Wrongful Death Attorney in Skokie

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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

Experiencing the loss of a loved one due to another’s negligence is an unimaginable ordeal. Carlson Bier, as eminent wrongful death attorneys, can shoulder your legal burdens during such trying times. Serving Skokie with dedication and expertise in handling wrongful death claims, they ensure that those left behind receive justice. They strive to redeem maximum compensation for each client by meticulously investigating every detail surrounding the case and tenaciously battling against insurance companies or at-fault parties if necessary. Their well-articulated representation emphasizes holding responsible individuals accountable – thereby providing closure while safeguarding societal safety standards. While no degree of monetary award replaces a human life lost tragically; achieving financial settlement mitigates economic hardships accompanying grief-stricken periods subsequently enabling familial healing processes to commence on firmer grounds financially speakingThrough years of practice within this harsh realm detailing personal injuries precipitating untimely casualties- Carlson & Bier have honed their skills exponentially translating into robust defense strategies assuring optimal outcomes favoring our clients’ interests ensuring justice’s administration flows unabatedly even amidst despair echoing profound losses.

About Carlson Bier

Wrongful Death Lawyers in Skokie Illinois

Carlson Bier, a widely respected personal injury attorney group based in Illinois, stands as a beacon of support when accidents result in the ultimate tragedy. We appreciate that this is an emotionally challenging time, thus we aim to deliver legal assistance with genuine compassion and sensitivity. Our forte spans across wrongful death claims where losses are not only understandably deep-seated but also legally complex.

What does “wrongful death” imply? Wrongful death denotes fatalities caused by the negligent or deliberate acts of another person or entity. Differing from murder charges which deal with criminal aspects, wrongful death focuses on addressing civil liability. Essentially it provides recourse for surviving dependents to pursue financial compensation from those responsible.

Eligibility for filing wrongful death claims varies and may include immediate family members, life partners or dependents and even distant relatives in some cases. A key requirement is demonstrating a direct financial impact resulting from your loved one’s passing.

The compensable damages can be extensive, ranging from traditional elements such as medical expenses incurred prior to demise and funeral costs; lost income including potential earnings; value of services provided by the deceased if still alive today; emotional trauma experienced by survivors – both their pain and suffering due to grief plus loss of companionship or ‘society.’

• Medical Costs: Any treatment received before losing their life counts towards these costs.

• Funeral Expenses: All associated costs can be fully compensated.

• Loss of Earnings: Past earnings lost due to early passing, along with expected future income.

• Emotional Distress: Includes mental anxiety following a loved one’s death.

• Loss of Society/Companionship: Emotional suffering specifically focused on losing someone who provided love, care, advice etc., worthwhile remembering each situation differs often requiring customized handling accordingly.

Though nothing can appropriately make up for your devastating loss, unemotionally it’s about safeguarding your individual rights plus financial health during such tough times. Remember desired compensation isn’t simply about grief-related suffering or lost income, but assuring futures against undue hardship when trying to cope with daily living in absence of emotional support and contributions your loved one previously provided.

Do note that Illinois imposes strict rules regarding timelines for filing wrongful death claims. Generally, it’s within two years from the date of passing, making it imperative to consult an experienced attorney without delay upon suspecting wrongful death circumstances.

We at Carlson Bier understand the delicate balance between processing intense grief and ensuring legal rights don’t go astray. Our sensitive yet assertive approach ensures every case gets due attention offering a clear navigational path through legal complexities surrounding these emotionally charged matters.

Furthermore, seeking our expert legal aid doesn’t add to your financial burden since we operate on a contingency fee basis – meaning unless you win compensation, you owe us nothing. No upfront costs; no hidden fees – guaranteeing peace of mind while undergoing such traumatic experiences.

Relying on our decades-long practice dealing exclusively with personal injury cases and having recovered millions in compensation for past clients, trust us to be stalwart allies during your toughest times – championing fairness right till the end by obtaining just restitution according life-altering losses suffered.

Suffering from a wrongful death tragedy is indeed heart-wrenching. Still, ensuring fair reparation might bring some closure as survivors adjust towards life without their beloved family member. Are you in the midst of such situation? Could use empathetic but robust legal assistance navigating this tricky territory?

If so, get ready to take action now! Harness courage taking that initial step – click on the button below for a free assessment helping understand what your case could potentially be worth – empowering informed decisions moving forward understandingably with sadness but hopefully better prepared facing future uncertainties.

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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 Skokie

Areas of Practice in Skokie

Pedal Cycle Incidents

Expert in legal advocacy for victims injured in bicycle accidents due to negligent parties' recklessness or risky conditions.

Scald Traumas

Giving skilled legal advice for patients of major burn injuries caused by accidents or carelessness.

Physician Carelessness

Extending specialist legal services for individuals affected by clinical malpractice, including medication mistakes.

Goods Accountability

Managing cases involving faulty products, supplying professional legal assistance to victims affected by product malfunctions.

Aged Abuse

Defending the rights of aged individuals who have been subjected to neglect in nursing homes environments, ensuring justice.

Fall and Tumble Injuries

Adept in handling trip accident cases, providing legal representation to individuals seeking compensation for their harm.

Newborn Harms

Supplying legal help for relatives affected by medical carelessness resulting in childbirth injuries.

Vehicle Accidents

Mishaps: Concentrated on supporting clients of car accidents secure reasonable remuneration for injuries and impairment.

Scooter Accidents

Focused on providing legal services for victims involved in scooter accidents, ensuring justice for harm.

18-Wheeler Crash

Extending adept legal assistance for drivers involved in big rig accidents, focusing on securing adequate compensation for damages.

Construction Collisions

Focused on supporting workmen or bystanders injured in construction site accidents due to negligence or irresponsibility.

Brain Damages

Expert in providing expert legal support for individuals suffering from neurological injuries due to negligence.

Canine Attack Damages

Proficient in managing cases for victims who have suffered wounds from dog attacks or beast attacks.

Cross-walker Incidents

Focused on legal assistance for pedestrians involved in accidents, providing effective representation for recovering compensation.

Wrongful Death

Striving for grieving parties affected by a wrongful death, delivering understanding and experienced legal support to ensure redress.

Spine Impairment

Dedicated to assisting patients with spinal cord injuries, offering professional legal support to secure compensation.

Contact Us Today if you need a Person Injury Lawyer