to guide you through key pivotal points such as:

• The preliminary investigation: This involves compiling evidence such as police reports, eyewitness testimonies;

• Understanding damages: Not only tangible losses like hospital debts or income loss but also intangible ones are accounted here;

• Legal procedures: These include complying with court rules and deadlines crucially determining case results.

Through intricate analysis and meticulous preparation, our litigation team will build an solid case strategy taking into account everything from liability assessment and damage evaluation right up till settlement negotiations.

On occasion when negotiations fail to bring about suitable outcomes it’s necessary to take things towards trials way. With many years under their belt fighting cases both inside courtsrooms as well outside in negotiation rooms over tables –our expert trial attorneys thrive under this kind challenge because they’ve crafted skills industy needs regardin tirelessly defucing opponets positions .

Our goal here at Carlson Bier is to not just represent you, but to champion your cause. We fervently fight to ensure that justice is served and your side of the story is heard loud and clear.

The outcome? A strong chance at yielding maximum possible compensation for the pain, suffering and loss you’ve endured; ultimately providing a sense of closure and justice on behalf of your departed loved one.

Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis. If we don’t win your case, you won’t owe us anything. Therefore, getting our experienced wrongful death attorneys involved early in this process can wield significant difference as they will have ample time to comprehensively analyze all aspects meticulously ensuring nothing gets overlooked inadvertently which could sabotage winnable claims/awards right from onset itself.

We are here to stand with you during this unimaginably difficult time – lending a hand offering effective strategies easing legal burdens bridged with compassionate understanding.In our steadfast mission striving towards bringing about fair results empowering affected families regain control over disrupted lives –we ensure no stone remains unturned.

Don’t keep waiting! Right below is an opportunity laying out vast possibilities awaiting ahead – ‘Check Your Case Worth’ button beckoning your click . Rest assured being partnered alongside Carlson Bier’s accomplished team personal injury lawyers together means traversing path of rightfully demanded justice enhancing quality life which seemed bleak initially.

So go ahead take first courageous step toward resolution & recovery … Click Now!

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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 Frankfort

Areas of Practice in Frankfort

Pedal Cycle Accidents

Focused on legal support for victims injured in bicycle accidents due to others's carelessness or hazardous conditions.

Burn Damages

Supplying professional legal advice for patients of intense burn injuries caused by occurrences or misconduct.

Clinical Malpractice

Offering experienced legal assistance for victims affected by hospital malpractice, including medication mistakes.

Merchandise Accountability

Handling cases involving defective products, extending professional legal help to consumers affected by product-related injuries.

Elder Abuse

Defending the rights of seniors who have been subjected to neglect in elderly care environments, ensuring protection.

Stumble and Slip Mishaps

Expert in dealing with slip and fall accident cases, providing legal assistance to individuals seeking compensation for their injuries.

Childbirth Damages

Providing legal help for kin affected by medical negligence resulting in childbirth injuries.

Automobile Accidents

Incidents: Devoted to assisting individuals of car accidents receive equitable settlement for wounds and damages.

Scooter Crashes

Expert in providing legal support for bikers involved in two-wheeler accidents, ensuring justice for injuries.

Semi Accident

Offering specialist legal advice for drivers involved in big rig accidents, focusing on securing adequate compensation for losses.

Building Incidents

Engaged in supporting staff or bystanders injured in construction site accidents due to negligence or irresponsibility.

Brain Traumas

Specializing in providing compassionate legal support for persons suffering from cerebral injuries due to misconduct.

K9 Assault Injuries

Skilled in addressing cases for individuals who have suffered damages from dog bites or animal assaults.

Pedestrian Collisions

Specializing in legal support for joggers involved in accidents, providing professional services for recovering claims.

Unfair Passing

Fighting for loved ones affected by a wrongful death, delivering sensitive and expert legal services to ensure restitution.

Spinal Cord Injury

Specializing in representing individuals with backbone trauma, offering dedicated legal assistance to secure redress.

Contact Us Today if you need a Person Injury Lawyer