Skip to Main Content

Why File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?


There are few things in life that are as difficult and painful as losing someone you love. When the death was caused by the negligent act of another person or entity, though, it is even harder for family members and loved ones to move forward. Family members can often file a wrongful death lawsuit to claim compensation for the losses they suffered as a result of the death. However, there are many reasons family members do not want to do this.

In many instances, family members simply want to try to move on with their lives. They do not want to be embroiled in a lawsuit for the coming months. They also know that no amount of financial compensation can bring their loved one back. While this is true, the damages awarded in these lawsuits can help relieve the financial burden the loss has imposed on your family. It is important to work with our Chicago wrongful death lawyer who can handle the legal details while you and your family try to navigate this difficult time.

Seek Justice

One of the most important reasons to file a wrongful death lawsuit is to pursue justice and to hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions. Criminal charges are not always involved in wrongful death lawsuits and this can make it feel as though justice has not been served even though someone’s life has been cut short. Sometimes, a civil lawsuit is the only way families can obtain the justice they seek.

There are certain elements family members must prove in wrongful death lawsuits. Proving these elements is not always easy, but it does give loved ones the opportunity to present evidence establishing the liable party’s negligence, and show that the death of their loved one could have been prevented. For many families, this can provide a sense of closure.

Obtain Financial Compensation

Again, no amount of money can bring your loved one back to you. However, your family may suffer many financial damages due to the loss and you do deserve compensation for these. The damages available in wrongful death lawsuits are as follows:

  • Lost income: If family members were dependent on the income of the deceased and that income is no longer available due to the death, these damages can be included in a lawsuit.
  • Funeral and burial expenses: Funeral and burial expenses are a significant burden on family members when a loved one passes away. You can recover these costs through a wrongful death lawsuit.
  • Loss of inheritance: If the death of a family member has deprived loved ones of an inheritance they expected to receive, they can pursue damages for the loss.
  • Loss of benefits: With the loss of a loved one, family members may also lose pension benefits, health insurance, and other benefits related to the deceased’s employment. These benefits can also be recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit.
  • Mental anguish: The grief caused by a loved one’s death is profound and lasting. Non-economic damages are meant to help family members recover this loss, even though it is intangible.
  • Loss of consortium: Damages for loss of consortium are awarded to a surviving spouse for the loss of the intimate relationship with the deceased.
  • Loss of parental guidance: Surviving children can include the loss of parental guidance, love, and emotional support after their parent has suffered a wrongful death.

It is not always easy to determine and accurately value the full damages you may be entitled to in a wrongful death claim. Our experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyers have a proven track record of helping families obtain the full and fair compensation that is rightfully theirs.

Prevent Future Harm

Another important motivating factor to file a wrongful death lawsuit is to try and prevent any future harm. When individuals and other entities are held accountable for their negligent or careless behavior, it sends them the message that their irresponsible actions will not go unanswered. Not only will a wrongful death lawsuit deter negligent parties from acting in the same way again, but it can also lead to systematic changes that make things safer for everyone. These can include better product designs, stricter safety protocols, or improved regulatory oversight.

For example, someone may suffer a wrongful death after being involved in a truck accident. Through a wrongful death lawsuit, the trucking company may improve its safety practice to prevent future crashes. While the trucking company may do this only to shield themselves from future lawsuits, it will also result in safer roads for everyone. These are very good reasons for surviving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Obtain Closure

For family members, the psychological and emotional toll of losing someone they love and care deeply about is overwhelming. They typically feel many emotions including anger, frustration, deep sadness, anxiety, and more as they move through their grief. All of these feelings are exacerbated when the death was entirely preventable. It is not always easy for loved ones to know how to deal with these emotions and many even wonder if they will ever feel normal again. Filing a wrongful death lawsuit gives family members an opportunity to take legal action and obtain answers about what their loved one suffered.

During the process of filing a lawsuit, families can hear witness testimony, present evidence, and confront the liable party. While none of this can undo the harm caused, it can provide a sense of validation and closure for family members trying to move on. There is a lot of peace that comes with knowing the responsible party has been held accountable for their actions.

Our Wrongful Death Lawyer in Chicago Can Help Your Family


At Kennedy Watkins, LLC, our Chicago wrongful death lawyer knows how difficult it is for families after losing a loved one. It is why we will handle all of the legal details of your claim and answer all of your questions so your family can obtain peace of mind and closure, while also receiving compensation for the financial burden the death has imposed. Call us today at (312) 448-8181 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to get the legal help you need.

Attorney Watkins
Attorney Watkins Attorney Kennedy

GET IN TOUCH

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Attorney Kennedy