For many people, the worst thing they can imagine is the death of a loved one. Even if a person dies of natural causes at the end of a long life, family members may struggle with grief and sorrow as they deal with this loss. However, an untimely death can be much worse, and in addition to dealing with the emotional fallout, family members may also experience significant financial difficulties. In cases where a person was killed because of someone else’s actions, their loved ones may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit, and they will need to understand the types of compensation that they may be able to receive.
Damages Available in Wrongful Death Claims
Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, a person’s spouse and next of kin (which may include their children or other dependents who relied on the person for financial support) may pursue compensation from the person or party who was responsible for their loved one’s death. A wrongful death lawsuit may seek multiple types of damages, including:
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Lost income and benefits - If the deceased person was one of the primary income earners for a family, the loss of this income may cause significant difficulties for their spouse and children. The survivors may seek compensation for the income that the person would have been expected to earn throughout their natural lifetime, as well as any related benefits, such as health insurance or retirement savings.
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