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Wrongful Death Attorney in Georgetown

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About Carlson Bier Associates

When dealing with a wrongful death claim, you necessitate an ally that understands the sensitivity and legal intricacies of such cases. In Georgetown, Carlson Bier is distinguished for its devotion to clients navigating this painful process. With years of practice in personal injury law under our belt and specialization in wrongful-death claims we stand unsuprassed in dedication and insightfulness. We unearth all contributory elements causing your loved one’s untimely demise, conducting exhaustive investigations to build an unassailable case on your behalf; fighting relentlessly for justice regardless how formidable the opposition may be.

The team at Carlson Bier remains consistently alert regarding Illinois’ latest tort laws ensuring rightful compensation on each case pursued. Our commitment is absolute – whether retaining expert witnesses or undertaking laborious negotiations with insurers – equating fewer worries for you during this difficult period.

Choose Carlson Bier as your partner through this daunting journey as no other law firm can offer such meticulously tailored services with extraordinary compassion..

About Carlson Bier

Wrongful Death Lawyers in Georgetown Illinois

At Carlson Bier, an Illinois based law firm specializing in personal injury, we understand the profound sadness that comes with losing a loved one. Our empathetic approach and relentless dedication enable us to fight for justice on behalf of families battling with wrongful death cases. Losing someone you love because of negligence or wrongful action can feel overpowering; however, our team provides compassionate representation while helping you navigate through this delicate situation.

Wrongful death pertains to situations where an individual loses their life due to the incompetence or misconduct by another party. These fatalities often arise from various scenarios such as motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, medical malpractice, and even defective products. When a loved one’s demise is prompted by preventable actions or neglect, it then constitutes a wrongful death claim.

• Negligence: The defendant acted negligently which led directly to the loss of life.

• Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to uphold their duty – a legal obligation towards safety – causing fatal harm.

• Causation: Direct link established between breach of duty and the resultant fatality.

• Damages: Economic and non-economic losses incurred as aftermaths like funeral expenses and emotional anguish.

In Illinois, specific limitations apply concerning who can lodge these claims. Primarily it comprises immediate family members (spouses and children), equally parents might be allowed should dependents be minors. An experienced lawyer will accurately guide you about when, how, and who may file for wrongful death claims under state laws.

Victims’ families are entitled to various forms of compensation owing largely to tangible financial losses including lost wages if deceased was an income contributor along with medical expenses attributable priorly or accident-related cost specifically funerals. Furthermore acknowledging pain endured mentally/emotionally aids in obtaining additional recompense e.g., loss companionship/support previously ensured by deceased allowing this hence being extenuated partially at least.

Illinois statute imposes two-year restriction termed ‘Statute of Limitations’ from the time of death for filing wrongful death suits. Missing out on this timeline could result in losing your right to claim, thus it is necessary that you act swiftly. Our team at Carlson Bier knows how vital timing is in these cases and will work vigorously to safeguard your interests.

Always remember, each case varies significantly depending upon the circumstances surrounding it. Hence, it becomes imperative to seek legal advice early enough so as not to inadvertently waive essential rights or overlook crucial deadlines.

At Carlson Bier, our record speaks volumes about our commitment and perseverance towards obtaining justice for families impacted by wrongful deaths. Through extensive negotiation or if need be, hard-fought courtroom battles; we stand firm advocating for rightful compensations. We encourage you to browse through testimonials from individuals who have turned their lives around with our help following unfavorable happenstances.

We firmly believe that sound education on this matter empowers individuals while navigating complex legal terrains such as these. Our team constantly updates content ensuring up-to-date information is accessible readily providing integral insights regarding personal injury laws specific to Illinois, helping you make informed decisions.

In conclusion, although no amount can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one caused by someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing – knowing your rights and taking action against those responsible offers some solace allowing closure eventually within bereaved parties.

Establishing liability in wrongful death cases isn’t always straightforward – often necessitating thorough investigations paired with compelling arguments ideally curated by proficient lawyers like ours here at Carlson Bier- a trusted name specializing in personal injury law based in Illinois.

To learn more about how we can support you during this challenging time or even better find out what potential compensation might await: click on the button below. There’s absolutely no obligation! Bear witness firsthand to why countless families across Illinois have reposed faith within us following tragedy-through sincerely empathetic yet steadfastly relentless representation fighting zealously until justice prevails.

Your journey towards justice begins here. Click below and find out how much your case is worth.

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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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 Georgetown

Areas of Practice in Georgetown

Two-Wheeler Accidents

Expert in legal services for persons injured in bicycle accidents due to others's indifference or unsafe conditions.

Burn Injuries

Giving adept legal advice for sufferers of intense burn injuries caused by occurrences or indifference.

Clinical Malpractice

Providing expert legal representation for victims affected by clinical malpractice, including misdiagnosis.

Commodities Liability

Addressing cases involving faulty products, providing specialist legal support to clients affected by product malfunctions.

Nursing Home Mistreatment

Advocating for the rights of the elderly who have been subjected to abuse in aged care environments, ensuring restitution.

Trip and Stumble Incidents

Professional in addressing tumble accident cases, providing legal assistance to sufferers seeking redress for their injuries.

Newborn Harms

Delivering legal guidance for relatives affected by medical carelessness resulting in childbirth injuries.

Auto Accidents

Collisions: Concentrated on assisting sufferers of car accidents secure fair payout for harms and damages.

Two-Wheeler Collisions

Specializing in providing legal assistance for victims involved in scooter accidents, ensuring fair compensation for damages.

Trucking Incident

Delivering specialist legal representation for victims involved in big rig accidents, focusing on securing rightful compensation for damages.

Building Site Incidents

Committed to advocating for workmen or bystanders injured in construction site accidents due to oversights or negligence.

Neurological Harms

Expert in ensuring compassionate legal assistance for patients suffering from cerebral injuries due to accidents.

Dog Bite Harms

Adept at tackling cases for people who have suffered harms from dog bites or beast attacks.

Pedestrian Incidents

Dedicated to legal representation for joggers involved in accidents, providing effective representation for recovering damages.

Undeserved Death

Standing up for families affected by a wrongful death, providing understanding and expert legal services to ensure redress.

Backbone Trauma

Focused on defending individuals with vertebral damage, offering expert legal support to secure settlement.

Contact Us Today if you need a Person Injury Lawyer