608-237-7035 / 815-243-9686


Accidents that take the lives of loved ones are sadly, all too common in our country. These losses are devastating to families and friends on several levels. Not only does an unexpected loss take a toll emotionally, but it can also affect the quality of loved one’s lives, as well as their financial stability.

If you have lost a loved one in Illinois or Wisconsin from an accident caused by a negligent party, you can pursue compensation on behalf of the deceased. A wrongful death suit is a way for a victim’s family to obtain compensation for all the negative impacts that they have to endure as a result of their loss. Lost wages from the deceased victim’s salary, medical expenses, loss of companionship, emotional trauma, and more can be included in a wrongful death suit. To learn how to put an effective suit together, speaking with an Illinois and Wisconsin wrongful death attorney is helpful.

When Can You Bring About A Wrongful Death Claim?

Unexpected deaths are a grievous blow for families that the deceased has left behind. These tragedies happen every day across our country. In some situations, wrongful death can qualify for a wrongful death claim, but in others, it does not. The Illinois Wrongful Death Act explains that when a person loses their life from an accident at the hands of a negligent party, they also lose their ability to pursue damages from that accident. As a result, a personal representative of the deceased can pursue compensation. A personal representative can be anyone the deceased has identified, or if no one is identified surviving spouses and next of kin are eligible.

Situations where a wrongful death claims can come about include:

  • Deadly car accidents caused by intoxicated or drowsy drivers
  • An unsafe work environment causes the death of an employee
  • Medical negligence, medical malpractice, a medical error that results in the death of a patient
  • Distracted driver kills a pedestrian
  • Death results from the use of a defective and dangerous product that was on the market from a negligent manufacturing company

This is not an exhaustive list of the examples, but it names the most common reasons why wrongful death claims are pursued. If you are unsure if the details relating to the loss of your loved one qualifies for a wrongful death claim, speaking with an experienced Janesville wrongful death attorney will provide clarity to your situation.

What Damages Are Included In Compensation?

A blue and orange logo is shown on the side of a black background.Wrongful death claims can offer financial compensation for the loss in a variety of ways.

  • Final expenses, funeral, burial expenses
  • Medical treatment to the deceased before they died
  • Lost wages from the loss of the deceased income
  • Loss of consortium
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of companionship, affection, or love, physical relationship

Finding A Wrongful Death Attorney In Wisconsin Or Illinois That You Can Trust

The Alexander J. Smith Law Offices, will examine your case and discuss the options you have to pursue compensation when you have lost a loved one in an accident caused by a negligent party.

The Rockford wrongful death lawyers at the Alexander J. Smith Law Offices will fight aggressively on your behalf so you see your full legal justice after a tragedy. Call us today to set up a free consultation at (608) 237-7035 for residents of Wisconsin or (815) 2439686 for residents of Illinois.