Wrongful Death Attorney in Gary

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About Carlson Bier Associates

When tragedy strikes and a loved one’s life is abruptly ended by the negligence of another, securing justice for the untimely loss becomes crucial. Carlson Bier is your premier Wrongful Death attorney group in this difficult time. Our law firm boasts an immense experience and steadfast commitment to excellence that distinctly positions us as champions for seeking compensation on your behalf. Decades spent standing up to powerful organizations and winning significant settlements have established our reputation as formidable adversary that will work tirelessly to prove fault and establish liabilities in Wrongful Death cases.

The cornerstone of our practice at Carlson Bier lies in fostering personal relationships with each client, understanding their unique circumstances, respecting their grieving process while providing compassionate legal representation. We explore all avenues of investigation, leverage expert witnesses when necessary, compile comprehensive evidences making every effort towards consolidating a concrete case aimed at achieving maximum compensation for you.

Residents within Gary understand why considering Carlson Bier equates to engaging best-in-class Wrongful Death attorneys unrivaled dedication matched with proven track records birth results; ensuring accountability meted out duly where it belongs thus achieving closure which initiates healing from such unfortunate incidences.

About Carlson Bier

Wrongful Death Lawyers in Gary Illinois

At Carlson Bier, you are not just another client; instead, you become part of an extensive family that stops at nothing to secure justice and optimal compensation for your loss. Based in Illinois, we assure a comprehensive understanding of the local law environment and fervently apply our knowledge to get you through your devastating time.

A key focus area is Wrongful Death cases—a term that possibly seems overwhelming if you’ve tragically lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Let’s make this clearer: Wrongful death claims arise when an individual dies because of the unlawful or negligent act committed by another person or entity. In other words, it implies civil action where damages are sought against a party responsible for causing death.

There are several circumstances under which wrongful death can occur:

• Medical malpractice resulting in fatal complications

• Motor vehicle accidents caused by reckless or intoxicated driving

• Workplace accidents due to inadequate safety precautions

• Product liability leading to lethal harm

At Carlson Bier, we encompass all these situations along with numerous others into our practice—and dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly towards getting justice served for your loss.

Victims’ families and beneficiaries may be eligible for various forms of financial compensation rooted deeply within the law ethics of Illinois. These typically include:

• Funeral costs

• Medical expenses related to the deceased’s final illness or injury

• Lost wages from the time of injury till expected retirement

• Mental anguish endured by surviving members

Such recompense intends on relieving some burden off grieving families while they navigate through their grief.

It’s essential to remember—strict deadlines exist for filing wrongful death lawsuits in Illinois known as ‘statutes of limitations.’ Generally speaking, such claims must be filed within two years from the date of the deceased’s passing. However, exceptions may exist depending on specific case details—which is why seeking timely legal counsel becomes indispensable.

Wrongful Death cases involve intricate legal theories like negligence, breach of duty, causation, and damages. The claims process can become overwhelming due to its complexity—especially when you’re dealing with significant emotional turbulence. Hence engaging a legal ally like Carlson Bier is crucial—an ally that not only comprehends these complexities but also prioritizes your wellbeing during such trials.

Constructing a strong case demands meticulous research, the gathering and analyzing of evidence, tracking down witnesses—and most importantly—the ability to negotiate effectively for rightful compensation or assertively take matters to court if need be. That’s precisely what we deliver at Carlson Bier—with our keen attention to detail, unparalleled negotiative skills along with a vast pool of resources—we leave no stone unturned in seeking justice for your loss.

However, merely reading about Wrongful death lawsuits isn’t enough—you require an empathetic yet firm advocate by your side who helps navigate this challenging phase with compassion and resolve.

Let us help you turn this legal battleground into an avenue for hope—that assures you a fighting chance against the parties responsible for your loved one’s untimely demise –while ensuring their life wasn’t lost in vain.

The value of your case depends on multiple factors—major among them being the facts surrounding the tragic event itself. So why wait? Click on the button below to find out how much your case could potentially be worth—with absolutely no obligation attached! Remember—you lose nothing exploring these options—but potentially stand to gain closure and financial reprieve from measurable damages arising from such losses.

At Carlson Bier—we sincerely believe: Your pain deserves acknowledgement; Your loss deserves justice!

Testimonials from Clients

Your Success Is Our Success

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 Gary

Areas of Practice in Gary

Two-Wheeler Collisions

Proficient in legal services for individuals injured in bicycle accidents due to other parties' recklessness or hazardous conditions.

Scald Damages

Extending expert legal services for patients of serious burn injuries caused by events or recklessness.

Clinical Incompetence

Delivering expert legal services for persons affected by medical malpractice, including negligent care.

Merchandise Obligation

Handling cases involving unsafe products, delivering skilled legal assistance to consumers affected by product malfunctions.

Aged Abuse

Advocating for the rights of aged individuals who have been subjected to neglect in care facilities environments, ensuring justice.

Tumble & Tumble Mishaps

Skilled in managing stumble accident cases, providing legal support to victims seeking compensation for their harm.

Childbirth Injuries

Supplying legal help for families affected by medical incompetence resulting in neonatal injuries.

Vehicle Collisions

Mishaps: Dedicated to assisting victims of car accidents gain fair settlement for harms and impairment.

Motorcycle Accidents

Committed to providing legal assistance for bikers involved in motorcycle accidents, ensuring rightful claims for damages.

Truck Collision

Offering specialist legal representation for persons involved in trucking accidents, focusing on securing adequate recovery for injuries.

Worksite Collisions

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

Head Injuries

Expert in ensuring dedicated legal support for individuals suffering from cognitive injuries due to carelessness.

Dog Bite Damages

Skilled in tackling cases for persons who have suffered damages from K9 assaults or animal assaults.

Jogger Collisions

Focused on legal services for foot-travelers involved in accidents, providing comprehensive support for recovering restitution.

Unwarranted Passing

Working for loved ones affected by a wrongful death, delivering sensitive and skilled legal assistance to ensure restitution.

Spine Impairment

Dedicated to assisting clients with vertebral damage, offering professional legal guidance to secure recovery.

Contact Us Today if you need a Person Injury Lawyer