Wrongful Death vs. Survival Action in Illinois: What Is the Difference?
The main difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action in Illinois is whose losses the claim addresses. A wrongful death action seeks compensation for the surviving spouse and eligible next of kin because of the death. A survival action preserves certain claims the deceased person had while alive, with recovery generally belonging […]
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Illinois?
In Illinois, a wrongful death lawsuit is brought by the deceased person’s personal representative for the benefit of the surviving spouse and eligible next of kin. A spouse, child, or parent does not file a separate lawsuit simply because of that family relationship, but may be able to serve as the court-authorized representative. If no […]
Grandfather Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against 13-Year-Old Grandson
How did a Chicago area man react when he lost his wife in a tragic auto accident? He sued his 13-year-old grandson for the wrongful death of his wife (who was also the boy’s grandmother). Yes, you read that right – the man sued his own grandson. What Happened? What led to this lawsuit? Earlier […]
Illinois state trooper’s widow settles wrongful death case
Those in law enforcement often put their lives in jeopardy. Personal injury is a risk every day; it is the nature of the job. For one Illinois state trooper, a stop on the side of Interstate 294 proved deadly. In March 2013, the trooper was parked on the shoulder of the interstate when a semi-truck […]
Wrongful death suits have cost Veteran’s Administration millions
When our nation’s veterans seek medical and mental health care from a Veteran’s Administration hospital, most do not expect to suffer from significant problems as a result of that care. However, in Marion, Illinois, the VA hospital has paid out $7.7 million in 25 wrongful death lawsuits. That is the most for any one VA […]
Illinois wife files lawsuit over husband’s wrongful death by swan
An Illinois woman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit after losing her husband in a bizarre animal attack. Her husband was brutally attacked by a swan while on a kayak in a pond at a Des Plaines condo complex. The man, who died in April 2012, was responsible for taking care of the pair of […]
Rat-bite fever leads to boy’s death, Petco sued by family
It is understandable if you were to think that a disease called “rat-bite fever” was too on-the-nose and blunt to be a real medical condition. However, it most certainly is a real condition, and a fatal one if untreated. Rat-bite fever doesn’t even require that a person be bit by an infected rat. A scratch […]